For star Matildas veteran Lisa De Vanna and other Australian players, the worldwide shutdown of soccer is having devastating consequences – both financially and psychologically.

Where once Australia’s soccer success rode on the shoulders of European migrants, a new generation of African Australians has started to kick serious goals.

From humble beginnings in 1971, rugby league’s Koori Knockout has become a key event on the Australian sporting calendar. But the ad hoc running of the tournament has led to urgent calls for professional governance.