Football West Launches Second Year of Pivotal Mental Health Initiative

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Football West Launch Mental Health Initiative
Image Credit: Football West

Football West and health promotion partner Healthway have officially confirmed registrations are open for the 2025 “Kick off the Conversation” program.

This will be the second year of their groundbreaking mental health initiative for the Western Australian football community.

Following the remarkable success of last year’s campaign, which saw participation from more than 60 clubs across Western Australia, the program aims to expand its reach and deepen its impact on mental wellbeing within grassroots football.

The comprehensive initiative equips clubs with essential resources to address mental health challenges within sporting environments.

Participating organisations will develop capabilities to foster supportive club cultures, respond effectively to mental health concerns, implement tailored wellbeing policies, and appoint dedicated wellbeing officers.

To mark the launch of the 2025 program, Football West has collaborated with mental health organisation HelpingMinds to deliver two awareness sessions.

An in-person workshop will be held at the Sam Kerr Football Centre in Queens Park on May 28, followed by an online webinar on June 4.

Both sessions will cover mental health fundamentals, support strategies, and wellbeing enhancement techniques.

The popular Think Mental Health Round will return in July, with further details to be announced in coming weeks.

This year’s program will emphasise capacity building at club level, with particular focus on upskilling key personnel responsible for promoting wellbeing.

Clubs that completed the program in 2024 will be offered advanced training opportunities, including Mental Health First Aid certification for nominated wellbeing officers or club representatives.

Football clubs interested in participating are encouraged to visit the Kick off the Conversation webpage to register and access available resources.

Registration provides immediate access to educational materials designed to establish or enhance club wellbeing frameworks.

Mental Health has become present in the sporting world, especially in football.

The importance of Mental health for all participants is key to a healthy sport, community and everyone’s overall living.

It’s important that football institutions make sure that they offer quality mental health services and options for the community and tackle mental health head on.

This is a strong positive step by Football Western Australia and one that hopefully delivers positive outcomes.

To register your club, visit the Kick off the Conversation webpage for resources to build the mental health of your club.

To register for the Mental Health Awareness sessions presented by HelpingMinds click here.

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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.

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.

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