Grassroots: Football is booming, but barriers remain

National teams: Cashing in on Matildas mania

Both the Matildas and Socceroos set a new standard for themselves at their recent World Cups. But given all that is happening at the levels below, are those high points that will never be reached again? And are those great moments being capitalised on by those running the game? See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

A-Leagues: Top flight's existential crisis

The domestic league, thanks to the epic failures of APL management, is in a recession. Dangerously so for some clubs, who may not make it through winter. Clubs are bleeding money, the APL can’t even cover the salary cap with distributions down. So what now? How do clubs not wither on the vine? See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Elite development: Australia's twisted pathways

Out of the big pool of grassroots players, talented ones emerge. Playing fees are astronomical at representative level. Coaching courses are expensive and the reward, in all probability, isn’t a job that will make ends meet. We deep dive into what is being done to develop our kids to a world-class standard. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Grassroots: Football is booming, but barriers remain

Football’s numbers have exploded in the last 12 months. The Matilda Effect is real. So too the Socceroo effect to a lesser extent. Boys and girls continue to flock to the sport. But there’s a problem. Clubs, mostly run by volunteers, are at capacity, turning players away, struggling to accommodate the ones they have in a facilities sense, and also coaching. How do we navigate a way forward in a complex system to keep these kids playing the game, and falling in love with it? See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Huge AFLW deal, Collingwood's Steph Chiocci special guest

This week saw the AFL reach an agreement to give female players a significant pay rise and better working conditions. And, a start date for the new season! (August) Collingwood AFLW captain Steph Chiocci joined Adam Peacock and Georgie Parker to discuss what the deal means to her and others. Steph has played footy her whole life, recalling the days of not even having dressing sheds, and trying without success to gain recognition. Plus Adam and Georgie discuss pollies and sport photo ops, the biggest disaster of all. And Georgie brings a fantastic tennis stat to the table, with the French Open here. All thanks to Code Sports!  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.