Football Queensland celebrates National Volunteer Week

Football Queensland (FQ) recognises the hundreds and thousands of dedicated individuals during the 2025 National Volunteer Week. Those who contribute their time, energy and passion to keep the game thriving in communities across the state are being celebrated.

From coaching duties and canteen shifts to late nights balancing club finances, volunteers are the lifeblood of football in Queensland. While their efforts often go unnoticed, their impact is felt at every training session, match day, and milestone moment.

Club Treasurer at Jimboomba United, Caitlin Dahl, being recently named Queensland’s 2025 Female Football Week Volunteer of the Year, has tirelessly orchestrated behind-the-scenes work at the club to help create a stronger, more sustainable environment for players, families, and fellow volunteers.

“Football has been a big part of my family’s life – my children have played for years, along with my husband and extended family. Seeing the fun and sense of community they experienced, along with meeting our amazing committee motivated me to step up and help out,” she said via press release. 

“What keeps me volunteering is seeing first hand the difference it makes – helping ensure the club runs smoothly so players of all ages can continue to enjoy the game is incredibly rewarding.” 

As Club Treasurer, Caitlin plays a crucial role in managing the club’s financial wellbeing—but her influence extends well beyond the books. Her dedication embodies the spirit of countless volunteers across the state who show up week in, week out to support the game they love.

“It means being part of something bigger than just the sport. Jimboomba United Football Club is more than just matches and training sessions – it’s a place where friendships form, families connect, and people support one another,” she continued to say via press release. 

Whether it’s securing grants to upgrade club facilities and keep the game affordable for local families, or helping out with everyday club operations, Caitlin Dahl is one of many volunteers who go the extra mile to make football welcoming and accessible for everyone.

“I’ve experienced that first hand, making some beautiful new friendships over the last couple of years at JUFC. Volunteering allows me to contribute to that strong sense of community, ensuring players, parents, and fellow volunteers can enjoy and benefit from a well-run club,” she extended her remarks by emphasising the value of being a volunteer. 

FQ CEO, Robert Cavallucci, has highlighted the vital role volunteers play in the game, encouraging all clubs this National Volunteer Week to take a moment to recognise and celebrate those who generously give their time and who help football thrive in communities across Queensland.

“Volunteers are the foundation of our great game. Whether they’re leading committees, managing equipment, or helping with club operations, their contribution is invaluable, and their impact to our game’s growth is long-lasting,” he said via press release. 

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to say thank you, not only to those already involved, but also to encourage more Queenslanders to step forward and give back to their local football clubs and communities.”

FQ extends its heartfelt thanks to every volunteer helping to deliver football in communities right across the state. From setting up fields and managing teams to refereeing matches and running canteens, volunteers are the backbone of football in Queensland, bringing passion, commitment, and community spirit to every level of the game.

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Victory unites with Roasting Warehouse in culture-led partnership

The Melbourne-based anf family-owned business will join the Victory family, uniting two institutions which represent the city’s culture and identity.

A partnership with local roots

As the newest partner of Melbourne Victory, Roasting Warehouse joins forces with a vital part of the city’s sporting landscape.

The club’s Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, outlined why the partnership bears so much value to both parties.

“We are excited to collaborate with Roasting Warehouse, a community-oriented destination for high-quality coffee, proud of its foundations in Melbourne,” said Carnegie via official media release.

“Football and coffee sit at the epicentre of Melbourne’s culture. The two go hand-in-hand, consistently at the centre of the conversation that stirs Melburnians, which is no different to the conversation sport and Melbourne Victory stir in the State.”

Indeed, this is a partnership which combines the identity, passions and culture of an entire city, therefore giving it the foundations required for long-term, mutual success.

Representing the best of Melbourne

Both Victory and Roasting Warehouse are hugely successful in their respective industries. They are institutions with community-oriented philosphies, who pride themselves on craft and quality.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Melbourne Victory, a club that represents the heart, passion, and ambition of Melbourne,” revealed Roasting Warehouse Head of Brand, Alexander Paraskevopoulos.

“As a Melbourne-founded, family-run business, supporting a team that means so much to the local community feels very natural for us.”

Furthermore, through their high-quality blends, Roasting Warehouse will look to prepare Victory’s players and staff for high performances on the pitch as the seasons nears completion.

But this is about far more than just fueling athletes.

This is a partnership which embodies and unites two of Melbourne’s greatest strengths and cultural markers – a connection forged from the city’s very own DNA.

 

For more information about Roasting Warehouse, click here.

Marie-Louise Eta makes history as new Union Berlin head coach

In an historic appointment, Eta will take over as head coach of Union Berlin until the end of the season.

History in the making

Previously the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history with Union Berlin, Eta will now take the reigns of the men’s first team on an interim basis.

Currently, the club sit in 11th place in the Bundesliga table, but with only two wins so far in 2026, relegation appears an all-too-real prospect, and one which the club is desperate to avoid.

“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” said Eta via official media release.

‘I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations.”

Eta will begin as Union’s new head coach with immediate effect, and will be in the dugout for the club’s matchup against Wolfsburg this weekend.

 

A step into an equal future

Eta’s appointment signals a major step towards a more level playing field in the football landscape.

Furthermore, Eta joins other coaches including Sabrinna Wittmann, Hannah Dingley and Corinne Diacre who, in recent years, have blazed a trail for female coaches to step into the men’s game.

Wittmann currently manages FC Ingolstadt in Germany’s third division, and was the first female head coach in Germany’s top three divisions.

In 2023, Dingley became caretaker manager of Forest Green Rovers, and thus the first woman to lead a men’s professional team in England.

Diacre, now head coach of France’s women’s national team, managed Ligue 2’s Clerment Foot between 2014 and 2017.

 

Final thoughts

The impact therefore, is that Eta’s appointment will show future generations of aspiring female coaches that men’s football is an equally viable and possible pathway as the women’s game.

The time is now to level the playing field.

And while it may be a short-term role, its effect on attitudes towards equality and fair opportunities in the game will hopefully resonate long after the season ends.

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