Football NSW announces 2026 First Nations Scholarships as pathway access program enters new phase

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has announced the recipients of its 2026 First Nations Scholarships, with ten emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players from metropolitan and regional NSW receiving support designed to reduce the financial and structural barriers that have historically limited First Nations participation across the football pathway.

The scholarship program, developed and assessed in collaboration with the Football NSW Indigenous Advisory Group, targets players across both elite and development environments – recognising that talent identification alone is insufficient without the resources to support progression once players are identified.

Co-Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Group Bianca Dufty said the calibre of this year’s recipients reflected the depth of First Nations football talent across the state, and the importance of structured support in converting that talent into long-term participation.

“Their dedication to football and the desire to be role models for younger Aboriginal footballers in their communities is to be celebrated,” Dufty said. “I’m confident we will see some of these talented footballers in the A-League and national teams in the future.”

 

Beyond the pitch and into the pipeline

The 2026 cohort spans both metropolitan clubs and regional associations, an intentional distribution that acknowledges the particular barriers facing First Nations players outside major population centres, where access to development programs, qualified coaching and pathway competitions is more limited and the cost of participation more prohibitive.

The next phase of the program will introduce First Nations coaching scholarships, extending the initiative’s reach beyond playing pathways and into the coaching and administration pipeline – areas where Indigenous representation remains among the lowest in the game.

The structural logic is clear. Scholarships that reduce financial barriers at the entry point of elite pathways matter most when they are part of a sustained ecosystem of support rather than isolated gestures. Football NSW’s collaboration with the Indigenous Advisory Group provides that continuity, ensuring the program is shaped by the communities it is designed to serve.

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LALIGA and EA SPORTS FC collaborate in community pitch project

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Image credit: EA SPORTS FC Electronic Arts

Part of the EA SPORTS FC FUTURES grassroots initiative, the newly refurbished pitch will provide New York kids with a safe, inclusive space to enjoy the game in their community.

 

From Europe to US

In the heart of the Bronx, New York, LALIGA and EA SPORTS FC unveiled the new space as the 10th collaboration between the two parties to bring pitches to future generations.

It marks an exciting development not just for community infrastructure, but for representing the global reach and connections made possible through football.

Furthermore, with support from local artist, BG183, The William Lloyd Garrison School, and soccer-inspired education and youth support program, South Bronx United, it stands as a symbol of local pride and grassroots commitment.

“This project in New York is especially meaningful because it brings together access to sport, long-term community impact and a strong local identity,” explained LALIGA’s Executive Director of Business, Jorge de la Vega.

“Together with EA SPORTS FC and our community partners, we want this pitch to become a place where young people can play, grow and find new opportunities.”

 

Using platforms for wider growth

This is a project which provides aspiring young footballers with the facilities they need to thrive in their personal and sporting development.

And although it carries an emphasis on local values, the global work and vision of EA SPORTS FC and LALIGA is undeniable.

The former now supports similar initiatives across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and right here in Australia. The Sam Kerr Pitch, unveiled in Sydney in 2023, provides young girls with free access to a high-quality space.

Thus, EA SPORTS FC is showing a unique combination in its community investment strategy: the global name of LALIGA, paired with collaboration from local organisations, ultimately establishing something even bigger.

“While EA SPORTS FC lives in the game, our ambition goes beyond it – working with partners like LALIGA and local communities to create spaces where football can be played and experienced physically,” outlined EA SPORTS FC Senior Director, Partnerships Marketing, James Salmon.

“Projects like this in the South Bronx show how football can bring people together and create lasting impact.”

 

Small space, big impact

Although this may be one small pitch in the Bronx, its signficance resonates with grassroots communities across the world who know its true value.

Hopefully, EA SPORTS FC will continue to show their commitment to next generations for many years to come.

Football Pro Directory Launches as Australia’s New Digital Hub for the Football Industry

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Image Credit: One-Nil Media

As Australian football continues to expand across grassroots, NPL and professional levels, a new platform is aiming to connect the entire ecosystem in one central place.

Football Pro Directory has officially launched as a dedicated online hub designed to bring together clubs, governing bodies, suppliers, service providers and industry professionals from across the Australian football landscape.

Part of the One-Nil Media family, the platform has been built to simplify how football organisations discover trusted partners, access resources and grow meaningful industry connections.

At a time when clubs are navigating increasing operational demands both on and off the pitch, Football Pro Directory provides a streamlined destination for organisations seeking support across areas such as coaching, technology, media, sponsorship, infrastructure, equipment, medical services and fan engagement.

The platform also offers businesses and organisations the opportunity to elevate their visibility within the football industry through premium listings, tailored campaigns and feature-driven storytelling designed to connect directly with decision-makers across the game.

From grassroots clubs searching for operational support to professional organisations looking for specialist services, Football Pro Directory has been positioned as a practical tool built specifically for the realities of modern football administration.

Backed by Soccerscene’s established football media network, the directory combines industry exposure with educational resources and business opportunities, helping organisations strengthen their presence within Australia’s rapidly evolving football ecosystem.

The platform features categories spanning football clubs, professional services, football technology, media and marketing, photography, medical providers and equipment suppliers, alongside resources focused on grants, facilities, coaching, sponsorship and industry innovation.

As football increasingly embraces digital transformation and interconnected industry networks, Football Pro Directory arrives as a platform designed to make collaboration, visibility and growth more accessible across every level of the game.

To explore the platform or list your organisation, visit Football Pro Directory.

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