Football Australia release updated Member Protection Framework

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Football is Australia’s number one club-based participation sport with over 1.8 million participants playing the world game across the country.

What intrinsically drives football in Australia is the love of the game and the multitude of connections that are forged in our communities and clubs through the sport.

In addition to being the biggest participation sport in Australia, football is also the most diverse with participants born in over 180 different countries.

Football Australia (FA) strives to protect all participants and football members from harm in an effort to ensure that everyone is given the chance to partake in football in a positive and safe environment. Whether it be a club volunteer, referee, coach or player, the safety and welfare of those involved is paramount so that participants can focus on enjoying the game we all love.

The FA recently delivered a newly updated Member Protection Framework (MBF), which is a suite of policies and resources that support the FA’s commitment to eliminating discrimination, harassment, child abuse and other forms of inappropriate behaviour from football.

The new MBF provides greater clarity and has addressed some of the inconsistencies in the previous Member Protection Policy document, particularly in relation to procedures for breaches of the policy.

The MPF covers:

  • Safeguarding
  • Bullying and Harassment
  • Anti-Discrimination
  • XI Standards of Respect
  • Complaints Procedure

A comprehensive standalone Safeguarding Policy, which forms part of the MBF, has been developed in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations as endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments.

The updated Complaints Procedure will ensure better clarity in regards to how a complaint may be dealt with under the MBF, whilst clarifying that Football Entities have the power to take disciplinary action under separate regulations, such as the National Code of Conduct and Ethics.

The MBF will be a constantly expanding source of information in order to best support football administrators and participants alike in helping to address member protection matters in our sport. The MBF is supported by a confidential online reporting tool for member protection matters arising at a national level to be reported to Football Australia.

With this renewed MBF, Football Australia have adhered to their responsibility in providing a positive, safe and welcoming environment for each other in our game.

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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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