Coaches applaud new broadcast deal

Football Coaches Australia (FCA) is delighted that Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced the agreement of a revised broadcast deal with Fox Sports.

The Agreement will extend the FFA’s relationship with Fox Sports until at least July 2021.

“On behalf of our Members we congratulate James Johnston, Greg O’Rourke and Fox Sports’ senior management on agreeing to a new broadcast deal to secure the professional game over the next 12 months,” says FCA President Phil Moss.

The deal follows recent confirmation that the 2019-20 A-League season is set to restart in mid-July. This means Fox Sports will televise the remainder of the current season and the next, which is scheduled from December 2020 to July 2021.

“The coaches haven’t gone a day without working exceptionally hard during this past 3 months or so to ensure they and their players remain engaged, committed and ready to resume the 2019-20 Hyundai A-League season in the hope it would continue to be broadcast by Fox Sports,” Moss says.

“We’d also like to acknowledge the communication and collaborative manner in which FFA and the Clubs, led by James & Greg, have engaged with FCA and our coaches during this period and we look forward to a continued strengthening of our relationship moving forward.”

Fox Sports has enjoyed a strong relationship with the FFA since the A-League’s inception in 2004. But concerns around the effects of COVID-19, public gatherings and restart dates for professional sports led to the revision.

“It goes without saying that Fox Sports has been a crucial and dedicated partner over the course of the A-League and it’s exciting to see that continue as we enter a time of great challenge, but even greater opportunity, post-COVID,” Moss adds.

The fixture adjustments will mark the first time since 1989 that Australia’s top domestic division will be played into the winter months.

The FFA agreement with Fox Sports also includes rights to broadcast the W-League and certain international fixtures until July 2021. These include the Socceroos final four World Cup qualifiers in their current group and both Socceroos and Matildas friendlies.

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Isabella Mossin awarded Ninja A-League Women Referee of the Year

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Image credit: Football NSW

The youngest recipient since its inception, Mossin will officially receive the award after leading the Ninja A-League Grand Final 2026 on Saturday.

 

A rapid rise

After debuting in 2023, Mossin has quickly proved quality, composure and confidence as a referee in the Ninja A-League.

As a result of the achievement, Mossin will be the appointed referee for this weekend’s Grand Final between Melbourne City FC and Wellington Phoenix.

After beginning in the North West Sydney Football Association, Mossin then honed her craft with the Football NSW Referee Academy, a journey with foundations truly embedded in youth development and grassroots football.

Thus, Mossin is not just am individual success story, but a symbol of what institutional investment and opportunities can do for young women looking for a pathway to the game.

 

Celebrating success

The plaudits, unsurprisngly, are arriving from across Australia’s football landscape, with many emphasising the incredible standards set by Mossin since her debut just three years ago.

“This award is testament to Isabella’s hard work and dedication to refereeing, and a great reflection of the next generation of referees coming through the system in Australia,” said A-Leagues CEO, Steve Rosich.

“At just 25 years of age, she has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, strong decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure in some of the biggest matches in the competition,” highlighted Football Australia Head of Referees, Jon Moss.

“Having someone refereeing their first Ninja A-league Women’s Grand Final at the age of 25 years should inspire all girls and young women referees (and potential referees) and show them that age is not a barrier to talent being recognised within Football Australia refereeing,” said Chair of Football Australia Referee Committee, David Elleray.

Given Mossin’s reputation and experience already at the top level of women’s football in Australia, there is no doubt that she will rise to the occasion this Saturday.

Canada Soccer to begin new National Training Centre project

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Image credit: ACHPF / Shutterstock.com

Backed by the Government of Canada with an investment worth nearly AUD 10 million ($9,826,000), the project aims to establish a world-class facility for athletes, coaches and communities.

Building the sport and community

The investment comes as part of the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF), an ambitious program of the Government of Canada which will provide AUD 51 billion ($51 billion) to infrastructure projects over 10 years.

However, the Canada Soccer Training Centre is one key project which will benefit from such substantial investment. But the project isn’t just for future players – it will help boost economic activity and create a facility built for excellence and growth.

“It is about creating a world-class sport facility where athletes can train and represent Canada at their best,” explained Secretary of State (Sport), Honourable Adam van Koeverden, via press release.

“From the playground to the podium, it is projects like this that provide athletes, coaches, local families and communities with vibrant, accessible spaces to fuel participation, connection, and a growing passion for sport.”

President of Canada Soccer, Peter Auguros, further expressed his gratitude for the investment and what it could bring future generations.

“This support reflects a shared belief in the power of sport to strengthen communities and develop the next generation of Canadian talent. We are proud to partner in building infrastructure that will benefit our athletes and help shape the future of the sport in Canada.”

 

Growth gains momentum

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to kick off in a few short weeks, Canada Soccer’s plan for a National Training Centre Project is symbolic of long-term vision.

The tournament is not a final flourish, but a stepping stone to accelerated growth.

And this is not a short-term setup.

As President of Concacaf and Vice-Preisdent of FIFA, Victori Montagliani explained, this is a project designed to survive for generations.

“The development of a National Training Centre in Canada represents an important legacy project for the country and it is always a positive sign when our members invest in infrastructure across the region.”

 

Final thoughts

The project, therefore, perfectly aligns a growing buzz for football across the region with intentional investment and ambition.

And although the action must eventually stop on the pitch, Canada Soccer are ensuring that growth continues long after the tournament’s final whistle.

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