New Football West charity headed by former Perth Glory owner

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Nick Tana

Football West has announced the launch of its new charity, the Football Futures Foundation.

Arriving during a game-changing period for football in Western Australia, the charity will support, mentor and invest in people from diverse and priority backgrounds through football. These people include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and those disadvantaged through economic, cultural, social, health or educational factors.

Leading the charity is former Perth Glory owner and experienced businessman Nick Tana, who has been appointed by Football West as the Foundation’s inaugural chair.

It will be Tana’s first official involvement in anything football-related since he relinquished his Perth Glory licence to Football Australia in 2006, following 11 hugely successful years at the helm of the two-times national champions.

“I am genuinely excited to be the chairman of Football Futures Foundation, a charity which will have a positive impact in the most in-need areas of society in Western Australia,” Tana said.

“My time at Perth Glory was special and it was great to share that adventure with so many people. But leading Football Futures Foundation is an even more exciting opportunity.

“It is a fantastic privilege to know you can help change people’s lives for the better. Which is why I am calling on leaders in business and Government to get involved with Football Futures Foundation so together we can make a difference.”

Football West Chairman Sherif Andrawes was delighted to announce Tana as the Foundation’s Chairman.

“It is an honour to have Nick on board to lead the Foundation from day one,” he said.

“He is a person who helped change the landscape of WA football, so it is only fitting that he is at the forefront of a venture of this magnitude.

“There has never been a better time to be involved in football in Western Australia. We have worked hard to secure the State Football Centre and the Women’s World Cup in Perth in 2023. And with the establishment of the Football Futures Foundation, we are creating a legacy for Western Australian football.

“It is about making a difference and ensuring people get the chance to improve their physical and mental health, or are not left behind in terms of education or miss out on job opportunities simply because of who they are or where they are from.”

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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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