In December of last year, Saudi Arabia was officially announced as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

This makes them the fourth country from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to host the tournament—following Japan and South Korea in 2002, and more recently, Qatar in 2022.

What stood out about Saudi Arabia’s selection, though, was the lack of competition—they ended up being the only country to submit a formal bid.

Australia, a fellow AFC member nation had initially expressed interest in hosting the 2034 World Cup, but with Saudi Arabia heavily investing in their bid and momentum clearly shifting in their favor, Australia chose to step back.

Instead, they redirected their focus toward hosting the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup—an event they were awarded in 2024—and the 2029 Club World Cup.

This isn’t the first time Australia has tried to bring the World Cup Down Under. Back in 2010, they launched a bid to host the 2022 tournament.

However, it ended in disappointment—they received just one vote in the first round, while Qatar controversially secured hosting rights under what many described as “suspicious circumstances.”

Now, 15 years after that failed bid, and with Saudi Arabia next in line to host, it seems increasingly unlikely that Australia will get a World Cup anytime soon. And there are several reasons why that might be the case.

Cost Factor

One of the major reasons Australia may not host a men’s FIFA World Cup in the near future is due to the enormous cost involved in staging the tournament.

According to Statista, Qatar spent a staggering $220 billion USD ($342 billion AUD) to host the 2022 World Cup, making it the most expensive edition in the tournament’s history.

This was largely due to Qatar needing to build much of the necessary infrastructure from scratch.

Even so, previous World Cups have still come with hefty price tags.

Russia spent around $11.6 billion USD ($18 billion AUD) to host the 2018 tournament, while Brazil’s 2014 World Cup cost about $15 billion USD ($23 billion AUD).

In fact, the last men’s World Cup to cost under $1 billion USD ($1.56 billion AUD) was the 1994 tournament held in the United States.

In contrast, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup—co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand—had a far more modest price tag.

According to FIFA’s bid evaluation report, the tournament was expected to cost around $150 million AUD, with just over $100 million AUD contributed by governments.

Not only does the Women’s World Cup cost significantly less to host, but many of the stadiums and infrastructure acceptable for the women’s tournament would fall short of FIFA’s stricter requirements for the men’s event.

To meet those higher standards, Australia would need to make substantial upgrades, adding further to the cost.

Beyond the economic risks, there's also a broader question of national priorities.

Australia may ultimately decide that the billions required to secure and host a men’s World Cup could be better invested elsewhere—into areas that deliver more lasting and equitable benefits for the population.

For example, upgrading the nation’s public health system, affordable housing initiatives, education infrastructure, and climate resilience projects are all pressing needs that demand long-term funding and attention.

Investments in regional transport networks, Indigenous community support, and renewable energy development could arguably provide a stronger return on investment in terms of social and economic outcomes.

Given these competing priorities and the immense cost of hosting, Australia may find that the pursuit of a men’s FIFA World Cup is a luxury it simply can’t justify—at least not in the foreseeable future.

Rival Interest

Rival nations within the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) would play a major role in limiting Australia's chances of hosting a Men’s FIFA World Cup.

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and the competition to host it is incredibly fierce.

Countries go to great lengths to secure hosting rights, especially within the AFC, where Arab nations in particular have been extremely proactive.

One major factor is the concept of sportswashing—the practice of using sports to improve a country’s global image, often as a way to divert attention from human rights issues or political controversies.

This has become especially common in the Middle East over the past decade.

Between early 2021 and mid-2023, Saudi Arabia alone reportedly spent $6.3 billion on sportswashing efforts, including around 300 sponsorship deals.

Their investments span across numerous sports: boxing, motorsport, snooker, golf, ATP tennis, cricket, and even the America’s Cup sailing regatta.

However, football has been their biggest focus.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia's top-tier football league—the Saudi Pro League (SPL)—has emerged as Asia’s most high-profile domestic competition.

This rise in prominence has largely been driven by the league signing world-famous players to extremely lucrative contracts.

The most notable example is Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the most recognisable athlete on the planet, who joined Al Nassr on a deal reported to be worth around $207 million USD (approximately $322 million AUD) per season.

But Saudi influence in football isn’t limited to their domestic league. They’ve also hosted major international club competitions.

For instance, five of the last six editions of the Supercopa de España—a tournament featuring the top Spanish clubs—have been held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Now it's not just the World Cup, looking at the AFC Asian Cup, the premier men’s international football tournament in Asia, three of the last four editions were hosted by Arab nations.

Qatar alone hosted it twice during that period and Saudi Arabia is also set to host the 2027 edition.

So, Australia faces stiff competition within the AFC for the rights to host a World Cup—particularly from wealthy and politically influential Arab nations that have a proven track record of securing major football events.

The last FIFA World Cup (2022) was held in Qatar, and the next AFC host is Saudi Arabia and based on the current pattern, it wouldn’t be surprising if another Arab nation—such as the UAE—secured the next opportunity after that.

Location

One major factor that could affect Australia’s chances of hosting a men’s FIFA World Cup is its geographical location.

Because Australia is so far from Europe and the Americas—where most of the global football audience is—many matches would air at inconvenient times in those regions, potentially lowering TV viewership.

This issue was already evident during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

According to FIFA, the final between Spain and England reached 222.02 million viewers.

That’s a noticeable drop compared to the 2019 final in France, where the USA faced the Netherlands and drew 263.62 million viewers.

A decline like this in viewership could make FIFA and its broadcasting partners think twice about holding a men’s World Cup in Australia.

Speaking of broadcasting, broadcast rights are another concern with time zone differences potentially reducing the value of international broadcast deals, since matches wouldn’t air during prime hours in key markets.

In fact, ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, FIFA reportedly missed its target for selling broadcast rights by about $100 million USD ( $155 million AUD), according to the Wall Street Journal.

FIFA had hoped to bring in $300 million USD ($466 million AUD), but only managed around $200 million USD ($310 million AUD).

It even reached a point where FIFA president Gianni Infantino warned of a possible TV blackout across Europe unless broadcasters increased their offers.

All of this shows how Australia’s remote location could seriously impact global viewership and broadcasting revenue, making it a tougher sell as a host for a future men’s World Cup.

Conclusion

So, in light of these financial, geopolitical, and logistical challenges, it’s clear that the odds of Australia hosting a FIFA World Cup remain firmly stacked against them—making another failed bid not just possible, but increasingly probable.

Given the significant financial demands, complex geopolitical dynamics, and substantial logistical hurdles involved, it becomes increasingly evident that Australia faces an uphill battle in its pursuit of hosting a FIFA World Cup.

These compounding challenges not only diminish the likelihood of a successful bid in the near future, but also raise the probability that any renewed attempt could end in yet another disappointment.

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Chelsea FC Women has revealed its renewal and expansion of its partnership with Škoda UK, naming the automotive brand as the club's first-ever Official Back of Shirt Partner.

The renewed agreement will carry through the 2025/26 season and beyond, strengthening a collaboration that first took shape in January 2024. It underscores Škoda’s ongoing commitment to investing in women’s sport.

Under the new sponsorship deal, Škoda’s logo will appear prominently on the back of all Chelsea FC Women matchday kits, beginning with the closing fixtures of the 2024/25 season. The branding launch will align with Chelsea’s historic celebration of a sixth consecutive Barclays Women’s Super League title — a moment of major visibility for both the club and the brand.

Strategic Sponsorship in a Champion Setting

The timing of the extended agreement comes as Chelsea FC Women continues its commanding presence in English football — boasting eight league titles to date and eyeing a domestic treble. Škoda branding will also feature during the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley on 18 May, providing a high-profile platform for national exposure.

Commercial Director at Chelsea FC Women, Giulia Mazzia, highlighted the brand’s alignment with Chelsea FC Women and its broader values.

“To welcome Škoda as our first Official Back of Shirt Partner illustrates our ambition to innovate and integrate partners into our business model.

"Škoda helps us connect with fans locally and globally through both matchday presence and digital content,” she said via press release.

Beyond the Shirt: Mobility, Media and Matchday Moments

Škoda’s joint venture with Chelsea FC Women extends well beyond shirt branding, underscoring a shared commitment to innovation, performance and progress in women’s sport.

As part of the renewed deal, Chelsea Women’s players and staff — including the Women’s Academy — will be supported with vehicles from Škoda’s all-electric Enyaq range and the Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid. This seamless integration into the team’s day-to-day operations reflects both the practical and symbolic strength of the partnership.

Škoda will also:

• Continue as title sponsor of the “We Are Chelsea” podcast
• Deliver exclusive digital content across Chelsea FC Women and Škoda UK channels
• Drive a Škoda vehicle ahead of the team bus into Stamford Bridge on select matchdays — a symbolic “arrival” moment that adds visual impact and storytelling potential

Amplifying Brand Values Through Women’s Sport

Škoda has long supported women’s sport, particularly through its established ties to professional cycling — including the Tour de France Femmes and the Škoda Cycling Academy. Its growing investment in women’s football through Chelsea FC Women reflects a broader strategy centred on mobility, inclusion and elite performance.

Head of Marketing at Škoda UK, Kirsten Stagg, underscored the shared values at the heart of the collaboration.

“Chelsea Women exemplify many of the core values we hold at Škoda. It’s a privilege to partner with a team that shares our commitment to excellence and community," she said via press release.

The brand has also welcomed five Chelsea players as official ambassadors, who will feature across digital content, grassroots and community programs, and Škoda’s internal brand initiatives.

Commercial Significance and Industry Context

Škoda’s continued investment in Chelsea FC Women reflects key trends in the evolving sports marketing landscape. With growing fan engagement, the rising value of sponsorship on women’s kits, and brands aligning with purpose-driven clubs, the partnership showcases the shift towards purpose-led collaborations.

Digital-first engagement through podcasts, player content, and matchday activations is central to long-term sponsorship success. Women’s football is quickly becoming a powerful platform for brand storytelling and global visibility.

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Last Thursday James Johnson announced his resignation as CEO of Football Australia (FA) after five and a half years at the helm.

James Johnson over his tenure has presented over much activity in Australian football.

He’s overseen Australia’s co-hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with New Zealand.

This event produced a record influx of girls and women to all levels of the game and highlighted that the current footballing system didn’t have the capabilities to sustain this increase.

He was partied to the A-Leagues break from the FA into the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

Only recently he was instrumental in the FA’s creation of the National Second Division (NSD) to develop the footballing pyramid.

Many of these initiatives had and continue to have a significant impact.

Yet the complexity and work for these undertakings continue.

Though who is going to be the successor?

Heather Garriock, ex Matilda, has been confirmed as Interim CEO.

She has had experience in this type of role serving as CEO of Australian Taekwondo and as a director on the FA Board since 2021.

Garriock currently serves on the Asian Football Confederation’s Technical Committee and is an exciting fit.

Other than Garriock’s appointment, very little has been spoken on the position.

State Federation CEOs such as Football NSW’s John Tsatsimas and Football Queensland’s Robert Cavallucci are well regarded in the industry.

Would taking them away from their state positions a wise plan or are they even keen to take this huge role anyway?

Maybe from outside the footballing space a CEO of business experience could be valuable.

That being said, caution of people with little ‘football knowledge’ should not be taken lightly.

Football fans know all too well the divisiveness of CEO’s who don’t understand the complexities of the game can be.

What challenges are ahead?

For whoever claims the top spot, they and the FA already face some important hurdles.

First and foremost, they will have to preside over the upcoming start of the NSD in October this year.

A huge occasion in the story of Australian Football and a competition that many clubs, fans and communities are banking on to be a success.

If successful, not only will it bring back into the limelight storied clubs, who’s history have woven the rich tapestry of Australian football, but it’ll open the pathway to a new and improved Australian footballing pyramid, giving clubs the following and support they need to grow and develop.

Things such as funding opportunities, more mainstream media audiences and the chance to stamp their mark into the footballing nucleus.

Though with great expectation comes more chance for disappointment.

The current system for the NSD can be argued to be sufficient, but like all great shifts in football it needs to grow, to expand and importantly to deliver on its goal of a more streamline pyramid.

This push will face funding and support challenges and the NSD, the clubs and the FA will struggle if this new chapter is stagnant.

Which brings us to the next challenge.

The A-League and APL

The A-league is producing an amazing new generation of players for Australia, with increased viewership, fan presence and transfer revenue from home grown talent its producing a record season.

However, under the surface the A-League has struggled since its break from the FA into the APL.

The funding and its recent overhaul paint a bleak picture for the clubs.

On top of this the prospect of future relegation would worry any figures of the clubs, from investors to the club’s lifeblood’s, the academies and fanbases.

Whoever takes up the new role must walk the uncomfortable tight rope of supporting the extensive and growing football scene while not ignoring our highest professional level.

The Women’s Game

The 2026 Women’s Asian Cup is just around the corner, providing an exciting opportunity to further elevate Australia’s women's football journey and continue its impressive momentum.

On-field and tournament success are only the tip of the iceberg as the continuation of the game’s development is critical.

The positives of this progression far out way the negatives but the FA and its incoming CEO must make smart and well-constructed plans to keep the progress going.

Funding

James Johnson and the FA recently hatched together a plan for $3 Billion worth of Funding from the Government.

Funding through Government sporting grants is the backbone of football, especially the grassroots system, the highest participated sport community in Australia.

Before leaving James Johnson, the FA and the extensive member federations presented their Securing Footballing Future initiative before the 2025 Federal Election decided our new government.

This document 23 major points, spanning all levels of the game outlines where and how this funding should be allocated over 10 years.

Securing Footballing Future is bold and focuses on key aspects that have been present issues for football.

The new CEO should make sure that this initiative is a crucial deal to ratify with the government to stabilise funding for years to come.

The federal governments $200 million “Play Our Way” grants program in 2023 was created in the euphoria of the Women’s World Cup.

Though not centrally football focused and far smaller amount of funding, it’s proof that government funding can be acquired and allocated.

As the Sydney Morning Herald reported this week, the FA will record $8.3 million loss at the next general meeting on May 23, funding will become a fundamental issue.

Now more than ever the FA is calling for Garriock and its next potential CEO to be ambitious, show strong leadership and be open to taking calculated risks.

It’s a monumental task ahead, but for the passionate and invested football fans around Australia, they know that optimism for the future while simultaneously being grounded in the present is part of the beautiful game.

As the saying goes, ‘one game at a time’.

Whoever is appointed as Football Australia CEO, whether Garriock or another candidate, should seize the opportunity and lead with purpose.

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The Minns Labor Government has announced an investment of $400,000 towards women's football as a bonus of NSW hosting 11 games at the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

The NSW Football Legacy Program includes five key initiatives designed to grow and support women’s football at every level, ensuring a lasting impact from NSW hosting matches during the tournament — including the Final at Stadium Australia on 21 March.

Here’s what the program offers:

• Women in Leadership Program: Designed to boost confidence and leadership skills among women in football, helping them step into or grow in leadership roles while building a strong network of advocates for the game.
• Body Image and Wellbeing Program: Aimed at female players aged 13 to 18 in the National Premier League, this initiative focuses on promoting healthy body image and overall wellbeing.
• Flexible Football Initiative: Introduces more accessible and adaptable ways for women to get involved in grassroots football, removing traditional barriers to participation.
• Coach and Referee Mentor Program: Helps develop a strong network of female coaches and referees by pairing them with experienced mentors, creating role models and encouraging more women to take on these important roles.
• First Nations Football: Supports young First Nations footballers (aged 14–16) and coaches by providing opportunities to train and grow in high-performance environments.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper stated that the Minns Labor Government aims to build on the success of recent women’s football events to create a lasting, inclusive legacy for women and girls in NSW through the NSW Football Legacy Program.

“Women’s sport has seen tremendous growth and success in recent years, including the unforgettable performances of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023," Kamper said in a press release.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to ensure that the momentum from that tournament and NSW’s hosting of 11 games at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ leaves a lasting legacy for women’s football in NSW at all levels.

“The initiatives delivered through the NSW Football Legacy Program will ensure football is a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls to play the World Game."

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas welcomed the NSW Government’s support, saying it will help make football more accessible, safe, and inclusive for women and girls as Football NSW works toward gender parity.

“Football NSW has experienced unprecedented growth in female football and we are delighted with the NSW Government’s continued commitment to our game," Tsatsimas said in a press release

“The initiatives being supported, including the Empower Her body image and wellbeing program, will help to ensure that football is an accessible, safe and enjoyable sport for women and girls across the state.

“We look forward to seeing the impact of these new and expanded programs over the coming years as Football NSW continues towards the goal of gender parity in our game.”

The $400,000 investment and the initiatives within the NSW Football Legacy Program mark a significant step forward in strengthening women’s football across the state.

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Football Victoria has acknowledged Melton City Council for the official opening of the $15.3 million Aintree North Recreation Reserve — a pivotal investment in community sport and active recreation that will serve the area’s growing demand for football and broader sporting participation.

In April, City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi and State Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch MP officially unveiled the reserve, which is positioned to play a central role as a district-level facility in Melbourne’s west and will accommodate a range of local sports groups, including football clubs.

City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi described the reserve as a transformative development for the local community.

“Spaces like these make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to take part in regular exercise, social connection and outdoor activity,” he said via press release.

“I’d like to thank the Victorian Government and Woodlea for their contributions to this fantastic project.”

The state-of-the-art reserve features premium soccer pitches, an inclusive play area, a youth-focused skate park, a jogging track with a fitness trail, an off-leash dog park, public restrooms, a network of shared pathways, and a contemporary community sports pavilion.

The project was supported by a $11.9 million investment from Melton City Council, alongside a $2 million contribution from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and an additional $1.46 million from developer Woodlea.

Josephine La Pila, Football Victoria’s Club Development Program Manager, expressed support for the reserve’s opening and commended the commitment to enhancing community football facilities.

“This precinct is a fantastic example of local government, developers and state partners working together to support grassroots football,” she said via press release.

“The facilities at Aintree will open new doors for clubs, players and families – especially in such a fast-growing area. We’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on participation, development and community connection.”

Football Victoria is excited to maintain its partnership with the City of Melton and local clubs, working together to establish the new reserve as a flourishing centre for football and community sports.

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Football Australia has announced the appointment of Heather Garriock as Interim Chief Executive Officer, following James Johnson's resignation

This appointment is a landmark moment for Football Australia, with Ms Garriock becoming the first woman ever to lead the organisation.

As the most popular sport in both Australia and the world, this marks a significant turning point in the history of Australian sport.

A former Matilda, Olympian, and accomplished sports administrator, Ms Garriock brings a wealth of experience to the role.

She has previously led Australian Taekwondo as CEO, has been a member of the Football Australia Board since 2021, and currently sits on the Asian Football Confederation’s Technical Committee.

Ms Garriock also had an exceptional playing career. She represented the Matildas in three FIFA Women’s World Cups, three AFC Women’s Asian Cups, and two Olympic Games.

In recognition of her remarkable contribution to the sport, she was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2021.

As part of standard governance procedures, Ms Garriock officially stepped down from her position on the Football Australia Board yesterday.

Ms Garriock expressed her honour in taking on the role, highlighting her commitment to inclusive leadership, key strategic goals, and drawing on her lifelong experience in football to guide the game's future at the highest level.

“I’m honoured to step into this role at such a pivotal time for football in Australia," Garriock said in a press release.

“My focus will be on strong, collaborative and inclusive leadership as we work to deliver on key priorities — from Socceroos World Cup qualification and the appointment of a new Matildas coach, to the delivery of major tournaments and the continued development of our digital platform, PlayFootball.

“I have spent a lifetime in football and have literally played every position in football both on and off their field.

"This experience provides me with the unique ability to bring all perspectives of our game to the highest levels of decision making and build on the great work of James Johnson."

She will now take on the role of Interim CEO while the Board undertakes both a local and international search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

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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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Salford City FC has entered a new era following its acquisition by a diversified global ownership group, led by David Beckham and Gary Neville, alongside US businessman Declan Kelly and former UK government minister Lord Mervyn Davies, who will both serve as Co-Chairs of the club's board.

The transition marks a significant strategic shift, aimed at scaling the club's ambitions across sporting, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, with a focus on long-term sustainability.

A Unique Ownership Model Fusing Football Legacy and Global Expertise

The club’s unique ownership model stands apart in English football. Operating as a members’ club, it brings together nine high-profile individuals and entities across sectors including finance, law, technology, and entertainment.

Key investors include:

• Dream Sports Group (India's leading sports tech company)
• Frank Ryan (Global Co-Chair & Americas CEO, DLA Piper)
• Colin Ryan (Founder, Clipper Street Capital)
• Nick Woodhouse (Executive Vice Chairman, Authentic Brands Group)
• Shravin Mittal (Founder, Unbound)

This model, inspired by U.S. sports investment syndicates, offers a commercially-driven approach to ownership. It aims for multi-market expansion, making Salford City FC a more global brand while staying grounded in its local roots.

Building on the Class of ’92 Legacy

This strategic move builds on the foundation laid by the Class of '92 — Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville — who, together with Peter Lim, took Salford City from non-league football to League Two status. While Lim has stepped down as a shareholder, the Class of ‘92 remains involved in the club’s operations, spanning technical roles, football development, commercial strategy, and the academy.

Co-Chair of Salford City FC's new ownership group, Gary Neville emphasises the long-term vision for Salford City FC, with a clear focus on both footballing success and financial sustainability.

“Football will come first, but it’s critical we drive the club toward sustainability in the next 4–5 years,” he said via press release.

Consello to Lead the New Commercial Strategy

Salford City FC’s new commercial strategy will be developed in collaboration with Consello, a global advisory and investment firm founded by Declan Kelly. Janey Whiteside, former Walmart CCO, will lead growth efforts as Chief Growth Officer, focusing on partner acquisition across the UK, U.S., Europe, and Asia. The goal is to evolve Salford City from a local football project into a global, sustainable brand with strong community connections, elite player development, and diversified revenue streams.

Beckham’s Personal Connection to Salford City FC

Co-Chair of Salford City FC's new ownership group, David Beckham, expressed an emotional connection to the club's vision.

“Salford City is at the heart of its community... I’m proud to be part of its next chapter,” he said via press release.

Beckham’s involvement brings significant cultural influence and global brand recognition, particularly in North America and Asia, where he continues to maintain strong commercial sway.

Broader Strategic Implications for the Football Business

This acquisition highlights key trends in the evolving football business:

• Diversified ownership models bringing cross-sector expertise and capital to smaller clubs
• A shift towards sustainability and structured growth, not just on-field success
• Global brand building, even at lower league levels
• Growing interest in football investment from institutional players outside traditional sport ownership

If successful, Salford City FC could become a prime example of how a commercially viable football brand can be built from League Two upward, all while staying true to its local community roots.

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Elite Skills Arena (ESA) has created cutting edge technology that is revolutionising injury rehabilitation and player development in football.

ESA is a company that designs and provides advanced football training technology used by top clubs and academies around the world. 

Founded by Eddie Mitchell in 2014, ESA creates innovative tools that help coaches track performance and develop players more effectively.

By combining smart tech with insights from leading coaches, ESA delivers data-driven solutions that improve training and sharpen key skills on the pitch.

When the company first settled on the idea of a circular wall with moving targets, the plan was to create an indoor space where players could work on their technical skills.

What started as a simple concept quickly took shape—so much so that the very first prototype was built in a backyard just to see if it would work.

That early test led to the launch of the first product and the creation of the now-iconic arena that remains a core part of what ESA offers today.

Currently, ESA offers three main product lines: the ICON range, the Wall range, and the Wireless range.

Each one has seen great success with professional clubs, academies, major organisations for marketing and events, and advanced training centres around the world.

Today, ESA products are used on six continents, and they're getting close to a major milestone—1 million games played with their equipment.

But there's one product in particular, the Wireless Circuit, that's revolutionising injury rehab and player development in football.

Now ESA first tested the Circuit concept at Ipswich Town and Southampton Football Clubs in the UK.

But it was FC Barcelona who asked for a wireless version, eliminating the need for connecting cables.

The Wireless Circuit is made up of lightweight, cable-free modules — the Rebound, Pass-Through, and Gate — each featuring LED lights and vibration technology to give instant performance feedback.

Using motion sensors, the modules track passing, movement, and dribbling, while built-in modes recreate tactical game scenarios, making it a powerful tool for both training and recovery.

Since its introduction, the Wireless Circuit has been used extensively by Barcelona's medical team during pre-season and injury rehabilitation.

Stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Agüero and Ronald Araújo have benefitted from its data-driven approach, which benchmarks fitness levels and reduces the risk of re-injury.

The club has used the Wireless Circuit for the later stages of rehabilitation which has allowed players to build up match sharpness without being exposed to the danger of full-contact training.

Following the success at FC Barcelona, the Wireless Circuit has been making waves in the global sports world, having been nominated for Best Technology for Injury Prevention or Rehabilitation at the prestigious Sports Technology Awards.

With more than 50 installations across the globe, it's quickly becoming a go-to choice for clubs and academies looking for reliable, cutting-edge solutions.

With injuries on the rise in elite football and top players spending more time on the sidelines, Premier League clubs are paying closer attention.

Leicester City FC, who’ve been interested in ESA technology for a while, recently added the Wireless Circuit to their sports science program to help monitor player fitness and support injury recovery.

After a successful demo in September 2023, they’ve started using the Rebound, Pass-Through, and Gate modules to help keep first-team players healthy and make rehab smoother and more effective.

Now the Wireless Circuit could offer substantial benefits to soccer clubs and organisations in Australia due to its unique combination of technology, portability, and proven performance outcomes.

Clubs from grassroots to A-League level can often face challenges in managing injuries, especially with limited access to advanced rehab facilities.

The Wireless Circuit enables low-risk, high-impact recovery by allowing players to rebuild match fitness through targeted, non-contact drills. This is particularly valuable in a sport where muscle and ligament injuries are common.

Also, with clubs becoming increasingly data-focused, the Wireless Circuit’s built-in motion sensors and instant feedback allow coaches to track a players movement, passing and dribbling

This gives coaches a more scientific, structured approach to player development, something especially useful in youth programs and academies.

So, as football continues to evolve, ESA’s Wireless Circuit stands at the forefront, offering a smarter, safer, and more effective way to train, recover, and develop the next generation of players.

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For decades, women in Victoria were prohibited from participating in organised football, thereby being pushed aside as the men's game dominated the field. The tide, however, has turned. What was previously a sport confined to half of the population is being changed by girls lacing up their boots and women leading from the front.

Over 21,000 women and girls started playing football in 2024, fuelled by the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ and the Matildas' semi-final success. Football, with over 221,000 female players registered countrywide, is not only Australia's most popular team sport, but also one of its fastest growing.

This past week, Female Football Week 2025 (FFW) highlighted the movement that is restructuring the game. The nationwide initiative, which runs from May 2 to 11, is more than a celebration. It is a catalyst for sustained change.

A Nationwide Celebration with Local Impact

Organised by Football Australia in collaboration with member federations and clubs, FFW 2025 includes leadership panels, grassroots clinics, gala days, and coaching masterclasses to empower women at all levels of the sport.

Football Queensland’s Senior Manager - Game Development, Kate Lawson, anticipated an action-packed agenda that would capture the imaginations of both returning and new competitors.

“There are going to be more eyes on football in Australia than ever before. The increased representation of women in our game has everyone buzzing this year, which is why this Female Football Week is set to be the biggest and most exciting yet,” she said via press release.

Across the country, similar initiatives are igniting change. Football Queensland presented the FFW Awards to recognise local women's football legends, while Football Victoria continued its all-female commentary round in the NPLW, bringing women's voices to the forefront of the game.

At the grassroots level, activities such as The Gap FC's Mother's Day celebration and FFW gala in Brisbane highlight the important role that families play in developing the next generation of players.

Behind the Data: Real Growth, Real Stories

The statistics tell one story. Football participation across Australia has increased 11% to 1.91 million participants by 2024, with female participation up 16%. Queensland alone had a 44% increase in women and girls playing the game throughout its ten regions. Female involvement in Football NSW increased by 17% throughout the winter season.

However, behind these numbers are the individuals who are transforming the game.

The increase in female football involvement is more than just a statistic; it's a tapestry of personal experiences that illustrate the movement's depth and variety.

In the ACT, Tina McLeary serves as secretary of Brindabella Blues FC, a club with approximately 1,000 members. Her football adventure began with her children, but she rapidly became a significant driver of change, taking on management duties and guiding inclusive club strategy.

“We were able to get the boys there and show that these 10 and 11-year-old boys don't care, there's no gender relationship there. They just want to be a part of this. They just want to go kick the ball and see the game,” she shared, reflecting on the shifting culture in football.

In Western Sydney, Katelyn Smith is making her mark with CommBank ParaMatildas. After health issues halted her early football dreams, she discovered her calling with CP Football. Katelyn, a Golden Glove winner and national team striker, is not only scoring goals but also coaching the next generation of footballers with disabilities, demonstrating what is possible.

Women are also excelling in roles off the pitch. Jessica Jensen (Football QLD), Daphne Gounaris (Football Victoria), and Alana Zic (Football NSW) are three female referees breaking down boundaries in refereeing. Refereeing for the women allows them to improve themselves, connect with others, and lead with integrity and confidence.

In Tasmania, Jess Woodroffe of Launceston City FC has contributed to shaping her club's infrastructure and culture. The club has recently added gender-friendly changing rooms, in addition to increasing the number of female board members and players, primarily from their campaigning and inclusive community forums.

Challenges Ahead—and a Bold Vision for the Future

Despite the momentum, obstacles remain. Numerous clubs are operating above their capacity, putting a strain on coaching resources, infrastructure, and equipment. As more girls get involved with the sport, retention becomes crucial, especially throughout adolescence, when many abandon it due to a lack of clear paths or mentors.

Football Australia has set an ambitious goal: gender parity in community football by 2027.

Interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock, believes Female Football Week 2025 has highlighted just how vital women’s football has become.

“Female Football Week 2025 has underscored the critical importance of women’s football to the future of our game. The growth we’re seeing at every level, from grassroots to the elite, is not only remarkable, but also reshaping the landscape of Australian sport,” she said via press release.

Conclusion: From Moment to Movement

FFW 2025 is about more than simply celebrating progress—it's about maintaining it. Women's football is no longer an afterthought, through community-led events, national investment, and strong representation.

It’s at the centre of the conversation.

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Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed its collaboration with Optus, naming the leading telecommunication provider as its Official Telecommunications Partner across the Northern, Far North and Gulf regions.

The collaboration will see Optus play an active role in supporting grassroots football throughout the year-long partnership, with a visible presence at FQ precincts in both Cairns and Townsville. This will include branded signage and community-focused activations at key events, further enhancing the matchday experience for players, families, and fans.

FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, said the partnership will be a valuable boost for local communities and reflects FQ’s commitment to growing the game in regional areas.

“Football Queensland is excited to expand its long-standing relationship with Optus as we enter into a thriving partnership in the Northern and Far North & Gulf regions,” he said via press release.

“It is excellent to have a brand as prominent as Optus recognise the importance of grassroots football in regional areas.

“Optus’ year-long support will provide a crucial boost that directly benefits clubs and participants across the region, strengthening communities and actively contributing to FQ’s vision for the future of football.”

Optus General Manager North Queensland, Dave Morrissey, emphasised the importance of the North Queensland football community and Optus’ commitment to supporting the next generation as they develop into future stars of the game.

“It is our absolute pleasure to partner with Football Queensland’s Northern and Far North regions. It is great to get to watch the next generation of young players grow their skills and love for the game, and we appreciate all the support we get in return from the local community,” he said via press release.

Football communities attending events and matches at Paradise Park and Macca's Park can expect to see Optus actively involved throughout the season, with a strong presence around the grounds that reflects the brand’s commitment to regional engagement and sporting development.

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Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia, James Johnson has advised the Board of his decision to resign.

Mr Johnson’s decision marks the end of his 5½-year term as CEO of the sport’s governing body, during which he, together with the Board, the Football Australia team, and the wider football community, led one of the most successful eras in Australian football history.

During his tenure, Mr Johnson steered Australian football through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the sport reach record participation levels. Under his leadership, Football Australia launched a 15-year strategic vision, achieved unprecedented revenue growth, implemented significant reforms such as Club Licensing Regulations and updates to the Player Transfer System, and revitalised the Australia Cup by linking it to Asia via the AFC Club Competitions.

Mr Johnson oversaw Football Australia’s successful bid for and hosting of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™, a globally acclaimed event that marked a cultural turning point for sport in Australia. During his time as CEO, Football Australia also secured hosting rights for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and elevated both the men’s and women’s national teams into prominent global sporting brands, each achieving their best-ever results at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

In a reflection on his time at the helm, James Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Football Australia over the past 5½ years, highlighting the dedication and talent of the colleagues he worked with throughout his tenure.

"It has been a privilege to lead Football Australia for the past 5½ years, having had the pleasure to work alongside the most talented, committed and dedicated staff, executives and board members," he said via press release.

"As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down.

"I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.”

The Football Australia Board has appointed current director and former Matilda, Heather Garriock, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

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Football Queensland (FQ) have confirmed a two year extension of it's partnership with Uberline, who will continue as the organisation's Official Line Marking Partner.

As part of the renewed agreement, Uberline will continue to support football clubs and facilities across Queensland by supplying high-quality line marking products and services.

This ongoing alliance ensures that clubs in all regions have consistent and easy access to the tools they need to maintain safe, professional, and visually appealing playing fields.

By easing the workload for volunteers and contributing to the overall presentation of venues, Uberline plays a key role in supporting the growth and standard of football across the state.

Their commitment helps create a better experience for players, officials, and fans at every level of the game.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci praised Uberline as a valuable partner since 2023, highlighting its crucial support in improving field quality, easing volunteer workloads, and enhancing the overall experience across the state.

“Uberline has been a great partner for our clubs and volunteers across Queensland, and we’re proud to extend this relationship for another two years,” he said in a press release.

“As we continue to lift the quality and profile of our competitions statewide, access to specialist products and services like Uberline’s is vital.

"High-quality field presentation is critical not only for the look of our venues, but for providing safe, enjoyable experiences for participants of all ages.

“Since our partnership began in 2023, Uberline has provided valuable support to clubs and FQ venues alike, helping to ease the workload for volunteers and maintain high standards across the board. We look forward to continuing that work together."

Uberline's General Manager, Lee Thomas, said the company is proud to keep backing the Queensland football community.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Football Queensland and to support the dedicated clubs and volunteers who are the backbone of the game,” he said in a press release.

“At Uberline, we’re passionate about delivering high-quality solutions that help create safe, professional playing environments for every player, at every level. We look forward to building on the great progress we’ve made together.”

For more information on Uberline's full range of products and services, click HERE.

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Club Atletico River Plate has unveiled a landmark partnership this week, naming Betano, the online sports betting and gaming brand owned by Kaizen Gaming, as its principal shirt sponsor starting this season — marking one of the most significant sponsorship deals in the history of Argentine football.

Betano Grows Presence in Argentina

For Betano, the agreement represents a major milestone in its expansion across Latin America. Having only entered the Argentine market in 2023, Betano has swiftly become one of the country’s leading online gaming platforms.

Partnering with River Plate, a globally renowned club with one of the largest supporter bases in world football, provides Betano with a powerful opportunity to boost brand visibility, strengthen credibility, and connect culturally with passionate fans.

This deal also bolsters Kaizen Gaming’s growing international sponsorship portfolio, which now spans 19 markets and includes headline events such as Copa América 2024™ and the Torneo Betano de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol.

Strategic Gains for River Plate

For River Plate, the alliance underscores a key strategic objective: to elevate global exposure and diversify income streams beyond traditional revenue models. Club President Jorge Brito described the deal as a “very important step” that aligns with the club’s broader international ambitions.

"Kaizen Gaming and Betano are aligned with our global outlook, and they have shown strong marketing performance through major tournaments. River Plate continues to grow, filling our stadium with over 85 consecutive sell-outs, and we’re excited to welcome Betano into our community," he said via press release.

It follows a concerted effort by River’s leadership to establish the club as a global brand, driven by institutional strength, long-term vision, and more than 120 years of footballing excellence.

A Shared Vision

Leaders from both organisations pointed to aligned values and mutual ambitions at the heart of the agreement.

Commercial Director at Kaizen Gaming, Julio Iglesias, emphasised the shared values and mutual ambitions at the heart of the agreement.

“River Plate is a globally respected club with unmatched passion and a massive fanbase. We quickly realized that our values, ambition, and vision align closely. This isn’t just a marketing deal — it’s a long-term partnership built on trust and mutual goals,” he said via press releaseIndustry

Landscape and Wider Impact

River Plate’s deal with Betano reflects a wider trend across Latin American football, where top clubs are increasingly attracting multinational sponsors from the gaming, fintech, and consumer tech sectors. The trend highlights:

• The rising commercial appeal of Latin American football
• A surge in global interest in fan engagement across emerging markets
• The growing regulation and legitimacy of online betting in major economies

As clubs like River Plate forge joint ventures with global brands, the Argentine football landscape is fast becoming a strategic hub for sponsors seeking access to large, engaged fan communities.

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KAM Melbourne has confirmed its agreement to acquire a majority stake in the Western United Football Club and its parent company Western Melbourne Group.

Since launching in 2018, Western United Football Club (WUFC) has quickly made its mark on the pitch.

In 2019, Western Melbourne Group (WMG) and its group of investors set out with a bold vision: to create a vibrant, sports-led hub blending retail, residential living, and football in Melbourne’s west.

Their 62.5-hectare site in Tarneit, 25 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD is at the heart of a groundbreaking public-private partnership with Wyndham City Council, focused on building world-class sports infrastructure.

At the core of this development will be a purpose-built football stadium and a home for an elite professional club.

KAM Melbourne, part of KAM Sports, brings specialist knowledge and will work alongside WMG’s partners and stakeholders to bring this vision to life.

The company is headed by Chairman and co-founder Maciek (MG) Kaminski, and CEO and co-founder Mikhail Kaminski.

With a strong background in managing large-scale residential and commercial projects in the US and Europe, the team brings deep expertise in investment, development, and project structuring.

Looking ahead, WUFC will be part of a broader, international multi-club strategy focused on football development. The goal is to create elite-level opportunities and pathways for Australian talent.

With over 40 years’ experience in both public and private real estate sectors, the Kaminski family is well-placed to lead this ambitious project.

For them, combining their global property development experience with football club ownership has been a long-held dream—and WUFC, along with the larger WMG project, offers the perfect way to make that dream a reality in Australia.

Chairman of Western Melbourne Group Jason Sourasis expressed his excitement ahead of the acquisition.

“We are thrilled by the significant investment and commitment from KAM Melbourne," Mr Sourasis said in a press release.

"It was important to partner with a group that aligned with our values and believed in the vision.

“It has been an intensive 12-month due diligence process, in which KAM Melbourne took the time to truly understand our vision and the role it will play in shaping the needs of a fast-growing community."

The deal is still pending and will go ahead once it receives the required approvals from Wyndham City, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), and Football Australia (FA).

Western United and the Western Melbourne Group will provide further comments once the necessary regulatory approves have been finalised.

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Brisbane Roar has announced a new partnership with ZECO, a leader in football sportswear, to support the club's National Premier League (NPL) program.

Through the collaboration, ZECO will become Roar's official grip sock and shin pad partner and will provide the club's NPL team with world class products to enhance player performance and comfort.

ZECO is an Australian owned and operated business, designing its own premium products like its famous mini shin pads favoured by players such as Nestroy Irankunda and Jaiden Kucharski.

ZECO is also the sister organisation of Joga, a world-renowned sportswear brand, known for sponsoring global superstars such as Jack Grealish, Harvey Elliott and Ansu Fati.

However, in addition to partnering with global players, ZECO has a history of supporting the A-Leagues, having previously worked with Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets.

ZECO Co-Founder, John Kimbell expressed his organisation's enthusiasm for the partnership with Brisbane Roar.

We’re incredibly proud to announce our partnership with yet another top-tier A-League team,” he said in a press release.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone for us, as we continue to align ourselves with organisations that embody excellence, determination, and passion.”

“Brisbane Roar holds a legendary status in Australian football, with a rich history and a loyal fan base. It’s an honour to support such an iconic club.

"At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to helping athletes reach and exceed their peak performance.

"That’s why we’re genuinely excited to see our products playing a role in the team’s preparation and performance on and off the field.

"We’re confident that our support will contribute to their success—not only in the upcoming season but for many seasons to come.”

Together, Brisbane Roar and ZECO will aim to strengthen player performance and development through providing the necessary resources to grow to players.

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Football Australia (FA) has today inked a landmark deal with telecommunications heavyweight Superloop (ASX: SLC) in a massive boost for the prestigious Hahn Australia Cup competition.

The telco challenger has secured naming rights as the official category partner for the Cup and also committed to revolutionising the sports broadcast capabilities through cutting-edge AI technology.

Superloop founded in 2014, is an Australian telecommunications company and internet service provider (ISP) that offers high speed connectivity to consumers with NBN deals and new AI connectivity.

The Hahn Australia Cup will benefit enormously from Superloop's involvement as the telco giant looks to bolster its brand presence among the football market.

The multi-faceted deal will see Superloop deliver bespoke connectivity solutions, including business-grade NBN internet and mobile data services and AI technology cameras distributed to fields around the country.

This will support not just live broadcasts but also real-time collection of match and player statistics.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson described the collaboration as a pivotal moment in FA’s digital transformation.

"In today's connected world, high-speed, reliable internet infrastructure is paramount. Superloop's expertise and technology will allow us to deliver a more dynamic and engaging live streaming experience to fans nationwide, while unlocking cost efficiencies and new revenue streams for the sport," Johnson said via FA official press release.

Already, Darwin Football Stadium has been kitted out with Superloop's dedicated high-speed NBN connectivity, powering 4K resolution streams of all Men's and Women's Premier League fixtures.

The agreement blends well for Football Australia's recent centralisation of live production and distribution for over 3,500 matches annually, spanning state leagues to flagship national competitions.

Superloop Group Executive for Business & Wholesale, Daisy Stampfer, highlighted the company's commitment to Australian sport.

"We recognise the transformative power of connectivity in sports broadcasting and are committed to delivering the high-performance network solutions that will power FA's vision for the future of football streaming."

"Our exclusive sponsorship of the Hahn Australia Cup and our connectivity partnership with Football Australia underscores our dedication to supporting the growth and innovation of Australian grassroots sport," Stampfer said via official FA press release.

This is a huge new step for Australian Football at all levels giving all clubs in the country and competitions support with the streamlined viewership nationally to enhance the game at little cost for the clubs.

For businesses such as Superloop, the football community is an untapped industry for them to help develop, market and stand out.

The footballing environment creates great publicity for the company and enduring respect in the community for future endeavours.

The strategic relationship promises a new era of digital engagement with the beautiful game, from suburban pitches to national showcases.

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Football Australia has announced the launch of the #FootballUnites campaign highlighting the role football plays in bringing the community together.

The campaign begins with the first in a series of short films, sharing real stories of belonging, resilience, and connection told by the people who’ve lived them, including grassroots players, pro athletes, coaches, referees, and community leaders from all over Australia.

Created in partnership with multicultural marketing agency CulturalPulse, the #FootballUnites campaign tells powerful, people-focused stories that show how football can bring communities together.

At a time when our social fabric feels stretched, #FootballUnites highlights how the game crosses boundaries and connects people.

For many new migrants, football has been more than just a sport—it’s been a common language, a way to feel at home, and a source of connection in unfamiliar surroundings.

Across Australia, football continues to break down walls of race, language, gender, and religion.

The campaign will also feature voices from federal politicians who understand and support football’s important role in building unity.

The first video tells the story of Nahom Legesse from Brunswick City SC and includes reflections from Peter Khalil MP, Federal Member for Wills and Special Envoy for Social Cohesion, who speaks to the sport’s impact on multicultural communities.

Football Australia will roll out the campaign across digital platforms, aiming to reach not only fans of the game but also community organisations, decision-makers, and leaders highlighting football’s broader role in strengthening social bonds.

More videos in the #FootballUnites series are on the way, continuing to showcase how football helps build inclusive communities, with further contributions from federal leaders who advocate for unity and social cohesion.

Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac highlighted the significance of the campaign.

“Football has always been more than a sport—it’s a powerful social connector," Mr Isaac said in a press release.

“The stories shared in #FootballUnites are raw, authentic and deeply moving.

"They reflect football’s unique ability to bring people together across differences and give individuals—no matter their background—a place to feel seen, heard, and valued.

"These aren’t just football stories; they are stories of Australia.”

Football Australia CEO James Johnson spoke about the importance of #FootballUnites.

"As the most played team sport in the country, football reaches deep into every community,” Mr Johnson said in a press release.

“It’s a game that connects people—whether they’ve just arrived in Australia or have lived here for generations.

"Through #FootballUnites, we’re shining a light on the inspiring individuals and communities who show us how football fosters belonging, breaks down prejudice, and strengthens the social bonds that make us stronger as a nation.”

To learn more about the campaign or watch Legesse's story, you can visit Football Australia's website HERE.

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Football South Australia has secured Datacord, South Australia’s leading provider of photocopiers, printers, and document solutions, as the new naming rights sponsor of the Collegiate Soccer League (CSL) Division 1.

Initially an inter-college league, the CSL has expanded to include a diverse range of clubs, alongside its established universities, colleges, and schools. The agreement with Datacord highlights a significant business milestone and strengthens community engagement in South Australian football, bolstering the sport’s foundation from the grassroots level.

Datacord’s involvement represents more than a commercial alignment, it’s a shared commitment to supporting grassroots football and strengthening local communities. By aligning with the CSL, Datacord reinforces its reputation not only as a trusted technology provider but also as an engaged local business invested in South Australia’s sporting and social fabric.

Football South Australia believes this collaboration marks a significant step forward in its mission to develop sustainable football pathways and deliver value-driven opportunities for players, clubs, and partners alike.

Datacord Managing Director George Koutsoubis shared his pride in supporting and connecting with a thriving football community.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Football South Australia and support the growth of the game — especially at the grassroots level. Football brings people together, and Datacord is proud to stand alongside Football SA as a true community partner," he said via press release.

Football South Australia CEO Michael Carter expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Datacord.

“We are pleased to welcome Datacord into the Football South Australia family. Their values and commitment to community align perfectly with our mission to grow and support the game across all levels," he echoed similar sentiments via press release.

CSL Executive Board Member Kenny Osborne also expressed his excitement about the positive impact this collaboration will have on the league.

“This partnership with Datacord is a fantastic step forward for the CSL. It represents the recognition of the important role community football plays in the sporting landscape of South Australia. We look forward to a vibrant future together, underpinned by shared values and mutual support," aligning with the views of Carter and Koutsoubis, Osborne highlighted via press release.

This collaboration showcases Datacord’s strong presence and leadership in South Australia, while also underscoring a mutual commitment to fostering the future of football through shared values of teamwork, passion, and purpose.

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Celtic FC has extended its partnership with renowned German sportswear company, adidas.

Through the new deal, adidas will continue to be Celtic's official kit supplier, and will provide Celtic with premium playing and training kits across the men's and women's teams.

Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson expressed the club's joy for renewed deal.

“We are delighted to announce this extension to our fantastic partnership," he said in a press release.

“We have enjoyed a hugely successful relationship with adidas, one of the world’s leading sports brands and an organisation of real quality and excellence.

“Now, to be able to further extend this great association really reflects the strength and stability of the Club and the power of our enduring relationship.

“This is a hugely significant announcement for Celtic, the biggest official kit supplier partnership in the club’s history and one we are sure will delight our supporters worldwide allowing us to look to the future together with confidence.” 

In a statement, adidas reflected positively on its partnership with Celtic over the years.

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Atalanta BC has secured a new multi-year sponsorship deal with New Balance, which will see the US-based sportswear brand become the Series A club's Official Kit Sponsor from the 2025/26 season. The agreement marks the start of a global partnership centred on both high-performance innovation and growing brand reach.

As part of the agreement, New Balance will provide all technical kits — including matchday strips, training gear, accessories, and equipment — for both Atalanta’s men’s and women’s teams. This extends beyond on-field apparel to encompass global merchandise distribution via New Balance’s international retail network.

The collaboration strengthens New Balance’s presence in European football, where it already partners with clubs such as FC Porto and LOSC Lille. For Atalanta, it represents a significant boost in global visibility and a major step forward in accessing a broader, more integrated merchandising platform.

Beyond kit supply, the alliance will feature co-branded marketing activations and regional community initiatives. These efforts are designed to strengthen ties with Atalanta’s passionate fan base in Bergamo and across northern Italy, while leveraging New Balance’s global platform to elevate the club’s profile internationally.

Digital campaigns will shine a spotlight on the shared values between the two organisations — a deep commitment to local communities, a dedication to high performance, and a focus on craftsmanship. These qualities reflect Atalanta’s identity as a club with strong regional roots and consistent success in both domestic and European competitions.

Global Director of Football Sports Marketing at New Balance, Andrew McGarty, praised Atalanta’s innovation and strong community connection.

"This sponsorship underscores our dedication to advancing the sport globally, aligning with a club that understands our connection to craftsmanship and communities. Together, we’ll honour Atalanta BC's storied legacy through cutting-edge designs and high-performance gear that meets the demands of modern football," he said via press release.

Atalanta BC CEO, Luca Percassi, underscored the strategic alignment between the two organisations, highlighting the shared vision driving the partnership.

"This collaboration is built on shared values. We’re confident in its success and look forward to what we can achieve together. New Balance’s heritage and global stature in sportswear make them the ideal partner for our next chapter," he said via press release.

The collaboration arrives at a pivotal time for Atalanta, whose continued rise in European football positions the club for broader commercial success. The deal with New Balance strengthens:

• Merchandise revenue opportunities through expanded global distribution
• International brand awareness, particularly in North American and Asian markets
• Fan engagement through joint campaigns and digital outreach

For New Balance, the agreement highlights an ongoing commitment to football and signals deeper investment in the Italian market through a high-performing, globally ambitious club like Atalanta BC.

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The Preston Lions Football Club are set to receive long-overdue upgrades to B.T. Connor Reserve, thanks to the re-election of the Albanese Labor Government.

Back in April, Preston Lions shared that Hon Ged Kearney, the Federal Member for Cooper, had pledged $1.5 million as part of an election promise to help fund a new synthetic pitch on Ground 4 at B.T. Connor Reserve.

The Preston Lions Football Club is one of the biggest clubs in Melbourne’s north, however, the pitch is currently in a state that presents challenges for regular play, and the grounds appear to have gone some time without significant upkeep.

Now that the Albanese Labor Government has been re-elected and Ged Kearney has retained her seat in the Cooper Electorate, the long-awaited upgrades are finally set to become a reality.

Ged Kearney highlighted how important the club is to the community, offering programs for people of all ages.

“The Preston Lions Football Club is one of the largest sporting clubs in Melbourne’s north and offers amazing programs for everyone from toddlers through to teenagers and mums,” Hon Kearney said in a press release.

“The club does amazing work, and I am so pleased to be able to announce that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government would deliver this upgrade for our community to enjoy well into the future.”

Preston Lions President David Cvetkovski expressed his excitement, saying the upgrades have been long time coming.

“The program is growing, we’re close to 500 kids, I think I’ve been tapping on Ged’s door, Nathan’s door, council’s door for five or six years,” Mr Cvetkovski told Soccerscene.

“We’re looking forward to what will effectively be a 1.5-million-dollar grant from federal for a 2-million-dollar upgrade of what we call ground 4, into a purpose-built synthetic ground, drainage, paths, the pavilion and everything upgraded, it’s really exciting for the kids.

“The future is here, and we need to ensure we’re providing the facilities to maybe produce the next Matilda or Socceroo.”

The long-awaited upgrades will mark a major step forward for the Preston Lions, ensuring the club can continue to grow, support its community, and inspire the next generation of Australian football talent.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) to continue to develop and strengthen the football network in the country.

To sign the MoU, AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John and SAFF General Secretary Ibrahim Alkassim marked the deal at the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah Hotel before the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025.

The MoU highlighted several programmes designed to enhance the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's football infrastructure, operational procedure and employees before the nation hosts the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

In particular, the MoU seeks to establish a new framework which focuses on education and research via the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE) to upskill participants' ability to manage and operate footballing institutions.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John outlined the AFC's dedication to assisting Member Associations.

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Football South Australia has confirmed a new major partnership with HPG Homes (Hot Property Group), marking the start of a meaningful relationship that's expected to grow into a long-term support of football throughout South Australia.

HPG Homes, a division of Hot Property Group, is a multi-award-winning home builder based in South Australia, known for turning visions into reality.

Whether it's your first home or a custom design, HPG Homes specialises in Fixed Price and Turn Key projects, ensuring your dreams are brought to life.

With a strong focus on trust, quality, and innovation, HPG Homes has gained widespread recognition and loyalty from families across the region.

This collaboration reflects a shared dedication to community, development, and the proud values that define South Australia, reinforcing HPG Homes’ commitment to delivering exceptional homes and contributing to the local community.

CEO of Football South Australia Michael Carter expressed his excitement about the new alliance.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome HPG Homes into the Football SA family,” said Mr Carter in a press release.

“This partnership brings together two proud local organisations that believe in building strong foundations—whether that’s through homes or through sport.

"We look forward to working closely with HPG Homes to make a lasting impact across our football community.”

Director of Sales, Marketing & Developments for HPG Homes, Stuart Zyhajlo, spoke about the importance of the agreement with Football SA.

“Partnering with Football South Australia is a natural fit for HPG Homes,” said Mr Zyhajlo in a press release.

“We are passionate about investing in this great state and supporting initiatives that bring people together.

"Football is at the heart of so many communities, and we’re proud to align with an organisation that shares our values of connection, excellence, and opportunity.”

Through its arrangement with Football SA, HPG Homes will become the naming rights sponsor of the HPG Homes State League 1 and 2 competitions.

This investment will help elevate the status of the senior men’s semi-professional leagues in South Australia.

Football South Australia and HPG Homes will work together to support grassroots development, empower young players and their families, and help build upon a flourishing football culture across the state.

To learn more about HPG Homes or to get in touch, click here.

The post Football South Australia confirms new Major Partner appeared first on Soccerscene.

Chelsea Football Club has formed a new international partnership with DAMAC Properties, a leading luxury real estate developer based in Dubai.

Under the agreement, DAMAC becomes Chelsea’s Official Property Development Partner and will feature prominently as a shirt sponsor for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season.

DAMAC’s branding will feature on the front of Chelsea FC’s men’s and women’s team shirts, beginning with the upcoming UEFA Conference League semi-final clash against Djurgarden.

The collaboration gives DAMAC major visibility across matchday broadcasts, global digital channels and on-ground activations during one of the most high-profile stages of the football season.

A key element of the deal is the launch of Chelsea Residences by DAMAC – a first-of-its-kind branded real estate project in Dubai’s Maritime City. With plans for more than 1,400 residential units, the development weaves Chelsea FC’s identity throughout its design – from concierge services and wellness areas to high-performance amenities inspired by the club.

President and COO of Chelsea Football Club, Jason Gannon, expressed his support on the collaboration.

"With the club located in the heart of London, the collaboration will bring Chelsea to life in Dubai, support our continued growth on the global stage. We can’t wait to see Chelsea Residences take its place in the Dubai skyline," he said via press release.

According to DAMAC, the project is designed to combine luxury beachfront living with football-inspired lifestyle offerings, targeting international buyers and Chelsea fans seeking a premium residential experience in the UAE.

Managing Director of Sales & Development of DAMAC Properties, Amira Sajwani, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, emphasising its groundbreaking nature.

"This launch marks the first of an elite collection that celebrates not just the passion of Chelsea FC but its enduring legacy, innovative spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. This initiative goes beyond celebrating the beautiful game; it sets a new benchmark for those who expect nothing less than the exceptional, every time," she said via press release.

The alliance represents the latest move by a football club to team up with a real estate brand to grow its commercial reach and lifestyle influence. For Chelsea, it’s a strategic step in bolstering its global presence, particularly across the Middle East – a region known for strong investment in both luxury development and European football.

From DAMAC’s perspective, the teaming up with Chelsea offers global brand exposure and a distinct market edge in Dubai’s competitive high-end property sector. The project adds to a growing trend of sports-branded real estate developments aimed at high-net-worth individuals and football enthusiasts who value exclusivity and brand alignment.

The integration of DAMAC’s real estate portfolio with Chelsea’s global brand presents strong potential for long-term returns through:

• Property sales driven by Chelsea fan loyalty
• Global media exposure via international football broadcasts
• Co-branded luxury positioning across the hospitality, wellness and real estate sectors

This joint venture also highlights Chelsea’s evolving commercial strategy under its current ownership — with a focus on diversifying revenue streams, deepening international fan engagement, and forging cross-industry partnerships beyond traditional sports sponsorship.

The post Chelsea FC Secures Sponsorship with Dubai’s DAMAC Properties appeared first on Soccerscene.

The latest episode of the podcast was with Who Gives A Crap co-founder, Jehan Ratnatunga, highlighted the interesting way they have adapted marketing to better fit their company goals.

Who Gives A Crap is an Australian sanitation business begun in 2012, focusing on the ‘look good feel good do good’ values.

From starting with sustainably produced toilet paper, they have diversified into other products including Kitchen towel, tissues, garbage bags and doggy bags.

Who gives a Crap donates 50% of its profits to its mission to ‘do good’ for the 2 million people in the world that don’t have safe and clean sanitation.

Ratnatunga pointed out how their journey to try and increase their business and its mission become significant to its marketing.

“How do we do it in a way that makes people notice that we are doing good. We believe that doing good is better for business and then we can impact doing more good,” he said on the podcast.

“Giving back to the community is important. We are one small part of peoples lives, but how they spend that money with us is to drive change in the world.

“The company has been testing many different marketing channels some where more traditional like tv and radio and some where more in the community, going to it on a grassroots level."

Finding unique and funny ways to market their product but staying truthful to their mission is Who Gives A Crap’s key.

“Maybe we can fund to put solar panels on the warehouse, but setting it up so it says we give a crap on the roof,” he elaborated.

“That became one of our top posts over all of our channels.

“Another example is the last mile of the delivery is a big source of carbon, so we have transitioned to offset that last mile of carbon.

“We got electrical vehicles, and we could put ridiculous branding on our vehicles.

"These are perfect ways that we can do good, in a way that is bold and that markets the brand so we can do good in the future."

This technique of marketing has shown huge success, Who Gives A Crap is now active in the UK, US, Europe and currently expanding into Canada.

Ratnatunga mentioned how this unique way of branding, using the feel-good factor to be the driving force, is something sport has in common.

“Our brand has a household family aspect to it, there is this same angle in feeder level community sport," he added.

“Connection to sport is a community aspect that means so much to people, it's similar to our goal of community around helping people."

The feel good factor is prevalent in grassroots sport and this model is one that anyone in the industry should look to for a successful insight.

To support local clubs, help the community and maybe other through the broader love of football hits the same cords that this businesses missions does.

The opportunity is there, Who Gives A Crap have proven it.

listen to the full interview with Jehan Ratnatunga on episode five of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch Podcast – available on all major podcasting apps.

The post Off the Pitch Podcast: Who Gives A Crap present new face to marketing appeared first on Soccerscene.

La Liga has reported its highest revenue since the pandemic, pushing through the €5bn barrier ($8.76bn AUD).

Across the 2023/24 season, La Liga recorded a total standardized revenue of €5.049bn ($8.84bn AUD), a 3.2% increase upon the 2022/23 season. However, the 23/24 season is still shy of the pre-pandemic 2019/20 season record revenue of €5.065bn ($8.87bn AUD).

Of La Liga's revenue streams, broadcast income was the most influential - totaling $2.64bn AUD. The second largest source of revenue was commercial income, surpassing the organisation's goal of over one billion euros for the second year in a row - totaling $2.25bn AUD. La Liga contributed its strong commercial growth to flourishing new sponsorships and licensing agreements, as well as the continuing popularity of the league overseas.

However, La Liga has credited the post-pandemic high total revenue due to the increase in matchday income from record attendances.

Throughout the 2023/24 season, 16 million fans lined stadium seats across Spain, contributing to an average stadium occupancy rate of 75.4%. An increase upon the previous season's 72.5% average occupancy rate.

Due to this, matchday revenue grew 5% year-on-year to $1.25bn AUD in the 2023/24 season, culminating in a 25% increase over the past five seasons.

La Liga signified the effect of affordable ticket prices, stadium expansions and projects which improved facilities and amenities as crucial in inspiring more fans to come to games.

Furthermore, the league predicts that the 2024/25 season will welcome even more spectators, projecting 78% average occupancy across stadiums and nearly 18 million in attendance.

Among the clubs, members reduced their losses by approximately $493m AUD in 2023/24 from 2022/23, recording aggregate losses of $388m in 2023/24 and $881m in the prior season.

La Liga also projected that aggregate losses would fall even further in 2024/25, to $303m.

Interestingly, senior corporate net debt rose in 2023/24 to $2.34bn however, net equity remained healthy at $3.9bn - highlighting the stability of the league's long-economic model, which continues to abide by Financial Fair Play.

Due to its positive year, continuing upwards revenue trends across matchday and commercial sectors and the successes of the Boost LaLiga strategy , La Liga projects that the organisation is on its way to breaking even under its Financial Fair Play criteria later in the year.

The Spanish competition's record revenue raising 2023/24 season echoes that of the Bundesliga, announced earlier in the year.

Like LaLiga, the Bundesliga achieved soaring ticket sales, accruing 20.74 million tickets across the top two divisions of German football in 2023/24 - an increase of almost one million tickets from the 2022/23 season. These impressive results contribute to the Bundesliga's highest average number of tickets sold, averaging 33,885 tickets per game.

Additionally, both clubs' largest source of revenue was through media rights and broadcasting.

Such results from two of the big five European leagues could signify that football across the continent is in a healthy place after the COVID-19 pandemic and beginning to thrive once more.

However, until the remaining three big five leagues (Serie A, Ligue 1, EPL) and the majority of the continent's competitions reveal their revenue reports for the 2023/24 season it is too early to determine if the trends are the same across the whole of Europe.

The post LaLiga records strong revenue and attendance growth appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football West joins Football Australia in welcoming the 2025 Female Football Week, recognising the contributions of women and girls in football across the state.

Female Football Week (FFW) is a nationwide initiative that focuses on the crucial role that women and girls in football play in the community, whilst celebrating their achievements across every sector of the game.

FFW will take place from 2-10 May, and have numerous activations and events as part of the initiative, including coaching courses, webinars and a free girls five-a-side tournament.

Events taking place:

Monday 5 May

Coaching Webinar: Backing High-Performing Teams Off the Field

This session is tailored for community coaches, aspiring coaches, and parents of players. Learn how the off-field environment we shape can have a big impact on on-field success. Hear from guest speakers as they share strategies for creating safe, supportive spaces that help individuals thrive both on and off the pitch.

Hosted by Women Onside’s Samantha Lewis, the panel will also share their personal journeys in football and explore how we can continue to grow the game across Australia.

Time: 6–7pm (WST)
MC: Samantha Lewis (Women Onside)

Panellists:

• Janet Drakos – National Female Wellbeing Manager, Football Australia
• Faye Chambers – Coach Education Tutor, Football Australia
• Louise McColl – Coach Education Tutor, Football Australia
• Lizzie Ramsey – Coach Engagement Lead, Growing Football Fund, Football Australia

Register Here

Wednesday 7 May

Female Football Week Award Winners Announced

Join us as we reveal this year’s Female Football Week Award recipients, recognising the outstanding contributions of women across all levels of the game.

Awards include: Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Referee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Club Champion of the Year

Volunteers Webinar: Securing and Delivering a Successful Grant Project

Designed for clubs aiming to strengthen their grant applications and deliver impactful projects, this webinar will explore what makes a strong grant proposal, how to build relationships with key stakeholders, and how to plan and manage a successful grant budget.

Time: 6–7pm (WST)
MC: Samantha Lewis (Women Onside)

Panellists:

• Michaela Haley – General Manager, Growing Football Fund, Football Australia
• Jess Woodroffe – Director & Secretary, Launceston City FC
• Nikola Orgill – Senior Manager, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Women’s Asian Cup 2026 LOC
• Jessica Clay – Finance Manager, Planning and Reporting, Football Australia

Register Here

Thursday 8 May

Officiating Webinar: Breaking Down Barriers for Women in Sports Officiating

Aimed at community members and aspiring referees, this session features a panel of experienced female officials discussing their pathways in elite refereeing. Learn how they're shaping supportive environments to help more women and girls thrive in sports officiating.

Time: 6–7pm (WST)
MC: Samantha Lewis (Women Onside)

Panellists:

• Karen Hennessy – National Female Engagement Lead, Football Australia
• Belinda Sharpe – NRL Match Official & Project Coordinator, Strategy & Umpire
• Eloise Sheridan – Learning and Development Lead, Refereeing (Football Australia) & International Umpire (Cricket Australia)

Register Here

Friday 9 May

Women in Football Breakfast

Join us for a special celebration of women in football over breakfast at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. The event will feature a panel Q&A with inspiring voices in the game, reflecting on progress, challenges, and the future of women’s football.

Note: This event is fully subscribed

Saturday 10 May

Girls 5-a-Side Tournament

Football West invites girls to join a FREE five-a-side tournament as part of the Female Football Week celebrations.

Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location: Sam Kerr Football Centre
Eligibility: Open to girls born between 2009–2011 (U14–U16)

A great opportunity to showcase skills, make new friends, and be part of the football community!

Register Here

All-Female C Diploma Coaching Course

Join us for the fourth and final contact of the FREE All-Female C Diploma coaching course at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.

The post Football West celebrates the 2025 Female Football Week appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed the extension of its partnership with Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers for 2025.

Through this continued alliance, Gow-Gates will deliver ongoing support to Football Queensland’s members, clubs, and participants by providing access to the comprehensive Sport Insurance Program.

This program offers wide-ranging coverage designed to protect those involved in the game, with additional brokerage services that include workers’ compensation, business insurance, and personal insurance options.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to safety, security, and long-term sustainability within the football community.

By ensuring tailored insurance solutions are available at all levels of the game, Gow-Gates plays a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of players, coaches, officials, and volunteers.

This agreement helps create a more resilient football environment across Queensland, giving peace of mind to those who help the game thrive every day.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci welcomed the joint venture extension, highlighting its ongoing impact and benefits for the Queensland football community.  

“Gow-Gates has been a valued partner of Football Queensland for many years, ensuring our players, coaches, referees, and clubs have the protection they need to participate in our great game with confidence,” Cavallucci said in a press release.  

“With the extension of the partnership, we’re strengthening our commitment to the wellbeing of our football community, delivering security and peace of mind so everyone – whether on or off the field – can focus on what they love.” 

Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers CEO Tom Gow-Gates shared his continued support for Football Queensland and praised its lasting influence on the game.

“Football Queensland plays a vital role in developing the game at every level, and we’re proud to stand alongside them as they continue to grow and strengthen the community across the state,” Gow-Gates said in a press release.

“Our role is to help ensure players, clubs, and volunteers can focus on what matters most, with the confidence that they’re supported by insurance solutions designed for their unique needs.”

With this extended partnership, Football Queensland and Gow-Gates will work together to improve services and increase efficiency, ensuring the game stays accessible and well-supported at every level in 2025.

For more information about the Sport Insurance Program, you can visit the Gow-Gates website HERE.

The post Football Queensland confirms extended collaboration with Gow-Gates appeared first on Soccerscene.

Rezzil is a leading sports technology business paving the way for Virtual Reality integration into real-life professional football training.

Originally based in Manchester, England - Rezzil has since grown exponentially, partnering with multiple elite level football clubs, and expanding into new domains such as, American football, basketball and Formula 1.

The organisation has achieved such success through its innovative, unique and effective VR training programs and games, designed for businesses, clubs and everyday people.

Programs for Clubs

Rezzil offers a wealth of resources for clubs aiming to track and enhance player performance, chief among these is Rezzil Index.

Index is a VR program which tests players across a range of situations and drills to analyse their quick thinking, awareness, technical skill, and more. Through Index, clubs can use the information gained through tests to rapidly benchmark and track how their players improve or regress across time.

To make the technology truly applicable to clubs, Rezzil prides itself on how quickly Index can analyse a player. An Index run can be completed in 20 minutes, and the information is instantly sent to a secure database where it can be accessed in real time.

Data can be extracted raw, or it can be viewed as Rezzil's very own Index player report cards - displaying information across a series of simple metrics.

In addition to Index, Rezzil also operates exar.live - a post-match analysis tool which compiles data from optical tracking hardware such as Hawkeye, Second Spectrum and Tracab to create 3D or VR recreations of games. Since its creation, exar.live has found success through being adopted by EPL clubs like Manchester City and broadcasters such as Sky Sports.

Programs for Everyone 

Alongside its elite level programs, Rezzil has also entered the consumer market with a variety of unique VR programs.

Chief among Rezzil's offerings is Rezzil Player. Previously a club only program, Rezzil Player is an advanced training system with over 160 different repeatable training drills and situations designed to test reaction speed and player skills.

Through Rezzil Player, users can assess their performance via data sheets and track how they are improving as they play and repeat the drills.

However, Rezzil Player is not Rezzil's only consumer game. Launched late last year, Premier League Player is the EPL's first officially licensed VR game and transports users onto the pitches of their favourite teams.

Available on Meta Quest, users can create their own avatars, or step into the shoes of beloved premier league stars and replay through highlights of the 2023/24 season.

Furthermore, Rezzil has also developed the VR game Hexball for Meta Quest. Hexball is a fast-paced three player arena football game inspired by successful market leaders such as Rocket League. In Hexball, players compete against each other to score the most goals possible within tight environments.

Conclusion 

Rezzil has consistently demonstrated its tenacity and commitment to the cutting edge across all of its products, earning it a plethora of high-value partnerships across the world.

In the football world, Rezzil has fostered collaborations with globally renowned clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Juventus, and with the English Premier League itself.

However, Rezzil has also made an impact across a range of other sports, garnering partnerships with the National Basketball Association, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Red Bull Racing and more.

Additionally, the organisation has expanded into the United States, establishing a new headquarters in the country.

In conclusion, Rezzil is a world leader in the application of VR in sport and has consistently shown its capacity to supply and support the most demanding of clients, highlighting the organisation's professionalism and aptitude.

The post Rezzil VR: Integrating Virtual Reality in Sports appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Path X recently hit the app store internationally, building on the connectivity of potential players from amateur to professional with clubs around the world.

Azur Omerovic has been one of key members of the Football Path X (FPX) team through its recent growth.

As head of partnerships, Azur sat down with Soccerscene to talk about the exciting journey of the company and the plans they hold for Football Path X’s future.

How did Football Path X come about?

Azur Omerovic: It all started with our CEO Rajan Zejnuni, he travelled with his wife Naava Garreth, to her home country of Uganda. For most of Africans, football is way out of poverty. Same can be seen in South America such as Brazil, though the scale and communication logistics for players with footballing ambitions is a big obstacle. Especially in the largest and most competitive footballing continent, Europe.

Rajan had talked with players and coaches who shared how difficult is to find a club locally and how much they struggle when it comes to international showcasing. Their players were left behind unless they were rich and very well connected. The players used Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to try and showcase their skills but there was little evidence of success by using these general forms of social media. FPX centralises all activities and game opportunity to individuals so it can tell complete stories about themselves and achieve, not just local, but international reach.

How did you personally get involved?

Azur Omerovic: I have played and coached at a good level before and know a lot about football. I have also had a lot of experience in business development and partnerships. I got in contact with Rajan after he published his first promo video on Facebook and announced MPV to go live. Since we both share similar values and passion, we decided to continue building FPX together.

Also in our team is my sister Amila Omerovic who is head of Player Development at FPX and has played professionally in the US and represented Croatia. Eldan Alomerovic, a brilliant designer whose creativity makes our ideas come to life, ensuring a seamless and visually stunning user experience. Assem Ragab, our Product Manager, is an IT professional and has worked in some of the biggest IT Companies such as Oracle, IBM, SAP, Meta and Tesla, at these companies he developed several products and in FPX Assem oversees product commercialisation and gamification.

So what is Football Path X and what gives it the advantage in this competitive market?

Azur Omerovic: The market is flooded with apps for individuals who can afford spending around $17 AUD a month (€10), and even then, there is little value since the major problems are not solved on a large scale. FPX is not just a mobile app - The mobile app is our first product and next year we will be publishing other digital products. This will create a set of services and products that make us a platform where all football life circles for each individual and entity (club, league) is covered.

A central part is the social part, or how people interact. FPX is huge step towards providing digital football solutions for all players and staff of clubs, equipping them with cutting-edge technology to enhance their skills, increase their visibility, and connect with the global football community and our rapidly growing platform.

[caption id="attachment_29394" align="alignnone" width="300"] Football Path X logo. (Image supplied by Azur Omerovic)[/caption]

What is the premium package of club management?

Azur Omerovic: For this upgrade it will be built around a club dynamic. We digitalise all football activities: Staff management, event tracking e.g. Match scheduling and tracking, training scheduling and coach-player feedback including statistical aspect of players, coaches, team and club performance. Clubs will gain complete overview of all activities and eliminate unstructured communication which consumes so much time, and this communication can be held directly, via WhatsApp and even recorded with pen and paper.

We can help digitalise clubs, which will include expert insights into training techniques and club issues from field professionals both at FPX and through over users in the App. The platform will be a football marketplace where experts and rising football stars meet, exchange knowledge and professionals can offer their services. Coaches, Scouts, Agents and other professionals like Psychologists will have their place and role on our platform.

Part of the Club Management option is a marketing package which enables clubs to interact with fans via sharing material generated in the app. Fans will get real time results and stay up to date with the club’s news like live scores or announcements. Club Management is an important brick in building this bridge, the bridge that connects demand and needs.

[caption id="attachment_29395" align="alignnone" width="300"] Features of Football Path X. (Image supplied by Azur Omerovic)[/caption]

What is going to be the process to get clubs onto the premium package of club management?

Azur Omerovic: We have strong football network that includes around 1500 coaches around the world who have personal and professional relationships with our team and our partners. Product will be presented to them, and we believe that their leagues will get involved with our concept as well, since no one wants to stay behind. Of course, we will reach out to clubs if we notice high number of players who use the platform for personal purposes.

We are also invited to The World Football Summit which will take place in Madrid this Autumn. From this we will get direct connection with the biggest football organisations like FIFA and UEFA. This event will be the showcase for our official Club Management announcement.

Who can join Football Path X and Is there a targeted consumer?

Azur Omerovic: Though professionals are welcome to the app, 99% of footballers are amateur, semi-professional and veteran players. We believe that these players are the key. A lot of lower level clubs have the funds or ability of professional structures. So, we can offer them a system with low price and good quality. Academies are also the perfect centre for FPX to connect upcoming players in these programs to explore opportunities.

As FPX is solely football focused, parents can help manage their kids careers and represent them until they are mature enough to take over their accounts. FPX also allows their kids to get the app to communicate in a footballing environment and not get overwhelmed by the other aspects of the mainstream social media apps out there.

Only 6% of all players right now are women, we match this in our own statistics as well, with Amila Omerovic as head of Football Development it’s a central focus of FPX to increase this number.

Has Football Path X been interested in the Australian market? 

Azur Omerovic: Football is developing in Australia and 10 football clubs from Australia use the current free version already. It’s a sport that is expanding professionally but has an extensive semi-pro and amateur presence. Australia is also a digitalised country, so people don’t have an issue with using apps for communication and it integrates well into the Australian way of life.

For us it’s a huge market to get into and can be a huge advantage for most of the Australian footballing community. Since the publicity of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup the Women’s football market has exploded in Australia and is an exciting development for us.

How have you been engaged in the Australian Market?

Azur Omerovic: Football Path X is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Australasian Soccer Academy from Sydney. At the heart of this collaboration is Tony Basha, the Chairman of Australasian Soccer Academy. His passion for football, his club and the community has deeply resonated with us. Regardless of gender or age, it is a great opportunity for all.

Tony and his academy are a respected and known academy in Europe and internationally. A true visionary, Tony recognises the power of technology in elevating football talent and has been instrumental in fostering this partnership. We are delighted to work alongside him and look forward to a long-lasting relationship that will transform football in Australia.

We encourage all players and clubs in Australia to get the app and contribute to the growing community.

[caption id="attachment_29392" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Tony Basha CEO of The Australasian Football Academy. (Image provided by Azur Omerovic).[/caption]

How is Football Path X currently tracking?

Azur Omerovic: More than 2500 players and coaches from 120 clubs use our app even though we are just around 5 months on the market. Based on the last few weeks of the growth rate, we expect to hit the 100 000 user mark by the end of the year.

Late last year FPX team had the annual Web summit in Lisbon, where we connected to similar organisations in the digital and footballing industry. We were even approached by some famous football clubs including Atletico Madrid and Benfica.

The FPX team are keen to develop these relationships and adapt them into the app experience.

What does the future hold for Football Path X?

Azur Omerovic: The Management premium package first phase of the app is out now. We will go live early in July with a Beta version and finalise it until 1st of September. We are based primarily in Europe, with our central office in Vienna, Austria. So, Europe will continue to be a base of operations and our app’s primary focus for opportunities.

For the app to grow however, we are keen to keep pushing the app in the Australian market and expand to get more partners in South America, The US and to all countries. We already have users from 146 countries in the world.

We are driven to have FPX be the app that can connect the footballing world from the most amateur to the highest professional players, academies and clubs.

The post Exclusive Interview With Football Path X’s Azur Omerovic: “Football Path X Will Digitally Revolutionise The Footballing World” appeared first on Soccerscene.

Ahead of this weekend’s Federal Election, Independent Candidate for Franklin, Brendan Blomeley has backed a Home of Football at Wentworth Park which has been welcomed by Football Tasmania.

The Home of Football will offer more fields and facilities to support every level of football in Tasmania, from local grassroots teams to elite talent development and academy programs, and will also serve as the future home base for a potential Tasmanian A-League club.

Blomeley explained the decision behind his support.

“Wentworth Park in Franklin is the ideal location for a purpose-built facility that caters for all levels of all football, from grassroots to elite," he said in a press release.

“Football is growing and is running out of space in the South of the State, and Franklin should be home to this facility to create football pathways for the future, from MiniRoos to the Socceroos and Matildas.

“Tasmania needs a facility that will benefit the entire football community.”

Football Tasmania is looking for funding to build the $80 million Home of Football, which would feature six full-sized pitches, three synthetic and three grass, along with four five-a-side fields, catering to everyone from local clubs to elite-level players.

The facility would also include modern changing rooms and training areas for both women and men.

Football Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata expressed his excitement about receiving the Independent Candidate's support.

“We are thrilled to receive Mr Blomeley’s support today. Tasmanians love our football, and the sport continues to grow," he said in a press release.

"What we need now is for our Federal, State and Local Governments to provide their communities with the facilities they need to participate in the sport that they love.

“The success of our Tasmanian teams, such as the JackJumpers in the NBL and the Hurricanes in the BBL, show what is possible with the support of all levels of government.

“We strive for an elite football presence in the national A-League competition, to rightfully take our place on the national stage and to provide a complete pathway for our footballers who aspire to play professionally.

“I thank Brendan for his support, and will continue to work with Labor and the Liberals to secure their support for this important infrastructure for future generations.”

Last year in Tasmania, participation increased by five percent compared to 2023, reaching a total of 31,278, which includes a three percent rise in outdoor football, with 14,552 participants, 28 percent of whom are female.

The post Independent candidate throws support behind the new Tasmanian Home of Football appeared first on Soccerscene.

901 European clubs have received a record combined $413.7m AUD from the UEFA EURO 2024 Club Benefits Programme.

Clubs from each of the 55 member associations were supported, ranging from the highest tiers of play to amateur football.

Designed to support clubs who had released players to their national teams across the 2020/2024 cycle of European competitions, the Club Benefits Programme aided clubs through events such as the 2020/21 and 2022/23 UEFA Nations League, European Qualifiers 2022–24 and the UEFA EURO 2024 final tournament.

The mechanisms for the distribution of payments were devised by the UEFA Executive Committee in April 2022. In accordance with these mechanisms, $177m was reserved for the 2020/21 and 2022/23 UEFA Nations League as well as the European Qualifiers to UEFA EURO 2024.

Across these periods, $163m was distributed, a significant increase upon the previous cycle's $124m distribution. The remaining $14m was saved for the next distribution cycle.

Furthermore, the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament itself saw an increase in the amount of money distributed for the release of players - growing from $230.8m to $248.6m, supporting 196 clubs from 29 UEFA national associations.

Additionally, the overall $413.7m supplied to European clubs is a major increase on the $355m distributed in the previous cycle.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin expressed the organisation's joy for the success of the programme.

"It is fantastic to see clubs of all sizes and levels, across the entire football pyramid, receiving financial rewards for their vital role in developing players who contribute to the success of our national team competitions - including the highly successful UEFA EURO 2024 final tournament," he said in a press release.

"Every success of our competitions is a shared one, and this benefits programme is another testament to that principle, recognising the dedication of those who work tirelessly to make European football the greatest sport in the world. When football thrives, everyone benefits."

Chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), Nasser Al-Khelaïfi highlighted the importance of the ECA's and UEFA's combined efforts in creating the Club Benefits Programme.

"I am very pleased see that more than 900 clubs from all corners of Europe have benefited from this unprecedented distribution under the Club Benefits Programme, which is a key pillar of UEFA and ECA’s Memorandum of Understanding," he said in a statement.

"This initiative recognises that clubs play a vital role in the ongoing success of national team football through developing, employing and releasing players; and also that the national team game in-turn drives the development of clubs and their communities.

"This harmonious relationship perfectly reflects the great collaboration between UEFA and ECA today, driving growth, innovation and the positive development of European football in the interests of all.”

To learn which clubs benefited from the programme, and the amount they received - see this list.

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Football Victoria (FV) has rolled out an innovative bodycam pilot for referees in grassroots football, making it the first state or territory in Australia to participate in this initiative.

This trial is part of a global initiative approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to see if body-worn cameras can help reduce abuse, encourage better behaviour, and make referees feel safer.

Supported by Football Australia and in partnership with Reveal Media, the pilot builds on a successful 2023 trial.

In that earlier run, 66.1% of referees said player behaviour improved, and 57.1% felt the cameras helped cut down on abuse.

Notably, there were no reports of physical abuse during the trial, even though more than half of the referees had experienced it in the past.

Many also found that simply warning players they were about to activate the camera helped calm things down.

This is a tightly controlled trial under IFAB’s guidelines, meaning strict rules are in place.

Referees will only wear cameras in approved grassroots competitions, and they'll only turn them on in serious situations such as if there’s a threat to safety or major misconduct.

All video is owned by the national football association, kept encrypted, and deleted within 60 days. Referees receive training on how to use the cameras and must let players know before activating them.

Only authorised people can review the footage, and only in cases involving serious incidents. Around 100 grassroots referees across Victoria will take part in this first phase.

They'll be supported with training and resources, and if the trial goes well, the program could roll out to more adult grassroots leagues in 2025.

FV CEO Dan Birrell shared some details regarding the bodycams before their launch.

“We invest significantly in Referee Development and truly value the incredible work of our referees every week," he said in a press release

"The launch will coincide perfectly with the start of our community competition season, so we’re looking forward to seeing the cameras in action right away."

FV Head of Referees, Tony Peart shared his delight with the new initiative.

“I’m absolutely delighted our referees are the first in the country to trial bodycams and support this important national project," he said in the same press release

"This trial could be key to enhancing protection for officials and improving the environment in which they officiate."

Football Victoria will keep tracking and assessing the trial’s impact to strengthen its dedication to creating a safer and more respectful football community.

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Grants are open for South Australia's Active Club Program - Regional Drought Relief Round - until midday Wednesday 28 May 2025.

The Active Club Program is an ongoing grant from the South Australian government designed to support clubs attract participation and ease operation. This special Regional Drought Relief Round aims to address the disadvantages and barriers clubs face due to being adversely affected by drought.

In total the Regional Drought Relief Round is providing $2 million dollars to clubs in drought affected areas facing hardship, with clubs able to claim $5000.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must:

• be a non-profit recreation, sport, or community club whose primary purpose is the delivery of sport or recreational programs or services within South Australia; or
• be a non-profit fishing club whose primary purpose is the delivery of recreational programs or services within South Australia; and
• be incorporated under the Associations Incorporations Act 1985 (SA); and
• have a minimum total membership base of 20 members. Total membership can include
  associate, social and life membership; and
• be operating for 12 months or longer; and
• be located within an eligible council area or comparable regional or remote area. (List can be found on the guidelines page HERE).

Conversely, the following organisations will be ineligible:

• Any organisation which holds a gaming license.
• Organisations which have been operating for less than 12 months
• For profit, commercial organisations.
• Local councils/local government authorities.
• State associations and peak bodies which receive funding from the State Sport and Recreation Development Program.
• Educational institutions.
• Dance organisations unaffiliated with DanceSport Australia or another recognised body by the Australian Sports Commission.
• Any organisation whose primary purpose is not the delivery of active recreation, sport or recreational fishing programs.
• Any organisation which has overdue grant acquittals for the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) at the time of funding recommendations.
• Any organisation which has less than 20 members.
• Any organisation which cannot demonstrate an acceptable level of financial responsibility.
• Any organisation whose primary purpose is to run one off or yearly events.
• Any organisation physically located in a metropolitan area.

Eligible Projects

Program grants can be used for projects and equipment which target participation and water initiatives or expenses.

Examples include:

• Water saving or harvesting initiatives
• Energy efficiency initiatives
• Utility bill relief
• Sporting equipment
• Fishing equipment
• Uniforms and protective gear
• Professional development
• Positive menstrual health initiatives
• Medical training
• Medical equipment
• Club promotional material
• Hardship subsidies
• Technology directly associated with
  participation or club sustainability
• Playing venue maintenance
  equipment
• White goods
• Travel and accommodation

Conclusion 

Before applying for the grants, ensure that you have the mandatory documents required. These are the most recent Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) and/or Statement of Financial Performance (Income and Expenditure Statement) of your organisation, and they must cover a period of 12 months.

To apply for the Regional Drought Relief Round, click HERE.

For more information on the grants, learn from the guidelines HERE.

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In a landmark display of solidarity, Australia's football governing bodies have united to submit a joint, ambitious proposal to the government ahead of the next federal election, claiming that this proposal is crucial to ensuring the game's survival.

The sport's new national agenda, outlined in Securing Our Football Future, calls for more than $3 billion in funding at all governmental levels to cover urgent facilities improvements, grassroots growth, elite development, and Australia's global aspirations.

The message is clear: without urgent and significant investment, football runs the risk of losing a generation of players at a time when participation in the sport is rising at an unprecedented rate in Australia, especially among women and girls.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth

At the centre of Football Australia’s recommendations is the urgent need to bridge the “change room facilities gap”, a rolling 10-year federal program totalling $1.56 billion. Despite football being one of the country's most played club sports, many community facilities are still outdated, inaccessible, and unsuitable for the increasing number of female players.

Over the next five to ten years, the agenda also requests $1.2 billion from state, territory, and municipal governments to repair vital infrastructure, like drainage and lighting systems, which have been highlighted as significant obstacles to increasing participation in a safe and inclusive manner.

Other key proposals include:

• $50 million investment in a new national football headquarters to house both Football Australia and the Australian Professional Leagues
• Funding support for three new state football headquarters and upgrades to five existing ones
• Backing the redevelopment of Perry Park in Brisbane as a key football venue ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games
• $1 million seed funding for the launch of the Australian Championship, the long-awaited National Second Tier
• Strengthened support for sports diplomacy, international tournament bids, and social programs linked to football’s community impact
• Updates to regulatory frameworks, including visa categories for players, urban planning laws, and stadium policing standards

Grassroots Strain: Participation Outpacing Facilities

Following the Matildas' historic FIFA Women's World Cup campaign, grassroots participation has skyrocketed across the nation. However, the infrastructure required to sustain this expansion has fallen dangerously behind.

More than 2,000 community facilities are required to be upgraded, according to a detailed national audit conducted by Football Australia and the state federations. Of these, 7,848 proposed projects were needed to satisfy "minimum standard" requirements.

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, emphasised the urgency in New South Wales, where football has the greatest participation rates of any sport.

“Football is the most popular sport in New South Wales, yet many facilities are outdated. Investment in modern fields, lighting, and female-friendly amenities is essential to support our growing football community. Government funding will ensure safe, inclusive spaces for all players, driving participation and talent development,” he said via Securing Our Football Future.

The challenge is even more acute in Victoria, a state that is experiencing rapid population expansion in suburban corridors.

Football Victoria Acting CEO, Dan Birrell, warned that without immediate investment, the sport risks losing young players.

"Children are being turned away due to a lack of suitable playing fields and facilities. Government investment in modern, accessible pitches and club infrastructure is essential to creating more opportunities for children, fostering community connections, and ensuring football remains inclusive and accessible for all," he said via Securing Our Football Future.

Strengthening the Domestic and International Game

The Securing Our Football Future agenda goes beyond community football to focus on the game's larger ecosystem, from strengthening Australia's standing on the international football scene to expanding the A-League.

In order to assist the league's expansion and stability, key professional clubs, including Macarthur FC, Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory, Western Sydney Wanderers, and Perth Glory, have all pushed for regulatory changes. These include reforms to high-performance funding, simplified visa categories for foreign athletes, and urban development plans to promote improved access to stadiums and training facilities.

APL, Executive Chair, the Hon. Stephen Conroy, highlighted the importance of building on the momentum of the A-Leagues in showcasing local and international talent.

"Football infrastructure, facilities and stadia are not keeping pace with the huge grassroots participation, and the growing pathways and professional game in Australia. It's hoped this initiative will help unlock the investment the participation base and potential of the game deserves," he said via Securing Our Football Future.

Meanwhile, the establishment of the Australian Championship — a brand-new National Second Tier league — is seen as a vital component that will provide a direct pathway between grassroots and professional football.

At the elite level, continued support for the Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas is still essential, as is deliberate funding for initiatives like Bridge to the World, which aim to give Australian players additional opportunities abroad.

A Critical Moment

Although several members of the football community applauded the federal government's recent $200 million grants program called Play Our Way, leaders contend that, especially considering the size of the participation surge, it does not adequately address the urgent needs of grassroots infrastructure.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson emphasised that the sport’s rapid growth must be matched by urgent infrastructure investment.

“Our surge in participation has put football at a tipping point where our growth is outpacing our infrastructure. All levels of government need to act to address the facilities gap to give grassroots players an opportunity to participate and support our current and emerging talent to compete on the world stage," he said via Securing Our Football Future.

The message from football's unified leadership is straightforward: the sport's current momentum, which is based on generational accomplishments, runs the risk of halting without immediate, significant investment.

Securing Our Football Future provides a road map for not just preserving the game but also fulfilling its full potential as Australia's inclusive, diverse, and grassroots global sport.

The time to act is now.

To read through the full Securing Our Football Future 2025 policy proposals, click here.

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This Saturday the Australian public will shape the future of the nation when they head to the polls to vote in the 2025 Federal election.

Another factor that could sway some voters is the promises made by the major parties to support local sports clubs and reserves, especially those focused on football.

The Albanese Labor Government has already made major strides when it comes to funding the future of soccer in this nation, particularly for women's and girl's involvement.

On the back of a successful FIFA women's World Cup campaign on home soil which saw the Matildas make it to the Semi-Final, the Albanese Government announced the "Play Our Way" program.

This program would provide greater opportunities for women and girls to access, participate and remain involved in sport and physical activity.

Women and girls in Australia are under-represented in sport and physical activity, so, the Play Our Way program will support and provide more opportunities for equal participation in sport and physical activity, as well as access to sporting facilities, equipment and initiatives.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the importance of the program.

“The Matildas have given us a moment of national inspiration, this is about seizing that opportunity for the next generation, investing in community sporting facilities for women and girls around Australia," he said in a press release.

“Sport is a great unifier and a great teacher – it brings communities together, it teaches us about teamwork and resilience and the joy of shared success.

“We want women and girls everywhere in Australia to have the facilities and the support to choose a sport they love.”

The Australian government has provided $200 million for the Play Our Own program which will run over three years from 2024-25 to 2026-27.

Looking ahead, Labor has made several commitments to supporting the growth of football across the country.

One example is the pledge to commit $1.2 million to upgrade soccer facilities in Creswick and Daylesford if the Federal Labor Government is re-elected.

In April, Catherine King, the Member for Ballarat, announced that the funding promise will go towards upgrades at Victoria Park in Daylesford and the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve in Creswick.

According to Ms King, the Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club has around 150 players, including 40 female players, and has been forced to cap its intake because current pitches cannot accommodate this growth.

Labor’s pledge will help rectify this issue as well as create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all women and girls. 

Other pledges by Labor include $10 million towards a new mini stadium for Melbourne City FC, facility upgrades at Alamein FC/ Ashburton SC, $3.5 million towards female-friendly facilities at St Albans Saints FC, and more.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party has also pledged strong support for the future of the sport, promising funding if elected.

One notable example is the party's pledge to commit $2 million to upgrade Heidelberg United Alexander FC facilities should it win the federal election.

In April, Liberal candidate Chris Parr made the announcement in the Jagajaga electorate, joined by local MP Keith Wolahan and Senator James Paterson.

The funding will go towards major improvements to the club’s facilities, including a new Olympic Museum, bigger training areas, more open green space, and larger clubrooms to better serve the growing community.

The announcement has been seen as a big win for local families, sports lovers, and volunteers, with the Coalition highlighting its commitment to supporting communities by working closely with local groups and the Banyule City Council.

Another notable pledge by the Liberal Party is to upgrade Devlins Road Recreation Reserve in Ocean Grove.

In March 2025, the Liberal Party confirmed that the first stage of the upgrade would receive $5 million if the Coalition wins the federal election.

This project would bring new soccer fields with lighting and fencing, a pavilion, and a new home for the Surfside Waves Soccer Club, establishing a permanent base for junior soccer and other sports at the reserve.

However, in the following month, the Albanese Labor government pledged to match the election promise made by the Coalition meaning the first stage of the Devlins Road Reserve upgrade in Ocean Grove will get a $5 million kickstart regardless of which party forms the government next month.

This is just one of many instances where both parties have clashed over election commitments to local clubs and reserves, with other examples including FC Eaglehawk, Dwyer Street Reserve, Phillip Island Soccer Club just to name a few.

According to Football Victoria, the 2025 federal election has resulted in a total funding commitment value of $93,560,000 in just the state alone.

So, as Australians head to the polls, it’s clear that the battle for votes extends beyond national issues, with local football sports funding emerging as a key play in shaping community support.

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The Labor party have promised lighting upgrades for local sporting fields in the NSW Whitlam electorate if the Albanese government is re-elected at this weekend's Federal Election.

Labor promise to put $3 million towards upgrades in lighting for sports ovals and parks in the Southern Highlands area within the Whitlam area.

This funding would go towards the David Woods Playing fields in Bowral, Hampden Park in Roberston and Church Road Oval in Moss Vale.

Church Road Oval is the home ground of the Moss Vale Football Club (MVFC).

Labor will fight hard to retain this key electorate that they have held with previous MP Stephen Jones since 2016.

Carol Berry has been recently appointed as the Labor party candidate in the Whitlam Constituency for the May 4th Federal Election.

Rowan MacAlpine of MVFC has been recognised by MP Carol Berry as an important voice for pushing through the grant scheme for this opportunity.

Carol Berry has been vocal in her support for football and the need for upgrades in her constituency.

“As a soccer mum and as a former soccer player myself, I know what a difference a well-lit sporting field can make," quoted via NSW Labor official media website.

“If re-elected, an Albanese Labor Government will improve field lighting in the Southern Highlands, which will make a real difference to clubs and players.

“Sport is such an important way for kids and adults to stay fit and to be part of the community.

“Improving the quality of sporting fields in our region is a great investment by government at all levels."

Lighting has been cited as an important part of maintaining the fields sustainability for use throughout the season and allows for more activity on the fields for longer hours.

Its key to amateur clubs’ abilities to cater for larger participation which can also increase registration and therefore funds straight to the club.

Local council members have also expressed how these funds would be able to ease the pressure on council money, allowing for more revenue into other projects.

It highlights the importance that Federal and State Government's grant schemes have not just on maintaining sporting clubs but also the local communities.

As the election heats up to this weekend, promises will be given at large to many of Australia’s communities. Only with the results of the election can the landscape of football in Australia plan for the next stages.

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The Tasmanian Liberals have promised to provide $1.69 million to complete Launceston City FC's precinct redevelopment if they are elected to government.

Founded in 1958, Launceston City is one of Tasmania's largest sporting clubs, with around 750 registered players competing for the club across NPL Tasmania and the NTJSA.

Since 2021, Launceston City has been engaged in upgrading their home ground facilities at Prospect Park to account for the rapid growth the club has achieved, and to future proof the ground for the next generation.

The initial upgrades saw the construction of the Peter Mies Pavillion, named after a club legend, the pavilion added two modern changerooms to the club. However, rising costs prevented the development of another two changerooms and renovations to crucial club amenities such as parking, lighting, clubrooms and spectator facilities.

Liberal candidate for Lyons, Susie Bower pledged a Liberal government would fund the second stage of the project and help Launceston City build the facilities it required during a press conference at Prospect Park.

"It's absolutely fantastic to be here today at Prospect Vale to announce that a Dutton-led Coalition Government will commit $1.69 million for stage two of the Launceston City Football Club masterplan," she said.

"Now, this masterplan for stage two actually includes two more sets of change rooms, which we know are absolutely critical for this football club because they have over 615 juniors signed up and over 150 senior players."

In a club statement, Launceston City FC expressed gratitude for Susie Bower's visit and accompanying pledge.

"We sincerely thank Susie for this election commitment as well as her ongoing support. This funding will future proof our club for generations to come and help us achieve our strategic vision to have the modern and inclusive facilities and infrastructure our community deserve," the statement read.

The 2025 federal election takes place this Saturday May 3, for information on how or where to vote, visit the Australian Electoral Commision website. 

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Chelsea FC has secured a multi-year partnership with Ticketmaster, appointing the global ticketing company as its Official Ticketing Partner.

This agreement marks a significant operational shift, with Chelsea set to introduce a digital-first ticketing system for the 2025/26 season, designed to simplify access, enhance security, and combat ticket resale fraud.

This collaboration marks a significant upgrade to Chelsea’s matchday operations, aligning the club with world-class ticketing infrastructure already used by leading sports venues globally.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, digital tickets will replace physical tickets for all fixtures at Stamford Bridge, providing fans with a more efficient and secure access system. This move also aims to tackle ticket touting, a persistent issue in top-tier football, by leveraging Ticketmaster’s secure and traceable digital delivery platform.

Teaming up will grant Chelsea access to Ticketmaster’s suite of tools, including:

• Seamless mobile ticket delivery
• Anti-touting features
• Scalable event ticketing for high-demand matches
• Real-time ticket validation and fan data insights

Chelsea FC's Chief Revenue Officer, Casper Stylsvig, reflected on the importance of the club’s new partnership with Ticketmaster.

"Partnering with a leading force in the industry brings significant value to our operations, ensuring we offer our fans a smoother, safer experience with best-in-class products, while continuing to address the issue of ticket touts," he said via press release.

As one of the most recognised football brands globally, Chelsea’s shift to Ticketmaster’s platform underscores the club’s commitment to modernising fan engagement and match day experiences.

Managing Director at Ticketmaster Sport, Chris Gratton, shared his enthusiasm about the new partnership with Chelsea FC.

"Chelsea FC is one of the biggest clubs in football, and we’re excited to be part of their journey. Our goal is to make ticketing as simple as possible for fans," he said via press release.

This move reflects a wider trend in the industry towards contactless, mobile-first stadium entry, which has become increasingly common in Premier League and UEFA competitions, especially after the accelerated adoption of digital solutions during the COVID era.

The alliance between Chelsea FC and Ticketmaster signals a new era for the club, introducing leading technology and expertise to elevate the match day experience for fans.

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A Government program designed to increase female participation in sports will provide almost 50 clubs and organisations with support to upgrade and develop sporting facilities, programs and equipment.

Around $5.4 million has been allocated for the 2024-25 round of The Power of Her - Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP), which aims to create more inclusive spaces for girls and women in sports.

The funded projects include things like unisex clubrooms, better lighting and playing surfaces, new uniforms and equipment, and opportunities for professional development.

The South Australian Government led by Peter Malinauskas launched the program to build on the success of the Matildas and the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

To support the growth of girls' and women’s football, 14 football clubs will receive nearly $2.4 million in funding this round.

Other sports also benefit from the program, such as basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, gymnastics, and Australian Rules Football, providing more chances for girls and women to get involved and succeed in their chosen sports.

For example, Norwood Basketball Club is receiving $14,600 to launch their ‘Rising Flames’ program, helping girls progress to elite senior levels and develop local talent.

Other projects funded through the program include:

• Metro United Women’s Football Club, Pooraka: $25,000 for new uniforms.
• Booleroo Centre Tennis Club: $80,000 to resurface three tennis courts, replace fencing, and build a new equipment shed for their drought-affected club.
• Cove Netball Hub: $392,700 to build four new netball courts in Hallett Cove.
• Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club: $750,000 (through the council) for a new clubroom, synthetic soccer pitch, and multi-purpose oval at Munno Para Regional Sportsground, Davoren Park.

So far, over $7.6 million has been distributed through the IPP, with the second year providing more than twice the amount of support compared to the first round.

Nearly half of the infrastructure project recipients this round – including Jervois Bluds Netball Club and Murraylands Gymnastics Academy – are located in regional and greater metropolitan areas, showing the broad impact on communities across South Australia.

The State Government has committed $18 million to the IPP over three years, with $10 million specifically set aside for football.

This effort is part of a wider push to eliminate barriers to female participation, including support for clubs with period products and menstrual health training.

South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily MLC Bourke highlighted the importance of supporting women in sport at a grassroots level.

"Our Government recognises the importance of supporting grassroots sports to ensure girls and women have opportunities to thrive in whichever sport they pursue," she said in a press release.

"Having the right facilities, programs and equipment in place gives girls and women the space and confidence they need to get involved and stay active with their local club.

"As The Power of Her investment continues to grow, it’s inspiring to see clubs and organisations finding new and creative ways to grow female participation and facilitate high performance pathways in their communities."

For more information, you can find the full list of 2024-2025 IPP grants here.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has embraced Midea in a new global partnership which will see the Chinese white goods company support the AFC's club competitions.

Through the deal, Midea will enter into a multi-year agreement and become a "Global Supporter" of the AFC Champions League Elite™ for the remainder of the current 2024/25 season until the 2028/29 season, and the AFC Champions League Two™ and AFC Women’s Champions League™ across the 2025/26 to 2028/29 period.

In entering the partnership, Midea will hold exclusive rights to advertise its products across all AFC club competitions, giving Midea prime access to billions of consumers across Asia.

AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John explained how the addition of Midea into the AFC family was emblematic of the AFC's immense growth.

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Football Queensland's (FQ) strategic master planning and advocacy work is restructuring infrastructure in football across Northern Queensland, with more than $15 million secured in the past year through state and federal pre-election funding commitments and direct FQ investment. These funds are supporting upgrades at local clubs and progressing FQ’s four master-planned Northern football hubs.

The Future of Football reforms launched by FQ in 2020 initiated a statewide master planning process, shaped by a detailed needs analysis across Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Mount Isa. These plans underpin a targeted government engagement strategy, aligning community priorities with a clear roadmap for delivery.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci has welcomed a surge in infrastructure investment across Northern Queensland.

“Our Northern regions have always been strongholds for our game, but their infrastructure needs were overlooked for too long. That’s changing now as we’re now seeing government recognition and support starting to match the scale of football in the region – particularly in the Far North, where participation has grown by over 28% in 2024,” he said via press release.

“In addition to our direct investments into the four Northern hubs each year, our government engagement strategy led by the #EQUALISER campaign has delivered record infrastructure funding commitments statewide, including over $6 million in pre-election commitments during the 2024 state election for North Queensland and currently sitting at more than $9 million ahead of May’s federal election.”

In the Whitsunday Coast, Mackay Football Park’s master plan is delivering upgrades, including new changerooms, seating, and improved maintenance, supported by $800,000 in 2024 state election funding.

In Far North Queensland, a $4.1 million federal commitment is advancing the Macca’s Park master plan in Cairns, with new amenities and a Centre of Excellence to boost the venue’s role.

In the North West, $600,000 is funding major improvements at Mt Isa Football Park, including new female changerooms and upgraded facilities.

In Townsville, progress continues on the Paradise Park master plan, with FQ working to secure funding for a synthetic pitch to support year-round football for over 5,000 participants.

Beyond the hubs, local clubs across the Northern Conference are also benefiting, with over $2 million in pre-election funding committed to lighting upgrades, surface improvements, and amenity enhancements to support the region’s growing participation.

Cavallucci highlighted that the record funding reflects FQ’s long-term strategy, driven by the Future of Football reforms and a unified approach to advocacy.

“These record funding outcomes reflect FQ’s long-term strategic plan for regional infrastructure investment. The Future of Football reforms were critical in enabling FQ to advocate for investment through one unified voice to government. Progress is continuing to be made through a measured approach, as we invest over the next five years to bring to life and deliver the four master plans,” he continued on to say via press release.

Football Queensland will continue to collaborate with all government levels in the lead up to the 2025 federal election and beyond, advancing key projects and ensuring the needs of regional football are prioritised.

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Soccerscene and Global Institute of Sport (GIS) are pleased to announce their formal media partnership.

The media partnership has been struck based on a mutual alignment of key values, including a desire to promote the growth of Australian football domestically and its reputation on the world stage.

As a leading industry-based football publication, Soccerscene’s core focus is to report on news relevant to those involved within the football industry.

The publication emphasises sourcing stories that are centred on knowledge growth, governance, key developments, and major domestic and international events.

Ray Boggiano, GIS Regional Director, Asia-Pacific spoke on the new media partnership for the company.

"Soccerscene is a unique media outlet in Australia, catering expertly to the football industry and providing a voice for those within the sector. We're pleased to partner with Soccerscene to further consolidate our commitment to providing learning and networking opportunities to those across football, not just within Australia but also globally," Boggiano says.

Representatives at Soccerscene echoed the message, stating mutual values and a passion for growing Australian football as key drivers for the formation of the partnership.

"Global Institute of Sport do a tremendous job in the sports business sector here in Australia and abroad, and the company's values of growth in Australian football resonates with us at Soccerscene," says Theo Athans, Assistant Editor at Soccerscene.

"We are all extremely excited to form this partnership and look forward to creating strong ties with everyone involved with GIS.”

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The final design concepts of upgrades for the iconic inner western Sydney venue, Leichhardt Oval, have been released.

The designs revealed new, updated and wide-ranging facilities for clubs, players and spectators across the stadium, with a particular focus on women's sport.

As part of the upgrades, a new northern grandstand will be built, and the lower seating bowl will receive fresh modern seating.

Additionally, the Western grandstand will receive a significant renovation which will include:

• All-new stadium seating
• All-new corporate, media and media facilities

Financing the upgrades to Leichhardt Oval is a funding agreement between the Federal, State and local government. To deliver the project, the Inner West Council and NSW State government have both committed $10 million to the Oval, while the Federal government has put forth $20 million.

The upgrades have been designed by two project managers, Ernst and Young, and Cox Architecture.

Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek highlighted the importance of Leichhardt Oval for the Inner West in a statement.

“Australians love spending time outdoors, getting together with family and friends to watch a game, or cheer on the next generation," she said.

“Leichhardt Oval is a place for world class games – and it deserves world class facilities. This new development will mean there are top quality facilities for everyone to enjoy, including schools and women and girls’ teams.

“That’s why Labor has committed $20 million to support these vital upgrades. We want to make sure the Oval is a community hub into the future.”

Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne, detailed the impact the upgrades would have.

“These designs keep the heritage and character of our famous ground while bringing the facilities for players, spectators and sports clubs up to modern standards,” he said.

“This will make the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ one of the highest quality suburban grounds in Australia while taking the unbeatable atmosphere there to another level.

“We are ready to deliver a renovation that will secure the future of Leichhardt Oval for another 50 years to come.”

Primarily a rugby league stadium and a home to the West Tigers, Leichhardt Oval also has a long history of hosting soccer games. Currently, Leichhardt Oval hosts Australia Cup games and is one of Sydney FC's homes in the A-League Women. Additionally, the ground formerly hosted both Sydney Olympic FC and A.P.I.A Leichhardt during the NSL.

To learn more about the new upgrades, read the final designs HERE.

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The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) have announced the appointment of two new Club Directors to the APL Board, as well as updates to the salary cap structure which will be implemented from the 2025/26 season.

At an Extraordinary General Meeting held earlier today, Club Unitholders voted to appoint John Dovaston, Chairman of Melbourne Victory, and Kaz Patafta, Chairman and CEO of Brisbane Roar, as new Club Directors to the APL Board.

Both bring a strong mix of football, business, and governance experience to the table, drawn from their work both within and outside the sport.

The rest of the Board — including the Chair, a Silver Lake Director, the FA-appointed Director, and three existing Club Directors — remains unchanged, as they were not up for election.

After consulting with the Board, Club Unitholders, and club reps, the APL also announced it will introduce a new financial sustainability framework for the A-Leagues, to be rolled out over the next three seasons.

The focus will be on revamping the salary cap system.

The current setup which includes a $2.55 million soft cap and six types of salary exemptions was originally designed to support financial stability and competitive balance, but it's no longer delivering as intended.

Starting from the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season, a $3.5 million hard cap trial will be introduced.

Then, in 2026/27, a $3 million hard cap (plus one marquee player) will be enforced. Clubs that exceed the cap will face financial and sporting penalties.

For the 2025/26 season, clubs will still operate under the current salary cap rules and exemptions, with the trial period acting as a transition to the new system.

A broader financial model, based on each club’s revenue will be finalised with input from clubs and the PFA and introduced in the 2027/28 season.

Executive Chair, Stephen Conroy, highlighted the need for change when it came to the current salary cap structure as well as the benefit of the new reform.

“Following consultation with clubs over the last twelve months, it was determined that the current spending structure, which has been in place since 2005, was no longer fit for purpose," he said in a press release.

“We are doubling down on strategies that are already working; investing in our product and highlighting our fantastic homegrown talent. 

“The implementation of these reforms over the coming years is designed to ensure a competitive balance and to build long term foundations for growth that helps unlock the full revenue potential of each club.

“The APL Board firmly believe this is the model for long term success, giving clubs time to assess and plan before a new model is agreed to for season 2027/28 based on global best practice, that can deliver greater outcomes for talent development and a better football product.ˮ

The APL’s latest moves mark a significant step forward for the future of the A-Leagues, with new leadership on the Board and a clear plan to overhaul the financial structure of the competition, the league is positioning itself for long-term stability and growth. 

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In recent news the A-league viewership on sky sports has climbed significantly in New Zealand.

Official A-League media sources have identified that 1.31 million people have watched the A-League through Sky Sports media channels this season.

This confirms an impressive 40% increase in viewership for the 2024-25 season.

To add to this an additional 228k, a 46% increase, and 167k, a prominent 115% increase, have also streamed on Sky's digital platforms.

This amounts to a huge increase in viewership of the sport for New Zealand and also a large portion of the respective nation’s population, displaying football's huge popularity in Australia’s close neighbour.

Sky Sports extended their exclusive rights for the Isuzu UTE A-League Men and Ninja A-League Women at the beginning of this season and this deal will be the sole provider for 2 more seasons.

Both Leagues through this season are available not only on Sky Sports but also Sky Sport Now and Sky Go.

This upward trend in popularity can be attributed to the addition of a second New-Zealand team in Auckland FC, who currently sit at the top of the A-League and look positioned to win the minor premiership.

To match this news with viewership Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix have both recorded some of the highest game attendance in the league throughout most of their home games.

Auckland FC has had the overall highest attendance with a total of 211,095 so far and an average of 17,591. With the biggest attendance their derby against Wellington Phoenix at just above 27,000.

Auckland FC worst attendance at around 13,000 is almost double the next most attended team, Sydney FC. Wellington Phoenix have also recorded high attendance with 99,677 up to this point.

Though down averagely from last season, to maintain these numbers after a title chasing seasons shows fan dedication from the Kiwis.

The introduction of a new team from New Zealand's biggest city has turned out to be a successful investment by the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).

It has increased viewership, attendance and all round enjoyment in the A-league, helping the APL increase in value and quality this season.

The APL and New Zealand must now build on this momentum to keep viewership strong and continue growing the beautiful game across Aotearoa.

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STATSports, a top player tracking company, has launched ‘Apex 2.0’—a new GPS tracker helping coaches at elite sports teams to boost player durability. Among its users are Premier League leaders Liverpool, known for their strong injury record this season.

Top athletes are now less likely to get injured thanks to a cutting-edge tracker using AI and military-grade GPS.

Custom, award-winning AI software offers advanced biomechanical analysis to improve running form and optimise movement—helping coaches spot injury risks early and uncover untapped athletic potential.

Apex 2.0 uses military-grade RTK and GNSS satellite systems to deliver highly accurate data. This precision helps coaches, players, and analysts better manage training loads, reducing error and lowering injury risk.

Furthermore, Apex 2.0 also compares players’ current stats with their past performance data. It provides real-time feedback during training and matches, aiding in injury prevention.

With its new AI-powered tech, STATSports has introduced ‘Sprint Split Analysis’ and ‘Force Velocity’—profiling tools that pinpoint speed weaknesses in players and offer quick improvement tips. These features eliminate the need for traditional timing gates, saving clubs money while helping unlock more athletic potential.

The data is delivered faster than ever—crucial for on-field coaching decisions. Thanks to Cloud technology, player tracker data uploads instantly to a central database, accessible and editable from any web browser—an industry first. This enables coaches and sports scientists to respond quickly to player load, enhancing both individual and team care.

Apex 2.0 has also been adopted by PSG, Arsenal, Manchester City, and the England national team, along with rugby’s All Blacks and Springboks, the NFL’s Washington Commanders, and MLB’s LA Dodgers highlighting its wide-ranging versatility.

STATSports Co-Founder, Sean O’Connor, highlights the importance of accurate training data and explains how its advanced AI and satellite technology revolutionising coaching and injury prevention.

“For too long now we have heard athletes’ stories of being over or undertrained – albeit unknowingly – at high speed and over long distances because the data a sports scientist is seeing live is simply not accurate. The cumulative effects of this incorrect loading over the course of a season, let alone a career, do not bear thinking about,” he said via press release.

“This is why we are proud to roll-out Apex 2.0 to some of the biggest and most recognisable names in world sport – including Liverpool, who have one of the best injury records of any team in the Premier League this season. The accuracy and reliability of the data produced by Apex 2.0 is unmatched anywhere.”

Apex 2.0 is widely recognised as a game-changer for player performance over the next decade. Its FIFA Quality award proves STATSports' position as one of the few providers with a 'gold standard' across all data areas, setting it apart from its closest competitors.

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Last week, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) announced the appointment of Beau Busch as the organisation's new Chief Executive for a four-year period until 2029.

Busch is an experienced presence within the PFA, having joined the players' rights and wellbeing organisation back in 2013. Since then, he has held a number of key roles, including Co-Chief Executive, Head of Player Relations and Development, and Media and Communications Manager, in addition to being appointed FIFPRO Asia/Oceania President in 2024.

Across these positions, Busch has worked to protect players' welfare and rights, as well as push standards across the A-Leagues and National Teams.

PFA Chair Francis Awaritefe explained how Busch would deliver much needed stability in his new role during times of uncertainty for the sport in Australia.

“The professional game has reached an important juncture, with critical industrial and commercial negotiations set to occur. We have no doubt that Beau’s appointment will ensure the players can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities over the coming years," he said in a press release.

“Beau has built incredible trust with the PFA membership, and this will be invaluable as the players seek to shape the future of the game.”

PFA Co-President Tameka Yallop described why Busch would be a valuable fit for the role.

“Beau’s passion for the game, integrity, and proven leadership make him the ideal leader to guide the PFA into its next chapter," she said via press release.

“The players are committed to ensuring we build an industry that we can all be incredibly proud of and we know that under Beau’s leadership the PFA will continue to a be a values-led organisation.”

In a statement, Busch expressed his joy at being selected for the position by the plays.

“It is an honour to represent our members and to work alongside an outstanding Executive, Delegates and staff team," he said.

“This generation of players have an opportunity to drive the success of the professional game and to leave a lasting legacy for the players that follow them.”

Together, Busch and the PFA will continue to protect players' rights and uphold the standards of the game across Australia.

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Six years ago, Banyule City Soccer Club had big ambitions and a whole lot of challenges. Taking the reins during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee worked behind the scenes to keep the club connected, focusing on long-term goals that are now beginning to take shape.

Under his leadership, the club has seen the return of a senior women’s program — one that’s rapidly climbed the ranks to the Victorian Premier League and the growth of a strong junior base with nearly 200 players. As Banyule prepares for major upgrades at two of its key grounds and sends its U16 girls’ squad to the Borneo Cup in 2025, the club is entering a new chapter.

Speaking with Soccerscene, President of Banyule City SC Nasr Said reflects on his leadership journey, the club’s community-first values, and how Banyule is building pathways that support players from grassroots to elite levels all while staying true to its inclusive, family-oriented roots.

Can you share some insight into your role as President and how Banyule City SC has evolved since the beginning of your presidency?

Nasr Said: I took over running the club six years ago, after playing at Banyule for about four years. I’ll be honest it hasn’t been easy. The first couple of years were tough, especially with COVID hitting just as I stepped into the role. We couldn’t even get a proper season going, but we did what we could off the field — sharing content on social media, keeping the kids engaged with soccer drills from the coaches we had. It was a difficult time for every club.

Once we got through that, I had goals and ambitions for the club one of the biggest was to rebuild the senior women’s program as there hadn’t been a women’s team here for over a decade. Since then, we’ve had incredible success. The women’s team went from State League 4 up through the ranks — State 3, State 2, and then straight into the Victorian Premier League (VPL). They won the league four years in a row, went undefeated during that time, and now they’re playing in the second-highest division in Victoria, just under the NPL.

[caption id="attachment_29279" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: Banyule City SC Facebook[/caption]

On the men’s side, we’ve had our ups and downs, one year we nearly got relegated, and other years we were close to promotion but we continue to push forward.

As President, I work closely with our committee, the Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and support them however I can. My role is about bringing in resources, building a strong structure, and making sure the club runs smoothly. I’ve put in a lot over the past six years. We’re in a good place now, but there’s always room to grow.

The Council’s planned upgrades at Banyule Flats Reserve and Yallambie Park are exciting milestones. What kind of impact will these developments have for your players, members, and the broader community?

Nasr Said: Yallambie Park has been meant to get rebuilt for the last 25 to 30 years. We haven’t had a proper home ground for the past two years and it’s had a big impact on the club. Banyule Flats Reserve isn’t suitable for matches it has two cricket pitches which make the ground too small for football. And Yallambie Park has been deemed unsafe for play both this year and last year. 

The good news is Banyule Flats Reserve is scheduled to be rebuilt in September, and that’s a massive step forward. The council built a new pavilion there five or six years ago, it’s state-of-the-art, on par with NPL-level facilities. Once we have a proper ground there, it’ll be huge for the club.We’ve got an industrial-grade canteen and proper change rooms that will help us attract spectators, generate revenue, and give us a real home base.

As for Yallambie Park, the council has said for years they’ll fix the facilities and just recently, a council rep told us work will begin within weeks. All we can do now is hope. If both grounds are upgraded, it’ll be a game-changer financially and in terms of creating a safer, stronger environment for our members and players.

With nearly 200 junior members and growing senior squads, how do you ensure that every player has access to a clear development pathway from grassroots to competitive football?

Nasr Said: We have around 200 junior players, which is a great number for us it allows us to manage things properly and ensure quality across all levels. As a community club, we’re open to everyone. We don’t hold trials; anyone who wants to play is welcome, regardless of their experience. We’re not at NPL level, so we focus more on inclusion and development than elite selection at the junior stage.

That said, we still place a strong emphasis on growth. Our junior coordinator and technical director work closely with coaches to identify areas for improvement both for players and coaches. We have kids at all levels: some very talented, some still learning the basics.

This year, I’m starting to run the Banyule City Academy that is run through the club to support players who are more advanced and want to pursue football more seriously. It’s not about excluding others, but offering additional development to those aiming to go further. We teach our coaches, aid them in gaining proper accreditation through coaching courses. Through that, we guide them in working with these players in smaller groups, helping them refine their skills and understand our playing style. 

One of our key goals is consistency from juniors through to seniors. We guide our coachesby saying ‘This is what we want your players to do’ and teach a playing style that mirrors what our senior teams use, so when juniors progress, the transition is smoother. Ultimately, we want to give kids who are serious about football every chance to succeed - and maybe even play professionally one day.

[caption id="attachment_29324" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Provided by Nasr Said[/caption]

The U16 girls heading to the Borneo Cup in 2025 is a big moment. How did this opportunity come about, and what does it signal about the club’s ambitions in developing female footballers?

Nasr Said: The Borneo Cup opportunity actually came about through a good friend of mine, who was coaching at Watsonia Soccer Club. He’s really well connected in Australian football and knows a lot of players who’ve played internationally. He mentioned his under-16 girls' team was looking for a better environment and that they weren’t happy at their current club. So we had the conversation, and those girls ended up coming across to Banyule.

Now we’ve got a strong under-16s girls squad around 17 or 18 players and while there’s still plenty of development ahead, they’ve got a great opportunity in front of them. The Borneo Cup is a serious international tournament, with high-level academies and teams from all over. We’ll be one of the only Melbourne clubs — possibly one of the only Australian ones taking part.

It’s a big deal. For many of these girls, it’ll be their first international tournament. There’ll be an opening ceremony - we’ll be walking under the Australian flag it’s going to be unforgettable. And more than that, it’s a huge step forward for the club. Not many local teams get the chance to represent on an international stage, so this says a lot about where we’re heading and what we want to build for female footballers at Banyule.

Looking ahead, what are your key priorities as President for continuing to build a club that’s competitive, inclusive, and deeply connected to its community?

Nasr Said: My number one priority is making sure the club’s doors are open to everyone—no matter who they are. Inclusivity is massive for us. I really want to build a strong foundation for our junior players, because at the end of the day, they’re the future of the club. My goal is to see our men’s team reach NPL or VPL level, and our women’s side competing in the NPL too. But more than that, it’s about creating a club where families and members genuinely feel welcome.

I make it a point to connect with parents whether that’s at training on a Tuesday or Thursday, or just having regular conversations to check in. I’ve seen clubs where that connection is missing, and I never want that to be us. The role of President isn’t about being above anyone—it’s about building a culture and a reputation that people talk about in a positive way.

Of course, growing our sponsor base is another key part of the vision, because to compete at higher levels, you need the right support structures in place. But whether it’s juniors or seniors, men’s or women’s football we treat every team the same here. It’s all part of the bigger picture. We’re not there yet, but I really believe we’re on the right track. These things take time. You can’t build something lasting overnight but we’re getting there.

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The growing participation of women and girls in soccer throughout the Hepburn Shire is set to receive a significant boost, with two local facilities earmarked for major upgrades.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King announced the funding commitment which targets Victoria Park in Daylesford and the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve in Creswick.

This funding is totalled at $1.2 million should the Federal Labor Government secure re-election on May 3. These upgrades address critical infrastructure shortfalls that have hindered growth in female participation.

Labor Federal MP Catherine King, who has held the Labor ‘stronghold’ seat since the 2022 election has been vocal in her support for women’s football and the struggles faced.

"The current situation where women and girls are forced to use men's changerooms, cars or old sheds for match preparation is simply not acceptable in modern sport," King commented via The Ballarat Times.

"These clubs have created welcoming environments that women and girls want to be part of, and these upgrades will provide the facilities they deserve."

The Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club, which currently supports approximately 150 players including 40 female participants, has been forced to implement membership caps due to inadequate pitch capacity.

The proposed reconfiguration at Victoria Park will deliver two senior-sized pitches, accommodating the surge in junior and women's participation.

Meanwhile, at the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve, funding will enable the construction of additional female-friendly changing facilities for both players and officials.

The commitment reflects the changing landscape of Australian soccer, with female participation rates continuing to climb nationwide.

Local sporting administrators have welcomed the announcement, noting that inadequate facilities have long been identified as a significant barrier to growing female participation in grassroots sport.

These election commitments would be delivered in accordance with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles should the Albanese Government secure another term.

The need for development of local facilities has become more evident and pressing. Most amateur clubs primary funding for upgrades is through government grants.

Sport is such an integral part of the Australian landscape and the need for fair opportunity for women gains momentum, promises like this hold great hope for people and lasting positive impacts.

As the most played sport in the state and Australia, especially among women, its positive to hear that, like other codes football is getting the recognition and support it deserves.

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Broadcaster DAZN has rejected a proposal brought forward by the French Professional Football League (LFP) to terminate its five-year broadcasting deal for Ligue 1 after one season.

The sports streaming platform originally signed a five-year deal worth AUD $715 million (€400 million) a year to broadcast eight out of the nine Ligue 1 matches each week.

But with fewer subscribers than expected — reportedly only around 500,000, far below the 1.5 million needed to break even, the company has been pushing to renegotiate the deal.

In February, DAZN held back half of a AUD $125 million (€70 million) payment, accusing the LFP of not doing enough to fight piracy.

It also criticised the league and clubs for not promoting its broadcasts or collaborating on content.

The LFP responded by taking legal action, and DAZN eventually made the payment by the end of the month.

In March, both sides entered mediation to reach a compromise.

According to several reports, the proposed solution would have DAZN pay the league AUD$250 million (€140 million) — covering the full amount owed for this season — plus up to AUD$223.6 million (€125 million) in compensation for next season.

After that, the deal will officially end at the close of the current season.

This week, Ligue 1 clubs voted in favour of the proposal but DAZN has now rejected it, paving the way for possible legal action.

As a result, the LFP released a statement regarding DAZN's rejection of the proposal.

"LFP Media notes the failure of the mediation initiated at the beginning of March 2025," they said in a press release.

"The contract binding the parties remains in force and LFP Media expects its partner to fully fulfil all of its obligations in this regard."

Before the mediation process began, DAZN had demanded AUD $1.025 billion (€573 million) in compensation from the LFP, accusing the league of not living up to its end of the deal.

In response to the LFP, DAZN released its own statement.

"After four months of discussions — including six weeks of mediation — initiated in good faith by DAZN and involving several proposals, the mediation unfortunately did not succeed in sufficiently bridging the gap between the parties," they said following the LFP’s statement.

"It has therefore not been possible at this stage to reach an agreement for an amicable resolution of the situation."

DAZN’s rejection of the deal has effectively ended the mediation process, with negotiations between the streaming service and the LFP now finished.

However, reports from France indicate that the two sides are expected to meet again on April 30th, the deadline for DAZN’s next payment for the current season.

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AC Milan has announced a partnership with Moderní fotbal s.r.o to launch two new Milan Junior Camps in Central Europe.

Through the partnership, Milan and Moderní fotbal s.r.o will deliver world class training camps in Prague, Czech Republic (14 -18 July) and Rovinka, Slovakia (21-25 July).

The camps will allow the Rossoneri to deliver its unique style of youth development and training to a new crop of young players in an often-overshadowed region of Europe to player aged 5-17.

By partnering with Moderní fotbal s.r.o, a Czech sports management, youth football coaching and adult education company with over 13 years of experience, AC Milan will be able to rely upon a successful local business as it ventures into new markets.

Crucially, Moderní fotbal will aid Milan as it seeks to build new relationships with clubs and footballing communities across the Czech Republic and Slovakia, while also providing technical and educational workshops to tomorrow's stars.

These educational workshops will teach players of the importance of physical and mental wellbeing, as well as imprint AC Milan's values-based philosophy.

Honorary Vice President of AC Milan Franco Baresi expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and the club's camps.

“The launch of these new Milan Junior Camps marks a significant step in bringing AC Milan's legacy and spirit to football fans and communities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia," he said in a press release.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Moderní fotbal s.r.o., a company that shares our values of innovation, passion, and determination, making them the perfect partner to help us inspire future generations in this area.”

Likewise, Managing Partner at Moderní fotbal Lenka Hrabovská highlighted the shared beliefs Moderní fotbal and AC Milan have.

“This collaboration between Moderní fotbal and AC Milan is a unique opportunity to connect innovation, tradition, and passion — the core pillars of football," she said in a statement.

"We believe this partnership will create exciting new experiences for our customers, fans, and the wider community across the Czech Republic and Slovakia.”

Through the deal, AC Milan will work to guide the next generation of players in new camps, whilst also expanding the club's image and brand in an overshadowed market.

The post AC Milan Camps: New Football Opportunities in Central Europe appeared first on Soccerscene.

Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is expanding its influence in the Asia-Pacific, in particular, Australia where they have already made significant progress and will be opening a brand new campus.

GIS is a leader in sports education, offering innovative online and in-person courses at campuses and iconic sports venues around the world, including the likes of Wembley Stadium in London, Chase Stadium in Miami, and Melbourne's MCG.

But it’s Australia where GIS is now focusing its attention and they’ve already made some big strides.

In episode four of Soccerscene's Off the Pitch podcast, Asia-Pacific Regional Director Ray Boggiano spoke about the progress GIS has made in Australia so far.

"We've had the MCG partnership since 2019, so we've been doing our first summit, so study tour was in January 2020, we had a couple of virtual ones in between and then we brought our students back for the last couple of years as well," he said in the podcast.

"From last year we started doing these residentials, so we have various sites, the MCG, Darebin, our partner clubs like Preston, they're signed off as sites that we can deliver for face-to-face teaching for our British programs."

Additionally, Boggiano spoke about the new GIS campus opening in Australia next year.

"Our vision and something that's very soon to be realised is to have a sports campus in Australia," he said.

"We will be opening the doors to our Sydney campus next year so our first intake will be in January 2026.

"The partnership is with the University of Newcastle, but it's with their Sydney CBD campus, and also in partnership with Venus NSW, so very pleased to be able to use the Allianz Stadium and the SCG as well, so we've got access to two incredible stadiums."

Boggiano also added that the new campus will be taking applications as soon as this month and highlighted the importance of Australia to GIS.

"We will be starting to take applications likely from April this year and the first intake will be January 2026, so this is a major milestone for us," he said.

"We have always had Australia central to our strategy, it is really a vibrate sports economy, sports market, and sports industry.

"Over the next ten years that’s only going in one direction with obviously the build-up Brisbane games in 2032."

The new campus will offer a wide range of degrees and industry-focused programs designed to give students the skills they need to succeed in the global sports industry.

To hear and learn more about GIS, you can listen to the full interview with Ray Boggiano on episode four of Soccerscene's Off the Pitch Podcast, available on all major podcasting apps and here.

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Football Queensland (FQ) is excited to announce McDonald's as the Official Quick Service Restaurant Partner for the Far North & Gulf region.

Under the two-year regional collaboration, McDonald’s will take on naming rights to the home of football in Cairns, with Endeavour Park now officially named Macca’s Park.

The partnership also includes support for grassroots football, with McDonald’s backing local clubs and celebrating junior players across the Far North and Gulf through the weekly MiniRoos Player of the Week voucher initiative.

FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, said the partnership was a major win for the region, highlighting FQ’s continued focus on growing the game in regional Queensland.

“This is an exciting opportunity to partner with an iconic brand in McDonald’s, whose long-standing support of community football aligns strongly with our vision for the game across the state,” he said via press release.

“We’re proud to extend this relationship into the Far North & Gulf, with the support from McDonald’s set to deliver direct benefits to grassroots programs, local clubs and junior players right across the region.

“The renaming of Endeavour Park to Macca’s Park is a powerful symbol of this partnership and our shared commitment to creating vibrant and welcoming regional football hubs that inspire the next generation of participants and bring communities together.”

McDonalds Far North Queensland Marketing Manager Jill Lennox, expressed that the partnership reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting active lifestyles and local communities through sport.

“Active lives are happier and healthier lives. McDonald’s wants to deliver valuable benefits to the wider community. With the goal of helping people live a more balanced, active and enriched lifestyle, McDonald’s is passionate about its sports and community sponsorships program,” she said via press release.

“McDonald’s is very proud to be the naming rights sponsor to the home of football in Cairns now known as Macca’s Park. This partnership is our way of giving back to the community which supports us and to assist in the development of important life skills such as commitment, hard work, and friendship.

“On behalf of McDonald’s, we would like to thank all competitors, parents, organisers, volunteers and other sponsors for their incredible support of Football Far North and Gulf region and we look forward to seeing you at Macca’s Park soon.”

This alliance marks an exciting chapter for football in the Far North & Gulf, as Football Queensland and McDonald's work together to support the growth of the game across the region.

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New Zealand A-League club Auckland FC has hosted its first Development Centre training camp as the club continues to elevate the standards of New Zealand football and foster young talent.

Through Auckland FC's Youth Development Club Partnership programme, the training camp ran welcomed 26 players aged 14-16 from 12 partner clubs to participate in a three-day programme.

Auckland's Youth Development Club Partnership aims to guide young players and build relationships with communities across New Zealand's Northern and WAIBOP regions. Via this, clubs affiliated with the club's Talent Devlopment Programme (TDP) from Auckland and areas such as Hamilton and Tauranga were represented at the training camp.

During the training camp, players had the opportunity to experience a professional sporting environment as they competed. Additionally, players were involved in educational workshops which relayed key information about fitness, mental resilience and Auckland's Black Night Football philosophy.

Furthermore, players also met and learnt from senior coaches and players.

Head of player recruitment Doug Kors explained how important the training camp was for both the young players and the club.

“It was great for us to get at a look at the young players coming through. We’re a club dominated by local talent, it’s part of who we are and what we set out to do in terms of providing pathways into the game. I don’t see that changing anytime soon,” he said in a press release.

“For players it provides them a chance to understand what it takes to make it professionally.

“Yes, it requires skill and talent, but also eating right, a tactical understanding of the game, as well as level of mental resilience. We try a provide all the players who come through with a basic understanding of that.”

Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker highlighted how valuable the Youth Development Club Partnership was for the club.

"There is a huge amount of untapped talent in New Zealand," he said via press release.

“Thanks to the relationships we have with partner clubs, Auckland FC can become a vehicle that helps talented young boys and girls realise their potential and make it at a professional level, right here in Auckland. That’s huge for the development of the game.

“Beyond that, our ownership structure means the connections exist to for the most talented of professionals to try to make it in Europe.”

The first of Auckland's development camps represents an impressive series of development for the A-League's youngest team.

Last month the club celebrated its first birthday and currently leads the A-League Men's ladder with a solid four-point lead.

Key to the club's success has been its ability to extract the best out of local talents, reinforced by the callup of six players to the All-Whites in the most recent international window, double that of cross-country rivals Wellington Phoenix.

If Auckland is to continue to rely on home stars, then continued investment in local football is necessary.

Auckland FC first launched the Youth Development Club Partnership in October 2024, creating the first step for athletes to become professional footballers via a defined pathway of the Rebel Sport Development Centre, reserves and then the first team.

Now, the programme unites 18 TDP clubs in fostering emerging talents. In creating partnerships with clubs across the country, Auckland FC is building a network of valuable win-win relationships that allow each organisation to develop and play the best talent available.

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Just this week the Isuzu UTE A-League has announced it has reached the 500-goal mark in record time this season in line with another recent report of another increase of viewership for the a-league.

Highlighting an exciting period of growth for the competition both on and off the pitch.

Western Sydney Wanderers defender Alex Gersbach’s strike against Western United on Sunday became the 500th goal of the 2024-25 campaign.

The milestone was achieved after just 150 matches, making it the fastest the league has ever reached this tally, surpassing last season's record of 152 matches.

The current season's goal-scoring rate dramatically outpaces historical comparisons.

During the 2000-01 National Soccer League season, it took 159 games to reach 150 goals, while the 1996-97 campaign required 161 matches. The 2022-23 season needed 163 games to hit similar numbers.

This scoring record was presented the same time as the encouraging news on the viewership front.

The A-Leagues reporting an 11% increase to last season in total viewership audience for 10+ and 10 Play according to recent data shared by the competition.

The league viewership currently sits at 3.96 million nationally and is expected to hit 4 million people at the end of the season.

This is a record increase of viewership and shows the popularity of the sport in a very saturated sporting market.

The twin developments of record-setting goal production and increased viewership point to a positive trajectory for Australian football and its ability to be an enjoyable an action-packed season for audiences.

The growth of the viewership should be built upon in coming seasons and proves that the league is continuing to grow traction.

One must point out if there is a connection between the number of goals and the rise in viewership.

The spread of goals however points towards not a league with huge differing quality of teams.

Another point to highlight, is that viewership is high is also being backed up by the active support at the grounds.

Big matches such as the Sydney Derby has brought in huge numbers, however, it will be at the end of the season if we see an all -round rise in ground attendance.

With this year also capping of the largest increase in transfer revenue and playing minutes for under 23 players.

These results points towards a wealth of quality players who can excite the league and develop its quality.

Also, with this comes the opportunity for increased transfer opportunities, revenue streams and sponsorship deals.

The potential for this league and its increasing popularity is something that needs to be supported and developed in the coming seasons.

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AS Monaco has entered a new five-year partnership with Mizuno, a Japanese sportswear manufacturer, that will become the club's official technical equipment partner across all teams beginning 1 July 2025.

The agreement marks Mizuno’s first entry into Ligue 1 as a technical sponsor, continuing its strategic push into European football markets, where it already has a presence in Germany’s Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A.

Comprehensive Supply and Distribution for AS Monaco and Mizuno

As part of the deal, Mizuno will supply match kits, training gear, and off-field apparel for all levels of the club. The partnership will also see the launch of premium merchandise lines, including lifestyle pieces and exclusive collections that combine Mizuno’s design philosophy with AS Monaco’s visual identity.

The collections will be available through Mizuno’s global retail network, helping the club connect with its growing international fan base, now exceeding 26 million social media followers.

For Mizuno, this partnership reinforces its long-term aim to re-establish its football brand presence across Europe by collaborating with historic, performance-focused clubs. The AS Monaco deal expands its footprint in France and strengthens its presence across multiple leagues.

Executive Insights: Looking Ahead to the 2025/26 Season

Mizuno EMEA Head of Sports, Mark Kaiway, highlighted the importance of the collaboration for brand growth and long-term positioning.

“We are thrilled and deeply honoured to announce our partnership with AS Monaco. At Mizuno, we are committed to delivering high-performance gear that empowers athletes to reach their full potential," he said via press release.

"This collaboration represents a shared passion for excellence and we look forward to supporting AS Monaco as they continue to inspire fans around the world."

AS Monaco CEO, Thiago Scuro, referred to the agreement as a key step in the club’s commercial development.

“We are proud of this future collaboration with Mizuno, an extremely innovative and creative brand with a unique history in football," he said via press release.

"This partnership marks a new stage in the development of AS Monaco, and we are convinced that Mizuno will be able to support our aspirations and ambition.”

Both executives emphasised the partnership's potential to extend beyond kit supply, exploring co-branded storytelling, fan engagement, and long-term retail initiatives.

Mizuno will begin supplying match and training kits to AS Monaco for the 2025/26 season, with the official unveiling of the new designs scheduled for the summer of 2025.

This collaboration includes support for the club's academy system and association-level teams, reflecting a full-service technical sponsorship.

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La Liga and Host Broadcasting Services (HBS) have agreed to a five-year deal to produce and distribute matches from Spanish football's top two divisions, replacing long-time partner Mediapro.

HBS, which is owned by Infront, was originally set up to handle the TV and radio production for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan — and it’s been involved in every World Cup since.

These days, HBS also works across a range of major sports events, including the Rugby World Cup and the Roland Garros tennis tournament.

To take on its new role with La Liga starting in the 2025/26 season, HBS has teamed up with Italian company NVP through a joint venture.

HBS chief executive, Dan Miodownik, mentioned the great responsibility this is for HBS.

“It is a great privilege for HBS to have been appointed by La Liga,” he said via press release.

“We are very proud of our track record globally, and entering a new territory and partnership with such an esteemed client is an exciting opportunity.

"Along with NVP we look forward to working with La Liga to bring innovative and engaging coverage to audiences over the coming years.”

NVP Chief Executive Massimo Pintabona, expressed his excitement to collaborate with HBS.

“We are extremely proud to partner with HBS on this prestigious project,” he said via press release.

“This achievement confirms our commitment to excellence, continuous development and innovation.

"We look forward to contributing to the continued success of La Liga with our expertise and dedication.”

Mediapro, which has been working with La Liga as its production partner for over two decades, has strongly criticised the decision.

While La Liga claims that HBS scored highest in both technical and financial evaluations, Mediapro insists its proposal was stronger and more cost-effective.

In a detailed statement, the company questioned HBS’s ability to handle the contract and said it plans to formally challenge the outcome.

‘It is unprecedented that LaLiga has instead awarded the contract to a more expensive bidder — a Swiss-based supplier with no technical infrastructure in Spain and no prior experience in producing a full-season football competition of this scale,’ Mediapro said via press release.

‘Laliga’s decision is neither fair nor objective and we believe that it may jeopardise the production of the matches at the start of the season. It will undoubtedly harm the clubs and the competition both economically and in broadcast quality.

‘[Mediapro] is committed to defending its reputation — and that of its professionals — and will contest the outcome of the tender process through all available channels, both nationally and internationally.'

Mediapro will continue as La Liga’s international media agency through the 2028/29 season, handling the sale of the league’s international broadcasting rights.

The deal was renewed in 2023, but it no longer covers the Middle East, North Africa, or North America, as La Liga now works with different partners in those regions.

Mediapro also holds the rights to broadcast one La Liga match per week on its free-to-air channel, Gol TV.

This comes after a string of setbacks for Mediapro, including the loss of its contract with French Ligue 1, which led to the shutdown of its Telefoot subscription channel in 2020, and more recently, the sale and exit of its OneSoccer platform in Canada.

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Wellington Phoenix has welcomed local family-owned business Holmes Construction as the club's major academy partner.

Through the partnership, Holmes Construction advertising material will feature in a prime location on the front of the Phoenix's men's and women's reserve team's shirt for the 2025 winter season and the National League Championship.

Founded in Wairarapa in 1957, Holmes Construction has been a consistent presence in the Wellington region for almost seven decades.

Currently, the business is run by the third generation of the family and has offices across Greytown, Petone and Christchurch.

Holmes Construction managing director Ben Holmes expressed his family's pride to enter into the partnership with Wellington Phoenix's academy.

“As a family-owned business with a proud history in the region, we value the development of local talent and the strong community spirit these teams embody,” he said in a press release.

“As a team, Holmes values being a part of our local community and supporting local.

“We look forward to cheering the Wellington Phoenix academy on throughout the season and wish them every success.”

Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome highlighted his excitement to support a local business through the new partnership the Holmes Construction.

“Ben Holmes and his team at Holmes Construction are leaders in their field and are passionately local,” he said via press release.

“We know their work first-hand having been tenants at the world-class New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport since it opened in 2022.

“Together we’re looking forward to taking the academy to a new level and making it a major events hub in the Hutt Valley.”

Wellington Phoenix recently took over the Ricoh Sports Centre, branding it the new Home of the Wellington Phoenix for the club's academy to play at Fraser Park.

Here the club's new partnership with Holmes Construction will shine, showcasing the strength of supporting of local businesses and organisations.

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Football Victoria (FV) is excited to announce its partnership with AquaMe, with cutting-edge hydration technology for the next generation of upcoming footballers.

AQUAME is a cutting-edge smart water bottle system designed to meet the demands of today’s athletes. By combining advanced sensor technology with a sleek, user-friendly design, AQUAME supports personalised hydration management tailored to individual needs.

FV’s Executive Manager of Commercial, Chris Speldewinde, welcomed the partnership with open arms.

‘We’re thrilled to be aligning with AQUAME, whose focus on innovation and athlete well-being aligns perfectly with our academy’s mission to prepare players for the highest level,” he said via press release.

As part of the onboarding process, each FV Academy player has received their own AQUAME 2.0 Smart Water Bottle, along with access to the AQUAME PRO App.

This innovative system empowers players to track and maintain their hydration—from pre-training preparation to post-match recovery—using the same elite tools trusted by professional clubs such as Valencia CF, Deportivo Alavés, and the Mexico National Team.

By analysing both real-time and historical hydration data, AQUAME helps address the risks of both over- and under-hydration, ensuring each athlete maintains optimal hydration levels.

This data-driven approach provides deeper insights into the causes of dehydration, enabling teams to take proactive steps and prevent issues before they occur.

The integration of AQUAME into the FV Academy program marks a proactive step in equipping young athletes for the demands of high-performance sport, while promoting lifelong healthy hydration habits.

AQUAME Executive Steve Xie also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the shared commitment to athlete wellbeing and innovation.

“Partnering with Football Victoria allows us to support the next wave of football talent with technology proven to enhance performance and recovery,” he said via press release.

To mark the launch of this exciting collaboration, AQUAME is also offering all Football Victoria families an exclusive 10% discount on the AQUAME 2.0 Smart Water Bottle and App.

Use code FOOTBALLVIC at checkout via the link below to access a special offer and experience the latest innovative technology in hydration.

AquaMe x FV Special Offer

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After a six-year legal battle, US Soccer and Relevent Sports have reached a settlement in the latter's antitrust lawsuit which opens the potential for European leagues to play games in the US.

Recently Relevent’s lawyers filed a motion in federal court to dismiss their case against U.S. Soccer with prejudice—which means they won’t be able to bring the same lawsuit or claims against the federation again in the future.

US Soccer expresses relief as a longstanding issue is resolved, allowing the organisation to fully focus on growth and building momentum ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

“We are pleased to put this matter behind us as we remain focused on growing the game and harnessing the momentum of US Soccer ahead of next year’s World Cup," US Soccer said via statement on ESPN.

The details of the settlement haven’t been made public, bringing an end to the long-running legal battle between the federation and Relevent Sports, the agency co-founded and owned by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.

Relevent had already reached a separate deal with FIFA last year, agreeing to remove soccer’s global governing body from the lawsuit as a co-defendant.

“We appreciate US Soccer’s collaboration in reaching this settlement,” Relevent chief executive Danny Sillman told ESPN via statement.

”Ultimately, we all share the same goal: growing the sport throughout America.

“We’re excited to continue supporting clubs from Europe and around the world to expand the sport’s reach and impact across the US.”

Relevent first revealed plans in 2018 to host a La Liga match between Barcelona and Girona in Miami, as part of its 15-year commercial deal with Spain’s top football league.

FIFA quickly responded by introducing a policy that banned league matches from being played outside the home countries of the participating clubs.

As a result, Barcelona pulled out of the game, there was also disagreement between La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over the idea of playing a league match overseas.

Relevent later tried to bring an Ecuadorian league match to the US, with support from LigaPro Ecuador, but U.S. Soccer denied approval, again citing FIFA’s policy.

In response, Relevent sued both U.S. Soccer and FIFA in 2019, accusing them of working together to block foreign league games in the U.S.

The lawsuit claimed this was done to protect Soccer United Marketing (SUM), Major League Soccer’s (MLS) commercial arm, and prevent competition.

Although the case was initially dismissed in July 2021, that decision was overturned in May 2023, opening the door for a trial.

Relevent eventually reached a settlement with FIFA, which included the creation of a working group to explore possible changes to its rules on international matches.

Just last month, it was confirmed that Relevent had secured the global commercial rights for UEFA’s men’s club competitions over a six-season cycle starting in 2027/28.

This means Relevent will now manage, sell, and market the commercial rights for the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League worldwide.

Additionally to collaborating with La Liga, Relevent also has commercial partnerships with the English Football League (EFL) and the Bundesliga, it's also responsible for scheduling and promoting pre-season Premier League games in the US.

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German football club VfB-Stuttgart has entered into a bold international partnership with V-Varen Nagasaki, a Japanese football club in the country's second division.

The collaboration officially kicked off amid the World Football Festival in Japan, where both club's U13 teams played each other in the opening fixture.

Together, VfB-Stuttgart and V-Varen will seek to improve the development of young players and encourage intercultural relationships across borders.

Supporting the initiative is German cleaning technology company Kärcher. The organisation has held long term relationships with both clubs and aims to support their new combined effort.

Through the partnership, V-Varen Nagasaki players will be able to train in Stuttgart at the club's world class youth academy. Inversely, VfB coaches will visit V-Varen to deliver workshops and courses, informing the club on key issues surrounding player development, coaching and academies.

Additionally, staff from both teams will take part in visits to each other's clubs to create deeper connections and boost knowledge on effective sporting networks.

Chief Marketing & Sales Officer at VfB-Stuttgart, Rouven Kasper, outlined why the club had entered into the partnership with V-Varen Nagasaki.

“For VfB Stuttgart, entering into this partnership with Nagasaki is a great honour and the next big step for the club," he said in a press release.

"Youth football is part of our club’s DNA, and we’re committed to building intercultural bridges, developing top international talent and promoting cooperation between Japan and Germany through youth football.”

CEO of V-Varen Nagasaki, Takenori Tagawa highlighted the fantastic opportunities the partnership would bring to the club.

“VfB Stuttgart and its youth academy have an excellent reputation. This collaboration will enable young players from our first team to train in Stuttgart – something which has proved difficult to implement in the past," he said via press release.

We’re very pleased that they understood our commitment to youth development and our vision for the future of V-Varen Nagasaki.”

Through the partnership, V-Varen Nagakasi and VfB-Stuttgart will gain access to new wide range networks in foreign environments, allowing both to continually propel and elevate themselves.

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Chelsea has revealed a new international partnership with FTP Corporation, the Vietnam-based technology solutions company, who specialise in supporting the digital transformation journeys of some of the world’s largest organisations through AI-enabled services and solutions.

Through the collaboration, the firm will bring it's "future-ready technology and industry-leading workforce to advance Chelsea's digital capabilities."

Chelsea will tap into FPT’s expertise in digital technology, software development, product engineering, and IT service management.

The two organisations will work closely to identify and co-develop innovative solutions that enhance fan engagement both at Stamford Bridge and across the club’s digital platforms.

President of commercial for Chelsea, Todd Kline, expressed the importance of the partnership for the growth of the club.

"As Chelsea FC celebrates its 120th anniversary, we know our future will be shaped not only by our commitment to success on the pitch but by the transformation of our club using technology," he said via press release.

“Vietnam has experienced significant growth in recent years and emerged as a global digital hub. FPT’s expertise in core business systems, data intelligence, and AI makes them the perfect partner to propel Chelsea FC into this new era."

FPT Software United Kingdom CEO, FPT Corporation, Mark Scrivens, welcomed the partnership as a significant step in the company's continued expansion into elite global sport and digital innovation.

“Our unwavering commitment to the UK market drives us to implement cutting-edge innovations, including data analytics and artificial intelligence, that will benefit Chelsea FC, its fans, and the broader community," he said via press release.

“By leveraging these technologies, we aim to enhance on-field performance, deliver a personalised and immersive Chelsea FC experience, and foster a stronger, more connected community off the pitch."

The announcement follows Chelsea’s recent financial report, which showed a pre-tax profit of $269.2 million for the 2023–24 financial year.

This turnaround comes after the club reported a $187.3 million pre-tax loss the previous year—its first under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. The result was largely driven by the $413.4 million sale of its women’s team to another company owned by the club’s proprietors.

Chelsea has also welcomed Live Nation as its new sleeve sponsor for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, further expanding its commercial portfolio.

As The West London side continues its push for a top-five finish, the club looks to FPT’s technological expertise to support its performance ambitions and long-term global growth strategy.

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Football NSW has confirmed a three-year partnership with the world's leading AI-powered sports camera company VEO, aiming to transform how football is viewed and shared across the state.

Football NSW has teamed up with Veo in a new partnership that will enhance its high-performance and talent development programs across the state.

Programs such as the State Teams, Talent Support Program (TSP), and Future Sapphires will now have access to Veo’s cutting-edge technology and tools, supporting player development through better performance analysis and insights.

As part of the deal, these programs will be equipped with the latest Veo Cam 3 5G cameras, along with access to a suite of Veo software, including Veo Analytics, Veo Live for live streaming, Veo Editor for video breakdown, and Player Spotlight to highlight individual performances.

The partnership also introduces the “Veo League Exchange” across competitions like the NPL NSW, Football NSW Leagues, Youth Leagues, and Futsal Premier Leagues.

This platform allows clubs to upload, share, and study match footage, giving coaches and players valuable tools to learn, improve, and raise the overall standard of competition.

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas expressed his delight and excitement with the newly formed partnership with Veo.

“Veo are an excellent resource for the game, and I am delighted to see this partnership help and assist our Football NSW clubs and the wider football and futsal community,” he said via press release.

“With the game constantly evolving, Veo provides a unique opportunity for clubs to increase the analytical side with the aim to further improve training and match day tactics."

ANZ Market Manager at Veo Technologies Tenzing Tsewang was also looking forward to partnering with Football NSW.

“This partnership with Football NSW is a milestone in our mission to support the future of football in Australia,” he said via press release.

“We’re already working with an incredible lineup of clubs across NSW, and this collaboration allows us to expand that impact — giving more coaches, players, and families access to the tools they need to develop, improve, and tell their stories.”

As a part of the partnership, Football NSW and Veo will release a series of initiatives that include exclusive access to Veo products, hands-on workshops, special pricing for clubs, and tailored support for technical and performance staff.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has celebrated the work of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) in a meeting with the Federation's key leaders.

Speaking with AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth and AFF General Secretary Winston Lee, Shaikh Salman celebrated the AFF's success as one of the leading Regional Associations in the AFC, linking the Federation's strong sense of unity with its ability to effectively achieve shared goals to improve the standard of the game across Asia.

The AFC President also praised the Federation for the triumphant delivery of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup in January, as well as the AFF's other competitions including the new ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup 2024/25.

In a press release, President Shaikh Salman detailed the importance of the ASEAN Football Federation.

"As a Regional Association, the ASEAN Football Federation are amongst the pioneers in establishing top level competitions for their Member Associations and the fervent fanbase that has rallied so passionately around these regional platforms is indeed testament to the AFF leadership," he said.

“Perhaps most encouraging of all is the expansion of these competitions to also include women’s football, age-group tournaments as well as futsal so it is clear that the beautiful game in ASEAN now has the potential to grow more systemically and holistically, further complementing the shared outcomes that we aspire towards as one Asian football family.

“In every way, under the wise leadership of Major General Sameth, the AFF has emerged as a model RA who have continued to serve as a thriving regional hub for its Member Associations to strengthen their capabilities and the AFC remains ready to assist them in realising their bold ambitions.”

The meeting also saw Major General Khiev Sameth thank the AFC President and Confederation for its assistance. In particular, Sameth highlighted the impact of the AFC Enhance program - a project which will double the Confederation's support for Regional Associations.

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Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has announced a new industry partnership with La Trobe University as their official Education Partner for the next four years.

This collaboration highlights La Trobe’s ongoing commitment to giving students valuable opportunities to connect with the sports industry and gain hands-on learning experiences.

Throughout the alliance, La Trobe and the PFA will collaborate on important research and consulting projects.

They’ll also offer a jointly funded PhD scholarship focused on research that supports the well-being and development of professional footballers.

Each year, the PFA will host three La Trobe students for work placements across different areas of sport, giving them the chance to gain real-world experience within the organisation.

La Trobe will also work with the PFA to create a specialised education program tailored to football, and the PFA will have access to La Trobe’s top-tier sport and exercise science research facilities at the La Trobe Sports Park.

On top of that, PFA members who choose to study at La Trobe will be supported through the La Trobe Elite Athlete Program (LEAP), which helps athletes balance their studies with their playing careers.

This includes flexible and online learning options, plus a new scholarship program for selected players.

Chief Executive of Professional Footballers Australia, Beau Busch, said the opportunity to partner with La Trobe would further enhance its ability to support the holistic development of players and further elevate its research capacity.

“La Trobe University provides world class education and learning, research programs and sporting facilities,” Busch said via press release.

“The partnership will ensure that players have access to flexible professional development opportunities, quality sporting infrastructure when undertaking their coaching qualifications, whilst their careers will be further advanced through a comprehensive research commitment.

“We also see our partnership with La Trobe centred on sharing our institutional knowledge with students to help them develop their educational experience and professional networks within the sporting industry.”

La Trobe Pro Vice-Chancellor for Health Innovation and Dean of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, Professor Russell Hoye, said the formation of the partnership with the PFA underlined La Trobe’s commitment to providing outstanding student employability outcomes within the sport industry.

“This partnership with the PFA will provide our students with access to unique work-integrated learning opportunities within an organisation that supports professional footballers with health, education and professional development,” Professor Hoye said via press release.

“La Trobe also looks forward to assisting professional footballers to undertake higher education studies across our suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.”

By combining academic expertise with the practical needs of athletes, this collaboration aims to support players both on and off the pitch, fostering a more sustainable and educated future for the game.

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Football Coaches Australia (FCA) is proud to present The Advantages of Creating 2v1s in the Modern Game — a dynamic, hands-on coaching workshop led by Dr Ron Smith.

The session took place on Saturday, at the Home of the Matildas & Victorian State Football Centre.

With the continued support of Football Australia, this session contributes 1 CPD hour towards coach reaccreditation — an excellent opportunity to grow your knowledge and keep your qualifications up to date.

Dr Ron Smith, often referred to as the godfather of coaching in Australian football, brings an extraordinary breadth of experience to the field. His résumé includes roles as Technical Director at Football Australia and various Member Federations, Head Coach at the AIS, Assistant Coach and Analyst for the Socceroos, and coaching stints in Iceland, Malaysia, and Perth Glory. A true student of the game, Ron also holds a doctorate in how goals are scored.

This workshop offered a rare chance to learn from Ron “Smudger” Smith in a practical, pitch-side setting. His generous approach to coach education makes this session a must-attend event for anyone looking to deepen their tactical understanding.

The Advantages of Creating 2 v 1's in the Modern Game:

Smith's workshop consisted of three engaging 30–35 minute sessions, featuring Football Victoria Academy players in a 9v9 plus goalkeeper format. The sessions focused on:

• When and how to create a 2v1 situation
• How positioning influences decision-making and improves performance
• How to use available space in the final third

These learnings are designed to provide coaches with actionable strategies applicable across both community and professional environments.

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In the world of modern football, data is king. And while professional clubs have long used GPS wearables to analyse every sprint and tactical movement, young players have often been left behind until now. The Apex Athlete Series by STATSports is changing the game, bringing elite-level tracking technology into the hands of aspiring footballers across Australia and beyond.

Already FIFA-approved for match use, the Apex wearable has become the most advanced and reliable performance tracker available to grassroots athletes. Whether you’re aiming for a professional career or simply looking to take your game to the next level, this is the kind of tool that bridges the gap between weekend warrior and world-class competitor.

A Wearable Built for Serious Footballers

The Apex Athlete Series isn’t just another piece of fitness tech. It’s the same technology trusted by clubs in the English Premier League and national teams around the globe, tailored for accessibility. Designed to capture every training session and match in detail, it gives players an unmatched level of insight into their performance.

From total distance covered and max speed to high-speed running and intensity levels, Apex provides a clear picture of how hard you're working and where you can improve. It’s football data — but for real people.

Real-Time Stats

One of Apex’s standout features is its ability to deliver real-time insights across 16 core metrics. That includes everything from sprint counts and heat maps to strain levels and positional data. The platform also benchmarks individual performance against standards seen at academy and professional levels, helping players understand what’s required to rise through the ranks.

And it doesn’t stop at the numbers. With a beautifully designed mobile app, players can view post-session breakdowns instantly and track progression over time. It’s intuitive, detailed and made to empower development from the ground up.

Introducing Pro Score – A New Way to Measure Your Game

Forget fantasy football ratings — Pro Score is a revolutionary new feature that distils all your data into one easy-to-understand performance rating. Each STATSports ambassador, including the likes of Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane, has their own Pro Score, giving players real-world targets to chase.

As your fitness, workload and match intensity improve, so does your score. For younger athletes, it provides a motivational benchmark that tracks genuine, physical development — not opinion, not guesswork, just performance.

See the Bigger Picture with Performance Trends

The Apex app isn’t just about short-term wins. It’s built to help athletes and coaches see the bigger picture. With trend tracking over weeks, months and even seasons, players can monitor training loads, recovery, and intensity to ensure sustainable development.

Whether you're preparing for finals or managing your off-season, these insights help you train smarter and avoid the risk of overtraining or injury.

Compete Against the World

With global leaderboards built directly into the platform, Apex adds a competitive edge that few other wearables can offer. Players can compare their stats with others from around the world across categories like max speed, high-speed running and total distance.

And if your numbers are good enough, you might just find yourself ranked alongside some of the fittest players in the game. It’s a social, gamified layer of performance analysis — and it’s incredibly motivating.

Impressive study results

Recent studies have backed up Apex’s impact on performance. After just six weeks of using the device, players saw an average increase of 9.4% in max speed, 13.6% in high-speed running, and 12.3% in match intensity.

Those aren’t small gains. They’re game-changers for players looking to step up and stay ahead.

The Only Wearable with Flawless Live Data

Where most wearables lag or drop out during intense action, Apex delivers 100% identical live and post-session data quality. That level of precision allows coaches and players to make instant decisions with full confidence.

Multiple coaches can even monitor different players or full squads simultaneously, each with access to their own live dashboard. Whether you're coaching a junior academy or managing a senior side, the system scales to suit your needs.

Conclusion

The Apex Athlete Series by STATSports is more than just a wearable — it’s a complete performance ecosystem. By combining elite-grade data with real-world usability, it empowers the next generation of footballers to understand, monitor and improve their game like never before.

In an increasingly competitive sporting landscape, tools like Apex aren’t a luxury — they’re a necessity. For players, coaches and parents who are serious about long-term development, this is the future of football performance tracking.

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The City of Greater Geelong has proposed plans for a new major soccer hub to address the region's lack of professional level facilities. 

The proposal revealed a bid for a new regional facility in Geelong's north which would transform the landscape of soccer in the city.

Plans for the facility highlighted it could provide up to eight elite pitches, including a primary exhibition pitch which could hold between 1000 to 2000 people for standard games, and up to 5000 people for special events.

On this show pitch, Geelong locals could bear witness to future National Premier League, A-League and even international games on their doorstep.

Currently, the council is scrutinising nine different locations across Geelong's north for the proposed soccer hub. Additionally, a second subregional multi-sports hub towards the city's south in the Armstrong Creek region was also revealed.

Rumblings of a regional soccer centre in Geelong first occurred in 2021 when the City of Greater Geelong committed $50,000 to a feasibility and business plan, which was later strengthened through a strategic partnership between the council and Football Victoria.

Speaking to Soccerscene, City of Greater Geelong Councilor and Chair of Sports and Recreation, Eddy Kontelj, explained why the proposed hubs would be so vital to soccer in the region.

"These regional facilities would open up so many great opportunities for us," Cr Kontelj said.

"In terms of the development of coaches, players and administrators, a central location would certainly help us to correlate all the skills and services you need to help aid that development.

"But the exposure to the game here would be opened up too. Having significant tournaments played here of a national nature would be such an advantage."

Furthermore, the council has plans for the new soccer hub to be used for premier games and competitions.

[caption id="attachment_29131" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Councilor Eddy Kontelj says the hub would be a boon for Geelong. Image Credit: Eddy Kontelj[/caption]

"In 2022-23 we completed an issues and opportunities report to assess where we need to go, and that's driven this focus to establish our regional and subregional facilities in Geelong. We invited all our clubs and Western United to participate and we got really good feedback from it," Cr Kontelj said.

'United is really excited and they're looking forward to being able to partner with us in Geelong to continue to grow the game in the region.

"And a facility like this could include the W-league, the Matildas, and the Socceroos - and the opportunity for those clubs to also train at a higher level at this type of facility."

Currently, there is a shortage of elite level facilities in the Geelong region for soccer players. In 2023, the G21 Regional Football Strategy 2023-33 revealed that 36% of the city's pitches were in a "poor" condition. The same report found a lack of football facilities, specifically multi-pitch facilities featuring natural, hybrid and synthetic grass were inhibiting participation and the ability to draw tournaments to the region.

Additionally, without a dedicated soccer hub, Geelong is on the backfoot compared to Victoria's other major regional cities, Bendigo, Ballarat, Shepperton and Mildura.

Cr Kontelj denied that the sport had been neglected in the region but said that there was more to be done.

"At the club level our facilities are magnificent. I've compared those with the facilities Melbourne has and I'd have to suggest our sporting facilities are probably superior. I've even had club presidents tell me that too," he said.

"However, having that said that - it's the expansion and development of the game that we have probably been a little slower on, and that is something we must catch up on now."

Through the new sports hubs across Geelong's northern and southern regions, the council hopes the plans will not only cater for the area's pre-existing network of players, clubs and fans but also provide easy access to pristine sporting facilities for a rapidly growing city.

"We're one of fastest growing cities in Australia currently and we've got some new growth areas that are opening up - namely the north-northwest growth zone, which is forecasting to have some 110,000 to 120,000 people living there in the next 20 years," Cr Kontelj said.

"This project is not only a requirement today. It's going to be a requirement going forward with the growth of population that we're expecting." 

The council now aims to finalise the hubs' design and secure funding for the project.

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The FA and Hilton have confirmed a three-year partnership, with Hilton becoming the Official Hotel Partner for the England football teams.

This partnership spans both Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park, providing Hilton with the opportunity to support both the Three Lions and the Lionesses.

As part of the deal, Hilton will also become the official partner of the England Supporters Travel Club, offering Hilton Honors members exclusive perks on hotel stays when travelling to support the teams, both at home and abroad.

In addition, Hilton will team up with St. George’s Park to promote Hilton St. George’s Park as a prime destination for football fans. The hotel already serves as a home away from home for the England men’s and women’s squads during international camps.

Hilton Honors members will have the chance to turn their hotel stays into tickets for some of 2025’s most in-demand events at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, including sold-out gigs, the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup Finals, and other high-stakes matches.

FA commercial director, James Gray, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership with Hilton.

“We are delighted to have Hilton on board as a partner across our England teams, Wembley Stadium connected by EE and St. George’s Park," he said via press release.

“With our national teams competing for the biggest trophies over the next three years, Hilton can play an important role in supporting our squads on and off the pitch. We are building on a long and successful association with Hilton, especially with our hotel at the national football centre and this agreement will take our relationship to a new level.

“Our England fans and visitors to Wembley will also feel the benefit of the Hilton partnership with the opportunity to enjoy major matches and countless memorable moments.

"Wembley continues to stage some of the biggest domestic and international matches on the planet, and regularly welcomes world-leading music acts to perform sell-out shows under the Arch. We’re delighted Hilton will join us on this journey.”

Vice President of Marketing and Loyalty for EMEA at Hilton, Stijn Bastiaens, highlighted the excitement surrounding the new collaboration with the Football Association.

“At Hilton, we believe that it matters where you stay. From Formula 1, to golf and tennis, Hilton has a long history of providing unforgettable stays to elite sports athletes and teams as they travel across the world," he said via press release.

“Through this new partnership with the Football Association, we can’t wait to welcome the England teams with our signature hospitality.

“With 2025 set to be a monumental year for music and football at Wembley Stadium, we’re excited to also offer our Hilton Honors members the chance to turn their stays into unrivalled access to some of this year’s most highly coveted events.”

This partnership strengthens Hilton's commitment to the football community, providing fans and players alike with unforgettable experiences both on and off the pitch.

The post FA and Hilton Announce Official Partnership with England Teams appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Queensland has announced that it has extended it’s partnership with Social Protect, an online safeguarding software that aim’s to help protect referees from online abuse.

This expansion comes after the successful launch of Social Protect with NPL Queensland clubs last year, where it has already made a positive impact in reducing harmful online behaviour.

By extending the service to match officials, Football Queensland is taking another important step in creating a safer and more respectful environment for everyone involved in the game.

Robert Cavallucci emphasises Football Queensland's firm stance against abuse towards referees.

“Football Queensland has a zero-tolerance policy against abusive behaviour towards referees, and the introduction of Social Protect demonstrates the proactive measures we are taking to actively protect our match officials in line with the Protect Our Game initiative,” he said via press release.

“As our game continues to grow, it is more important than ever that we create a positive and safe environment for our match officials across the state, so we’re proud to offer this service to our Queensland referees free of charge to guard against harmful content and abuse across their social media accounts.”

Social Protect offers an easy-to-use mobile app that helps keep social media spaces safe by automatically removing harmful comments. It targets things like cyberbullying, hate speech, racial slurs, and scams, making online spaces more positive and respectful.

The app includes helpful features such as a quarantine zone where flagged comments can be reviewed before being permanently removed.

It also offers educational resources to help users understand online safety, along with multi-lingual support to better detect harmful content in different languages.

Designed for both individuals and organisations, Social Protect is a smart tool for creating safer, more inclusive online communities.

Shane Britten commends Football Queensland for expanding Social Protect to referees statewide, calling it a strong commitment to proactively tackling online abuse.

"Football Queensland’s decision to expand the Social Protect solution to referees across the state shows their commitment to providing proactive protection from online abuse,” he said via press release.

“We are proud to be working with a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises the wellbeing and mental health of their entire network.”

For more information on how to access the Social Protect software if you are a Queensland Referee, you can directly contact the Football Queensland’s referee team via referees@footballqueensland.com.au

To find out more about Social Protect, click here.

The post Football Queensland’s New Initiative for Referee Safety appeared first on Soccerscene.

New Zealand A-League club Wellington Phoenix has announced a partnership with New Zealand media masthead Stuff, and its publication, The Post.

Through the new deal, the organisations' long-standing partnership will now be thoroughly cemented, as Stuff will be elevated to one of Phoenix's club media partners.

Stuff is one of New Zealand's largest media platforms, holding one of the country's largest websites and reaching over 3.4 million New Zealanders each month. Stuff also has an array of widely popular magazines and publications, such as The Post - a Wellington based daily business and politics newspaper.

Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome expressed his excitement for the partnership by highlighting the history Stuff and The Post have had with Phoenix.

“Stuff has provided unmatched coverage of the Phoenix since we were established in 2007,” he said in a press release.

“In fact Post readers were asked for feedback on six options for the club’s name before then-owner Terry Serepisos settled on Wellington Phoenix.

“Stuff and The Post have followed the Phoenix through all of the ups and downs since and it’s great to have formalised the partnership.

“We look forward to connecting with Aotearoa’s largest digital and print audience.”

The Post Editor Tracy Watkins detailed the Post's eagerness for the deal.

“Our audience might be focused on our politics and business coverage through the
week, but come the weekends they are as sports mad as the rest of the country," she said via a press release.

“This partnership speaks to that enthusiasm, and showcases the Phoenix story far and
wide.”

Stuff’s Director of NZ Direct Markets Lee Piper outlined his organisation's commitment to supporting the club after years of work together.

“We’re excited to continue supporting the club’s growth and success,” he said in a statement.

“It’s been a privilege to witness the Nix’s progress season after season, and we look forward to being closely involved with the club as they continue to evolve.”

Wellington Phoenix, Stuff and The Post will seek to engage with the wider New Zealand community as they kickstart the next chapter of their collaboration.

The post Phoenix, Stuff and The Post announce new media partnership appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Victoria have announced that they have partnered up with Italian football brand Kappa as their official technical apparel partner.

The partnership will provide premium apparel for players and coaches involved in FV’s 2025 representative programs and FV Academy teams.

This collaboration aims to significantly enhance the playing and training experience for talented footballers across Victoria, providing them with high-quality gear that supports their athletic performance and development.

Kappa, a global brand with a long-standing reputation in football, brings a wealth of expertise, innovation, and excellence to the partnership.

Known for its deep-rooted connection to football around the world, Kappa’s legacy of providing cutting-edge sportswear will help elevate the experience of Victorian athletes.

With a strong presence in Victorian football, from grassroots initiatives to A-League clubs, the partnership will supply FV’s pathway and representative programs with a range of high-performance apparel designed for athletes of all ages.

This collaboration promises to make a positive impact on the Victorian football community, giving players and coaches the tools they need to succeed while fostering a sense of pride and unity within the game.

By equipping athletes with the best in sportswear, Kappa and FV are investing in the future of football in Victoria, ensuring that the next generation has the support and resources to thrive.

Chris Speldewinde, Football Victoria’s Executive Manager of Commercial, expressed his enthusiasm for the new collaboration.

He highlighted the strong alignment between FV and Kappa, noting both organisations’ shared commitment to growing the sport and making it more accessible to all players.

“Kappa is a brand synonymous with football and we’re pleased to welcome them to the Football Victoria family," he said via press release.

“We’re pleased to work closely with Kappa to provide the aspirational players within our high-performance programs with a range of apparel that supports their every need.”

Director Ze'ev Bogaty shared in the excitement, emphasising the brand’s long-standing commitment to football and its strong connection to the community.

“We are proud to partner with Football Victoria and support their ambitious players with our dynamic range of performance playing kits and teamwear," he said via press release.

“Kappa has a rich history in the game, and we are excited to fuel these programs with our innovative approach to technical apparel.”

The partnership is more than just about providing quality apparel, it is about supporting the development of players at every stage of their journey, from young grassroots talent to elite competitors.

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Grassroots football in the Sutherland Shire has received a massive shot in the arm with Sylvania Heights Football Club unveiling a remarkable $2.9 million upgrade to their home ground at Box Road Reserve just weeks before the season opener.

The comprehensive redevelopment features two re-levelled grass pitches complete with irrigation and enhanced drainage systems designed for year-round use.

The upgrade also includes cutting-edge smart-control LED floodlighting, a purpose-built viewing platform, and improved fencing and pathways to bolster safety and accessibility for players and spectators alike.

This ambitious project was delivered through a collaborative effort between Sutherland Shire Council and the club's parent organisation, the Sylvania Heights Community & Youth Club, with crucial backing from the State Government, Cricket NSW and significant contributions from the Club itself.

In a ceremony held last Saturday, the transformed facilities were officially opened with a host of dignitaries in attendance, including Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd, Dr. Sarah Kaine MLC, Miranda MP Eleni Petinos, and councillors Carmelo Pesce, Jen Armstrong and Haris Strangas.

Representatives from Sylvania Heights Community & Youth Club, Cricket NSW, Football NSW, and Sutherland Shire Football Association were also on hand to celebrate the milestone.

Chris Plakias, Vice President of Sylvania Heights Community & Youth Club, highlighted the crucial role Football NSW played throughout the funding process.

"Football NSW's support was invaluable to us during the critical bid stage and greatly assisted us in successfully securing funding from the NSW Government," Plakias mentioned via official FNSW media release.

"We are extremely pleased to have realised our vision of creating a modern, high-quality and accessible community sporting facility.

“Football is the Club's largest activity and what a fantastic way to launch into the 2025 Winter football season than with these state-of-the-art facilities."

Helen Armson, Football NSW's Head of Strategic Partnership and Corporate Affairs, emphasised how the redevelopment aligns perfectly with the organisation's broader infrastructure goals.

"It's very rewarding to witness the commitment and persistence of the many volunteers who oversaw this project through to completion," Armson commented via official FNSW media release.

"This upgrade aligns perfectly with Football NSW's Infrastructure Strategy of advocating for better facilities leading to connected communities and this was evident today.

"We look forward to seeing teams from Sylvania Heights FC benefit from this upgrade and playing under lights on their new pitch in May."

The multi-purpose venue isn't exclusive to football, as it also hosts cricket and OzTag competitions, along with various school and community events throughout the year.

The updated facilities will be a huge bonus for the area and a fantastic space to develop the footballing and sporting prowess of the community.

The post Shire’s Sylvania Heights Unveils $2.9m Pitch Upgrade appeared first on Soccerscene.

The Football West Academy was officially launched by Football West at the Sam Kerr Football Centre last week. The event brought together over 130 young players, their parents, coaches, and staff at the top-tier Queens Park venue.

Football West’s General Manager – Football, David Lewis, took the stage to outline the Academy model, its vision, and what it aims to achieve.

The program is being led by Football Development Officer Neil Kilkenny, in collaboration with Policy and Advocacy Manager Garth Naven.

Drawing on his experience as a former Socceroo and Premier League player, now a UEFA A-Licence coach, he highlighted the exciting opportunities ahead for the young athletes and the commitment required to reach the elite level.

"I'm big on standards, that's the one thing I will be pushing," Kilkenny said at the event.

"I've always had an interest in coaching. I want to give back to the young players coming through in WA, and hopefully I can contribute and help them realise their dreams."

Football Australia teamed up with Football West, as well as the state bodies from South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria, to co-pilot the Academy program.

The program, part of a nationwide initiative, gives boys aged 12–15 and girls aged 12–18 access to elite training and a clear pathway to higher-level competition and national opportunities.

Throughout their development journey, players will be supported by top-tier coaching staff, as Football Australia works with FIFA and the AFC to establish Australian coaching credentials as globally respected qualifications.

Football West Academy is committed to developing top-tier players and preparing them to thrive in a professional sporting environment.

The system for player development includes:

• The FIFA Talent Development Scheme
• The Emerging Socceroos Championships and Emerging Matildas Championships (formerly the National Youth Championships)
• selection for the Australia U17 boys and girls national team

With the guidance of experienced coaches and a pathway to professional competition, the Football West Academy is set to shape the future of Australian football, cultivating the stars of tomorrow and ensuring they are fully prepared for the professional sporting world.

The post Official launch of Football West Academy appeared first on Soccerscene.

In episode five of Soccerscene's Off the Pitch Podcast, Who Gives a Crap co-founder Jehan Ratnatunga discusses the journey of his organisation and its recent partnership with English football team, Lewes FC.

Who Gives a Crap is a Melbourne born organisation which sells eco-friendly household products with the intention of donating 50% of all profits made to those across the world who do not have access to adequate sanitation.

Originally founded in 2012, the company initially sold toilet paper in order to fund improved access to toileting for the two billion people without access to a toilet at the time. Since then, Who Gives a Crap has moved into selling a range of everyday items such as kitchen towels, garbage bags and more.

Additionally, the organisation has made moves outside of Australia, expanding globally into United States, Canadian, United Kingdom and European markets.

Ratnatunga cast a light on the mantra which he believed set Who Gives a Crap apart from its competitors.

"We have this Venn diagram of looks good, feels good, does good," he said on the podcast.

"So, our toilet paper looks good, in that it's beautifully, individually wrapped. At the time we started, nobody was really doing that. All the packaging was plastic wrappers and boring.

"The idea behind looks good was could we make a product as boring as toilet paper something that people would take out from below the sink and put it on display? And in fact, it's gone further than that. We've had people post it on their Instagram. We've had people use it in their wedding as gifts to the guests.

" Feel good is really about the customer experience.  It's delivered straight to your door.  You can buy it in supermarkets. And the quality of the paper is really soft and strong for customers.

"And then does good is that it has to be a product that gives back, that's the whole point of Who Gives a Crap. That's why it's called Who Gives a Crap. So, we donate 50% of our profits."

Last year in August, Who Gives a Crap partnered with Lewes FC, an English football side to promote sanitary activism at a new community level. Ratnatunga explained the goals for the collaboration.

"The sponsorship is not just about creating fame or awareness for the brand, but how we can actually create impact - that's what's really interesting for us," he said.

"We have a shared goal through this partnership to raise 25,000 pounds, which is about 50,000 Australian dollars, for sanitation."

To learn more about Who Gives a Crap and its work with Lewes FC, listen to the full interview with Jehan Ratnatunga on episode five of Soccerscene's Off the Pitch Podcast - available on all major podcasting apps.

The post Off The Pitch Podcast: Jehan Ratnatunga on Who Gives a Crap appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Queensland (FQ) welcomes the $4.1 million federal election funding commitment from Matt Smith, the Australian Labor Party's candidate for Leichhardt, to deliver upgrades to Endeavour Park in Cairns, should Labor be elected in May.

The commitment follows continued advocacy through FQ’s statewide #EQUALISER campaign and marks a significant investment in the future of football in Far North Queensland.

The proposed upgrades will include improved field lighting, a new high-performance facility, and upgrades to the canteen and change room amenities.

FQ CEO, Robert Cavallucci expressed his gratitude for the proposed investment and recognised the significance of this commitment to the growth of football in the region.

“Football Queensland welcomes this $4.1 million commitment and acknowledges Mr. Smith for recognising the critical infrastructure needs of our game and the importance of Endeavour Park to the football community in the Far North," he said via press release.

“Endeavour Park is a vital facility that serves all levels of the game, from community participation across every age group to advanced high-performance player development, and this is a strong step toward delivering the infrastructure required to support football’s ongoing growth in the region. 

“Our #EQUALISER campaign continues to drive targeted advocacy across Queensland, and it is encouraging to see commitments like this reflect the message we’ve taken to all corners of the state, as we remain committed to continue working with all sides of politics to ensure our game, as Queensland’s largest participation sport, is supported now and into the future.” 

FQ’s General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, highlighted the positive impact this investment will have on the local community.

“As the home of football in the Far North, Endeavour Park welcomes thousands of participants every week, from MiniRoos and grassroots players to our FQ Academy program and FQPL Far North & Gulf competition,” Ramage said via press release.

“This funding commitment by Mr Smith will help us continue to enhance the football experience for everyone involved in the game and ensure our region remains a strong contributor to Australia’s football future, as we work to continue producing more local stars like the CommBank Matildas’ Mary Fowler.” 

FQ’s Federal Election #EQUALISER campaign continues to push for greater investment in football infrastructure and welcomes pledges from candidates across the state.

As the sport continues to grow, FQ remains dedicated to advocating for the facilities necessary to meet the increasing demand and support the football pathway.

The post Football Queensland welcomes the ALP’s $4.1 million park pledge appeared first on Soccerscene.

Amid the sports revolution in the Middle East, sKora Tech is a Qatari AI technology startup developing platforms for footballers to launch their professional careers.

Founded in 2020 by Adel Saad, the former Chief Technology Officer of Kora Stars Sports Agency, (a player representation agency which incorporates AI into its work), he has assisted in propelling sKora Tech onto the global state.

Residing within the world-renowned Qatar Science and Technology Park in Al-Rayyan, sKora has engineered its own AI, known as sKora.AI, to guide the next generation of players.

Through its AI, sKora aims to democratise football by offering aspiring players a way to more consistently reach the top echelons of the sport without relying on expensive training advice and regimes from elite coaches and clubs. Via this goal, sKora hopes to even the playing field and reduce the barriers to entry, enabling players from countries with less representation on the global stage to break through.

sKora Player Platform

When players become a part of the sKora network they submit their athletic and performance data to be analysed by sKora's AI. Once the AI has computed through the data, sKora generates a player profile for each footballer known as a "Pro Player CV".

This profile transforms a player's data into a marketable suite of information for interested clubs and scouts, featuring a range of information such as a player's footballing history, their individual characteristics and skills.

Additionally, these profiles highlight key metrics players are proficient at, but also showcase what areas they have room for improvement in.

This latter part is especially relevant for sKora, as the organisation prides itself on providing a unique roadmap for each player to help them improve.

This roadmap is tailored by a range of factors and aims to guide players to improve their pitfalls and maximise their strengths, in order to increase their proficiency and marketability at a professional level.

All of these features can be accessed readily at any time on sKora Tech's very own app, known as the sKora App. In addition, players can share clips of their performances on the app, allowing them to further entice potential scouts.

Global Impact

As a Qatar based organisation, sKora was on display in in the lead up to and during the Qatar World Cup 2022, showcasing the country's and the wider region's rapid ascension in the sport's technology sphere as a competitive force.

Across this period, sKora's was repeatedly recognised for its work and technological innovation, winning the Hamad Bin Khalifa University Industrial Innovation Fund in 2021, and featuring as a finalist in the 2022 KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator in Qatar and the 2021 Startup of the Year Award and Founder of the Year Award by Global Startup Awards.

Since then, sKora has continued to excel, accruing major partners as it seeks to support football's major 300 million plus community of players.

Notably, sKora Tech achieved a partnership with enterprise AI organisation, GPTBots.Ai in late September last year. GTPBots.Ai is a significant player within the AI business market, providing organisations with assistance in implementing and integrating AI models and AI agents across a range of departments such as human resources, data analysis, customer service and more.

Conclusion

Recognised by a range of global institutions and boosted by new major global partnerships, sKora Tech has quickly become a significant presence within the football technology industry.  Furthermore, the organisation features the ability to continue to grow via its Pro Player CV service and unique player roadmaps, all supported by the company's very own sKora.AI.

For more information on sKora Tech, check out their website.

The post sKora Tech: AI Innovations for Future Athletes appeared first on Soccerscene.

The Ford Women in Leadership Graduate Network has been launched by New Zealand Football with the aim to continue supporting the learning and development of more than 100 graduates of the Ford Women in Leadership Programme.

The Ford Women in Leadership Programme, launched in 2020 and expanded as part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 legacy plan, focuses on developing leadership skills, addressing biases in women’s football, and creating a community of female leaders dedicated to enhancing their influence on the game.

The programme has seen graduates from various sectors of football, including New Zealand Football, the six regional football federations, community clubs, and New Zealand Football’s partner, Ford.

The network is designed to provide a space for participants of the Ford Women in Leadership Programme to connect, learn, and grow together. It will also serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of alumni in football, both in New Zealand and internationally.

As part of the network, participants will be invited to attend a series of events and engage in collaborative opportunities that will help further develop the game.

Paula Hansen, GM of Legacy and Special Projects at New Zealand Football, views the Graduate Network as an essential next step for the success of the Ford Women in Leadership Programme.

One of the notable graduates is Alana Gunn, New Zealand Football’s Women’s Talent Manager and U-17 head coach.

Gunn participated in the programme while coaching in the Women’s National League Championship, and since then, she has advanced to international coaching, further contributing to the growth of women’s football in New Zealand.

“The Ford Women in Leadership programme has been a great success, bringing together participants from across the country to share in an empowering experience," she said via press release.

“There are thousands of women involved in the game in various roles, yet football remains male-dominated so programmes like this are essential for building connections and creating opportunities for learning and growth.

“The Graduate Network takes this initiative further by connecting over 100 women who have participated in the programme, allowing them to continue growing together, learning from one another, and sharing their experiences of the biggest team sport in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

It will also serve as a platform to honour the achievements of alumni in the game throughout Aotearoa and beyond.

The post Women in leadership network launched by New Zealand Football appeared first on Soccerscene.

Allianz Australia, Insurance Partner of Football Australia, has revealed a cutting-edge digital platform directed at Australian football supporters, known as the Fan Hub.

This new initiative reflects Allianz’s ongoing commitment to building strong community connections through the unifying power of sport.

Football fans are invited to regularly visit the Allianz Fan Hub — a one-stop destination for all things football, offering a rich mix of exclusive content, updates, and experiences.

Allianz Insurance Chief General Manager, Consumer, Shez Ford, shared her excitement about the upcoming match and the launch of the Allianz Fan Hub.

“Not only will Australians have the opportunity to watch what I’m sure is going to be a nail-biting match between Australia and the Republic of Korea, but we will also see two of our major partnerships, Allianz Stadium and Football Australia, come together," she said via press release.

“The creation of the Allianz Fan Hub and the Pre-Match Warm Up Top is a natural extension of these partnerships, creating a unique opportunity for Allianz to continue authentically engaging with the football community."

Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, reflected on the collaboration with Allianz and the launch of the new initiatives.

“It has been a massive team effort to bring Allianz Fan Hub, and the Pre-Match Warm Up Tops to life with Allianz," he said via press release.

“These new offerings further cement their commitment to inclusivity, community, and unity in football, which are key values for Football Australia.

“We are looking forward to continuing to work closely and collaboratively with Allianz by providing unique and exclusive experiences for all football fans."

Supporters can stay up to date with the latest competitions, promotions, and unique perks available throughout the season.

To celebrate the launch, Allianz is giving fans the chance to win big:

• A Category A Double Pass to a CommBank Matildas home game in 2025, plus a $1,000 travel voucher and a signed Matildas jersey

• A Category A Double Pass to a Subway Socceroos home game in 2025, including a $1,000 travel voucher and a signed Socceroos jersey

In addition, Allianz and Football Australia have teamed up to launch a new, co-branded Pre-Match Warm Up Top.

Available now via shop.footballaustralia.com.au and select retail partners, the top features a distinctive Allianz logo on the back, paired with a scannable QR code of the iconic Allianz Eagle — linking fans directly to the Fan Hub.

The launch coincided with the CommBank Matildas’ clash with Korea Republic on Friday, 4 April at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, as the squad prepares for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.

This match marked a key moment where Allianz’s flagship partnerships — Allianz Stadium and Football Australia — came together, putting fans at the heart of the action.

On matchday, fans that attended Allianz Stadium had the chance to enter the Fan Hub’s major prize draw and show their Aussie pride by belting out “Go Australiaahhh.” Those who hit 125 decibels or more with their cheer will score an instant reward.

In an effort to boost the matchday experience for the 750 Allianz customers present, the Allianz social team will also surprise three lucky fans and their friends with upgraded seats to a corporate box.

The post Allianz Australia Unveils New Football Fan Hub appeared first on Soccerscene.

In a major boost for local sport and community engagement, the Coalition has announced a $2 million funding commitment to Heidelberg United Alexander Football Club, should it win the upcoming federal election.

The announcement was made in the electorate of Jagajaga by Liberal candidate Chris Parr, joined by local MP Keith Wolahan and Senator James Paterson.

Chris Parr has been applauded for his work behind the scenes to push for the funding to upgrade the Victoria NPL clubs’ grounds.

The investment will fund significant upgrades to the club's facilities, including the development of an Olympic Museum, expanded training areas, open green space, and larger clubrooms to accommodate growing community use.

Parr took to social media to announce the funding promise.

"It is just so important to keep our kids engaged, our parents volunteering and families achieving in all our community activities," commented Parr via his official social media accounts.

"I'm proud to be part of a team that recognises the importance of community infrastructure."

The announcement has been welcomed as a win for local families, sports enthusiasts, and volunteers, with the Coalition emphasising its commitment to strengthening communities by partnering with local groups and the Banyule City Council.

Heidelberg United Alexander FC expressed its appreciation in a public statement.

"Thank you to the Liberal Party of Australia and Chris Parr for his commitment to this great club and icon in the community. Thank you for the support," via Heidelberg United social media accounts.

The proposed upgrades aim to support both the club's on-field development and its broader role as a community hub, providing accessible spaces for a wide range of local activities.

For the Warriors, who boast a rich history in Australian football dating back to their formation in 1958, these improvements represent a significant step forward in their ongoing development program.

The proposed upgrades to green spaces and training areas are important upgrades to the playing spaces for the club and community. The Museum is also an important pledge to the proud history of the club and its majorly Greek ancestry.

With big changes on the horizon for Australian Football with the National Second Division (NSD), such an instrumental club in Australian and Victorian football could use this funding and upgraded facilities to push for a place in the NSD.

For Liberal Candidate Chris Parr it’s a smart political move for the coming election to wrestle the seat away from current Labor representative Kate Thwaites, who’s held the federal seat since 2019.

It’s a strong statement of intent both from the Coalition and from the Football club.

Sport holds a powerful place in Australian communities and is an underused space in election politics. If elected, delivering on the promise is the important next step.

Australians have seen before when election promises aren’t delivered, and politicians should be wary of the public’s reaction.

It will be a huge improvement for the club and area if achieved and an interesting space to watch in the coming weeks.

The post Coalition Pledges $2 Million for Heidelberg United Facilities Upgrade appeared first on Soccerscene.

Co-founder of Who Gives a Crap, Jehan Ratnatunga joined Soccerscene's Off the Pitch Podcast to discuss how his organisation has begun investing in sport after last year's partnership with English football team, Lewes FC.

Who Gives a Crap is a profit for purpose business renowned for its range of household products, especially its toilet paper. From its sales, Who Gives a Crap donates 50% of all profits to funding improved sanitation and toilet access to those in disadvantaged and developing areas.

Founded in 2012, Who Gives a Crap was launched in Melbourne but has since expanded globally into the US, Canada, Europe and the UK. Recently, the organisation dived deeper into the UK through a partnership with Lewes FC.

Lewes FC is from East Sussex, in the southeast of England and is famous for being a high profile socially conscious team, becoming the first team in the world to pay equal wages to both its male and female teams. A decision which Ratnatunga says influenced Who Gives a Crap's move to partner with the club.

"Lewes FC is very much community involved, they have a big focus on equality and gender equality as part of their ethos," he said on the podcast.

"They have equal pay for their men's team and the women's team and that's very much related to the sanitation work we do. Sanitation and giving people access to a toilet actually is really also about equal opportunity between genders. Especially in schools where young girls will drop out of school if there's no toilet in that school at a much higher rate than young boys, and that leads to huge disparity in the long run.

"And so there's a really big connection between the work they're doing on the field and in the game, to the work we're doing in sanitation. And so that's how it made sense from a partnership point of view."

To learn more about Who Gives a Crap's partnership with Lewes FC, listen to the full interview with Jehan Ratnatunga on episode five of Soccerscene's Off the Pitch Podcast - available on all major podcasting apps.

The post Who Gives a Crap and Lewes FC: Sanitation meets sport appeared first on Soccerscene.

AC Milan has officially launched its first youth academy in Hong Kong, demonstrating the club's sustained dedication to the advancement of grassroots football in Asia.

The launch of the AC Milan Academy Hong Kong coincides with the confirmation of the club’s pre-season clash against Liverpool FC, set to take place at Kai Tak Stadium on 26 July 2025, as part of the Hong Kong Football Festival.

This marks a key milestone in AC Milan’s international growth strategy, combining football development, local engagement, and brand localisation in one of Asia’s most vibrant sporting hubs.

AC Milan Academy Hong Kong: Investing in the Next Generation

Designed for players aged 6 to 17, the AC Milan Academy Hong Kong will deliver structured programs that blend technical football training with a strong emphasis on personal development, teamwork, and values-based education. Based on the successful blueprint of Milan’s global academy network, the Hong Kong location will offer:

• Year-round training delivered by both qualified local and visiting coaches

• Access to the club’s official football curriculum and methodology

• Events and tournaments that encourage inclusive participation and nurture talent

More than just a training centre, the academy is envisioned as a community hub to promote Milan’s football culture and values through education and future grassroots initiatives.

Establishing a Lasting Local Presence

AC Milan’s presence in Hong Kong is not a one-off event or short-term commercial activity. By creating a permanent development structure, the club is embedding itself into the fabric of the local football scene.

This long-term strategy supports a number of key business goals:

• Strengthening engagement with younger fans and families

• Enhancing year-round brand visibility on the ground

• Fostering partnerships with schools, local bodies, and sporting institutions

• Laying the groundwork for future CSR programs and sponsorship opportunities

The Hong Kong academy becomes part of AC Milan’s expanding international network, contributing to a wider global initiative to share the club’s training philosophy and community impact.

Aligned with Pre-Season Tour Goals

The academy launch is strategically aligned with AC Milan’s broader Asia-Pacific pre-season tour, highlighted by high-profile fixtures such as the upcoming Liverpool match. While the match offers a strong platform for short-term exposure, the academy represents a deeper, long-term commitment to the region and its communities.

The two announcements show how clubs like Milan are changing their global strategies to focus on actual market presence rather than just fan interaction, especially in high-growth regions like East Asia.

The post AC Milan Deepens Roots in Asia with Hong Kong Academy Launch appeared first on Soccerscene.

With April having arrived, Football Victoria has announced the launch of All Abilities April for the fourth year running.

Launched in 2022, All Abilities April is a month-long initiative dedicated to highlighting the incredible work being done to support people with disabilities in football.

It also aims to raise awareness of the many ways people and clubs can get involved in all abilities programs across the state.

These football programs are specifically designed for individuals with disabilities or impairments, with modifications made to ensure they meet the diverse needs of participants.

Throughout April, Football Victoria will be sharing inspiring stories from clubs and participants across Victoria, as well as showcasing the elite pathway opportunities available.

These stories will demonstrate the positive impact that football and futsal have on players, emphasising their significance and the difference they make in participants' lives.

New Participants and Volunteers:
Clubs and programs across Victoria are welcoming new participants to come and try out football.

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore different programs and find one that is the best fit for you or your child.

If you’re new to all abilities football or futsal, Football Victoria encourages you to give it a try! Available programs include:

• All Abilities Football (Club programs for all types of disabilities)
• All Abilities League (A league for all types of disabilities)
• Wheelchair Football (For wheelchair and powerchair users)
• Victorian Paralympic Football State Team Program – Elite Pathway Program (For individuals with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, or stroke-related impairments)
• Powerchair Football (For powerchair users)
• Blind or Vision Impaired Football (For those with blindness or vision impairments)
• Athletes with Disability Futsal – Elite Pathway Program (For all disabilities, including Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Vision Impairment)
• Deaf Futsal (For players who are Deaf or hard of hearing)

Football Victoria encourages everyone to get involved and discover the benefits of these inclusive programs.

For more information on all-abilities football in Victoria and how you can get involved, you can visit the Football Victoria website.

The post Football Victoria has announced All Abilities April is back in 2025 appeared first on Soccerscene.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reinforced its desire to protect the sanctity and professionalism of football and to stop doping across Asia through the Confederation's Principles of Clean Sport seminar.

In collaboration with Sportradar's Integrity Service, the webinar attracted more than 120 participants last week. Designed to support the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) yearly online campaign, Play True Day, the seminar explored a number of crucial topics which aimed to protect fair sport.

Head speakers, Niall Murphy, Sportradar Senior Manager for Risk & Investigations, and Dominic Mueser, Sportradar Head of Integrity Partnerships in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, led conversations on doping, its effects and regulations, and the need for wide-ranging education, legislature and protections for whistleblowers.

Additionally, the seminar explored how to support medical experts and professionals in the sports industry deal with doping.

Dominic Mueser explained why Sportrader was eager to support the AFC.

"We’re committed to supporting organisations like the AFC in their mission to protect clean athletes," he said via press release.

"It’s critical that we give everyone involved in sport a strong understanding of fair play and clean sport values early on, so they’re able to make smart and informed decisions."

Furthermore, the Principles of Clean Sport seminar analysed the leading codes, regulations and rulings of WADA, including: the WADA Code and International Standards, Anti-Doping Rule Violations and current WADA Prohibited List.

Niall Murphy explained why these conversations were so important.

“With the next iteration of the World Anti-Doping Code currently being drafted and due to take effect in 2027, it is vital that all stakeholders including athletes, support personnel, medical professionals and anti-doping practitioners, keep up to date on the latest rules and regulations, and understand the impact doping can have at an individual level and for sports as a whole," he said in a press release.

The program further covered topics surrounding the ethical and cultural issues around doping as well as how to better protect whistleblowers.

The post AFC Doping: Key Topics on Clean Sport Discussed appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football NSW has scored a major win with leading Australian football manufacturer Deploy committing to a fresh two-year deal as the Official Community and Tournament Ball provider for 2025 and 2026.

Deploy is an Australian based football brand specialising in football equipment and teamwear. It has been FIFA approved and supplies over 500+ clubs around the country and leagues.

These leagues other then NSW Football include Capital Football, Football Victoria, Football West and other associations based in NSW.

The partnership extension comes after Deploy demonstrated their dedication to quality improvement in 2023 when their Envision ball – the Official Match Ball of the Waratah Cup and Sapphire Cup.

The envision ball has also earned the prestigious FIFA Quality Pro Mark, the highest standard available for match balls following stringent testing procedures.

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas expressed his satisfaction with the renewed deal.

"It's great to have Deploy on board once again with Football NSW as our Official Community and Tournament ball for 2025 and 2026.”

“We understand the quality product Deploy continue to produce and know that our competitions will be benefiting from this in the next two years," explained Tsatsimas via Football NSW official press release.

Kurt Johnson, Deploy Sports CCO, shared his enthusiasm about continuing the partnership.

"At Deploy we are dedicated to developing and manufacturing football products tailored to specific programs as well as our clear focus of growing grass roots football.”

“This partnership underscores our shared commitment to supporting players and clubs at every level of the game," Johnson commented via FNSW official press release.

Under the renewed agreement, Deploy will maintain their support across numerous major competitions including the Waratah Cup, Sapphire Cup, Country Cup, JD Cup, State Cup Finals, Champion of Champions Finals, Summer Football, and Futsal Schools.

Football NSW participants can take advantage of this partnership by visiting Deploy's FNSW Hub. The clubs can also join Deploy's bulk pricing program for additional value across all products.

This is a key tool for the amateur teams that need good quality balls and equipment but don’t have the funds.

This renewal maintains the strong relationship between one of Australia’s strongest homegrown football brands and the largest of the football federations.

Its important that top quality equipment is used by the footballing community to help advance skills and playing quality.

This support of local businesses and the growth of local football is key to creating a solid Australian footballing culture.

The post Deploy Renews Partnership as Football NSW’s Ball Provider appeared first on Soccerscene.

Atlético de Madrid has extended is partnership with Google Cloud until 2027, renewing its collaboration for an additional two seasons.

The alliance primarily focuses on cybersecurity services, delivering essential digital infrastructure support for Atlético’s men’s and women’s teams while enhancing the club’s technological strategy amid the growing digital demands of professional football.

Cybersecurity: A Key Priority for Modern Football Clubs

Amid evolving cyber threats and the increasing reliance on data-driven operations in elite football, Atlético de Madrid has made cybersecurity a cornerstone of its digital transformation. Its extended partnership with Google Cloud ensures continued access to:

• Backup and Disaster Recovery (DR) services
• Operational system protection
• Data integrity assurance
• Infrastructure for ticketing, digital access control, and in-stadium digital signage

This robust infrastructure underpins both daily operations and essential fan-facing systems, safeguarding business continuity and security, particularly during high-traffic matchdays.

Cybersecurity in Football: Safeguarding Data, Fans, and Performance

Atlético de Madrid’s use of Google Cloud technology is vital in protecting:

• Fan data, especially during e-commerce and ticketing transactions
• Team performance and tactical analysis, which are increasingly proprietary and commercially sensitive
• In-stadium systems, including electronic access control and digital screens

By strengthening its digital defences, Atlético not only reduces the risk of disruption but also fosters trust among fans, partners, and stakeholders in an increasingly connected matchday environment.

Women’s Team Pioneering Cybersecurity Adoption

Last season, Atlético de Madrid’s women’s team became the first to implement Google Cloud’s full cybersecurity services, serving as a pilot before expanding to the men’s teams in the coming seasons. This phased rollout ensures a structured integration, providing all departments with the same high-level cybersecurity infrastructure.

Since the partnership began, Atlético de Madrid and Google Cloud have crafted tailored cybersecurity solutions designed to address the unique challenges of modern sports organisations, including real-time response capabilities for system failures or external attacks.

As Atlético de Madrid continues to shape the way in digital transformation, its extended partnership with Google Cloud allows the club to remain at the forefront of cyber security, protecting both its players and fans while setting a new standard for the future of football.

The post Atlético de Madrid Extends Google Cloud Cybersecurity Deal appeared first on Soccerscene.

Sports Group Melbourne (SGM) has announced TX Football as its newest official partner with TX Football for the Junior Champions League (JCL) 2025 season.

Following the success of the 2023 and 2024 editions, the Junior Champions League (JCL) returns bigger than ever in 2025, with over 200 teams already registered across Victoria.

The competition continues its unique winter format, featuring monthly midweek matches under lights—replicating the prestige and structure of European football. Exclusively designed for Kangaroos-level teams, the JCL will showcase best-v-best matchups across the South, East, North, West, and Regional zones, hosted at top-tier local facilities.

TX Football, an Australian-owned and operated brand, takes full control of its manufacturing process to ensure premium quality and precision.

Renowned for delivering high-performance football products at accessible prices, TX Football’s match balls are designed with cutting-edge materials and a scientifically engineered 32-panel structure to enhance elite-level playability. Committed to innovation and excellence, the brand delivers professional-grade gear without the premium price tag.

As part of the collaboration, TX Football becomes the Official JCL Ball Partner, supplying custom match balls featuring the official JCL logo for all tournament matches. The brand also joins as the Official Apparel Partner, providing TX Football teamwear for all JCL off-field staff.

Additionally, TX Football takes on the role of Presenting Partner of JCL Live Streaming, supporting the broadcast of selected matches throughout the season.

TX Football will also be on-site for the JCL Finals round, presenting a bespoke MVP ball award to each Grand Final MVP winner in the tournament’s closing stages.

Commercial Manager at TX Football, Sarah Gharib, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership and what it brings to young players.

"TX Football is excited to collaborate with the Junior Champions League, an elite competition that aligns with our vision of nurturing future stars," she said via press release.

"This tournament provides young players with invaluable experience, increased game time, and exposure that can help them transition to the professional stage.

"Throughout the tournament, the equipment—including the match balls—will be crafted to the highest quality, ensuring players experience the feel and touch of professional standards every time they step onto the pitch."

Stay tuned for an exclusive JCL discount, offering participating teams access to official merchandise and teamwear at special rates—more details to come.

This collaboration unites two organisations dedicated to executing access, innovation, and elite-level experiences in junior football.

For more information, click here.

The post TX Football Partners with Sports Group Melbourne for JCL 2025 appeared first on Soccerscene.

Denver, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) newest franchise, has shared its plans to build a temporary stadium and permanent performance centre in the local city of Centennial. 

In a partnership with the City of Centennial and Cherry Creek School District, Denver NSWL will develop a 12,000-seat temporary stadium that the club will call home for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The stadium will be reduced to 4,000 seats for the 2028 season and will be used by the Cherry Creek School District. Meanwhile, the Denver NWSL team will move to a permanent 14,500 seat facility in the centre of Denver.

Leading project management is CAA Icon, who had provided advisory assistance across both stadiums. Similarly, design firm Populous will sculpt the image of the permanent and temporary stadium as well as the performance centre.

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman lauded the work of Denver NWSL.

“Denver NWSL is setting a new benchmark for what it means to support professional athletes with the infrastructure they deserve," she said in a press release.

"From a world-class training environment to a thoughtfully designed temporary stadium, this initiative is an example of how our clubs are leading the way in reimagining what’s possible in women’s sports.

“We’re especially proud of the collaboration with the City of Centennial and the Cherry Creek School District, which ensures this investment will benefit generations of athletes and students for decades to come.”

Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko highlighted her city's enthusiasm for the new facilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome this new professional women’s soccer performance centre to our city," she said via press release.

"This investment in women’s sports will inspire athletes of all ages and strengthen our community’s commitment to excellence, teamwork, and opportunity.

“Centennial is proud to host the start of Colorado’s first professional women’s sports team. The temporary venue will be the first of its kind serving an NWSL club, and it will bring the added benefit of providing a long-term home for Cherry Creek School District team sporting events.”

The NWSL granted Denver a franchise back in January, and the club will first set foot on a pitch in 2026.

The post Denver showcases temporary stadium to house new franchise appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed the appointment of two participation officers, Phillip Rimmer and Meaghan Watts, to the Wide bay region, reinforcing its commitment to expanding regional football and inviting more community engagement opportunities for local clubs, schools and players.

FQ Game Development initiatives will be lead by Rimmer, based in the Fraser Coast, and Watts, based in Bundaberg across the region with a local, hands-on approach, zeroing in on programs such as Girls United, the FQ & Roar Football in the community program, Walking Football and Sporting schools to improve accessibility and drive participation.

Incoming Participation Officer for Fraser Coast, Philip Rimmer, has expressed his enthusiasm about working closely with local clubs and the community, drawing on his extensive experience in football to help strengthen the game at a grassroots level.

“We have a great opportunity to grow the game not only within clubs but across the wider community, ensuring more people see football as their game of choice – whether it’s playing, coaching, refereeing, or taking on a role in administration,” he said via press release.

“A big focus for me in this role will be mentoring young coaches, showing them the pathways to continue working in football and spreading the love of the sport, as well as showing the kids our great game and putting a smile on their faces.” 

Meaghan Watts, the new Participation Officer for Bundaberg, is eager to bring fresh ideas and energy to the role, leveraging her lifelong passion for football and background in sports management.

“This role felt like the perfect fit for me, combining my passion for football with my sports management degree, and I’m excited to get stuck into facilitating programs and seeing both children and adults enjoy the game,” she said via press release.

“Having played football my whole life, I understand the barriers that can exist for girls in the game, and I want to help break down these challenges by creating positive experiences that encourage more women and girls to get involved.”

Together, Rimmer and Watts will collaborate to develop and deliver engaging football programs, aiming to boost school and club participation across the Wide Bay region. Their long-term goal is to achieve a 50/50 gender balance and establish football as the sport of choice in the area.

FQ General Manager – Central Coast Conference Jordie Gerbes welcomed their appointments, emphasising the importance of their roles in providing dedicated, hands-on support to every corner of the Wide Bay region for the first time.

“Phil and Meaghan’s appointments are a key step in our ongoing investment in football across the Wide Bay, with their passion and expertise helping us connect more effectively with local clubs, schools, and participants, driving the sport forward and ensuring its long-term success in the region.”

FQ is poised to strengthen grassroots football in the Wide bay region, fostering a thriving, inclusive community where the game can flourish in the regional sectors for generations to come.

The post Football Queensland Set to Expand Regional Football appeared first on Soccerscene.

The Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) grant has recently opened for applications across the country, with a key focus on sport for the 2025 round.

The AJF is a part of the International Relations Grant Program, designed to foster better relations with and a greater understanding of foreign nations via people-to-people links across borders.

In particular the AJF aims to:

• Increase awareness and comprehension in Japan of shared interests with Australia.
• Increase awareness and comprehension in Australia of Japan's importance to Australia as an economic and strategic ally.
• Increase awareness in Japan of Australia's expertise and excellence.

As a grant designed for to connect Australian and Japanese people across a wide array of backgrounds, the AJF has highlighted a number of key priorities for 2025. These include:

• Sport
• Society and culture
• Economic diplomacy and geopolitics
• Education and Australian studies
• Scientific development and innovation
• Communication
• Advocacy

The AJF also endorses the recognition of three values in candidates' application.

• Gender equality
• Recognition and inclusion of First Nations people
• Recognition and inclusion of diversity

Previous grant recipients under the sporting category include:

• Japan Wheelchair Rugby Foundation
• Australian Blind Football
• Adelaide Giants Baseball Pty Ltd
• Judo Federation of Australia Limited
• AFL Japan
• Sport Inclusion Australia
• Queensland Rugby Union Limited

Grant Details

Across the 2025-26 period, a total of $780,000 AUD is being offered by the AJF.

Grants are divided into two categories - single year projects and multi-year projects. Projects must begin within the 2025-26 financial year and be completed by the designated end date in the grant agreement.

Grant applications for a period of one year range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $50,000.

In special circumstances, a one-year grant of $80,000 or multi-year grants of $50,000 a year for three years may be accepted.

However, the AJF stipulates that projects should not be solely funded by a grant and candidates with other backers will boost the application. Furthermore, successful grant recipients may be offered less money than they applied for.

Grant Eligibility

Potential applicants must:

• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN) or Indigenous Corporation Number (ICN)
• Be an Australian consortium with a lead organisation
• Be an Australian registered charity or not-for-profit organisation
• Be an Australian local government body
• Be an Australian State or Territory government body
• Be a corporate commonwealth entity
• Be an Australian statutory authority
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia
• Be a Japanese citizen or organisation

Applications that involve those under the age of 18 must also provide the project's child protection guidelines which meet the DFAT Child Protection Policy.

Applicants will not be eligible for the grant if:

• They are, or are partnered with, an organisation which is not part of the National Redress Scheme.
• They are a previous applicant which has not provided an acceptable acquittal of a previous DFAT grant.

Applications for the grant close on May 6 2025 at 14:00 AEST.

For more information on the grants, click here.

To apply for the grants, click here.

The post Australia-Japan Foundation Grant: Sport and Culture Focus appeared first on Soccerscene.

The Central Coast Mariners (CCM) have recently announced the continuation of their partnership with Coast Sport Performance Health Services for their CCM program.

Central Coast Physiotherapy, operating as Coast Sport, is a Central Coast-based performance health group dedicated to delivering first-class therapy and performance services.

Their goal is to become leaders in providing world-class Allied Health and Sports Medicine services.

They achieve this through premium healthcare delivery featuring clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, gold standard technologies and integrated multidisciplinary patient management.

This partnership will provide expert medical and physiotherapy care to youth development at CCM, primarily focusing on the academies. Making sure youth players have the best care and are educated on their bodies.

CCM expressed their excitement at this renewal on their social media channels.

"We're thrilled to announce Coast Sport - Performance Health Services as a returning partner in our MCC program! With their exceptional physio services, Coast Sport plays a vital role in supporting the health and performance of our Central Coast Academy athletes," via CCM official media release.

"Their continued commitment to athlete care is integral to our development pathway, ensuring our players receive the best support on and off the field. We look forward to this continued partnership and the success it will bring!"

Physical health is crucial to the development of players and to keep them in good condition to excel in football.

The strains on young players' bodies in academies means that good physiotherapy done by experts in the field is crucial to the longevity of the players.

It is an integral part of building a successful and inviting academy, players and importantly their families need to believe they are receiving support in all forms of development.

It's also key that young players are educated on their own bodies and make sure they understand how to maintain their ability and make sure they suffer no serious injuries.

This collaboration renewal also demonstrates how the A-League club supports local community businesses.

Using local businesses even for such an integral part of development as physical health shows commitment to the region.

Partnerships like this help clubs build strong relationships with the local community and solidify their integral position as a symbol of the local business environment and society.

The post Central Coast Mariners renew partnership with Coast Sport appeared first on Soccerscene.

Paris Saint-Germain has broken the cutting edge by becoming the first football club in the world to create an innovation accelerator entirely dedicated to sports innovation.

Launched as PSG Labs, the accelerator is located at STATION F, the world's largest start-up campus.

Through PSG Labs, PSG will partner with start-ups and provide them with the club's global range of tools, assets, knowledge and networks to help boost their products and programs through superior development to their competitors.

President of PSG, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi expressed excitement for PSG Labs.

"Paris Saint-Germain is proud to be the first football club in the world to partner with STATION F, the world's largest start-up campus," he said in a press release.

"This unique collaboration bringing together two major French players, Paris Saint-Germain and STATION F, will create bridges between sport and the best start-ups."

As a Club, we are always looking for new ways to innovate and develop bold ideas to shape our future. Through this collaboration, we are proud to support the next generation of entrepreneurs, who will grow alongside Paris Saint-Germain."

Founder of STATION F, Xavier Niel detailed why his organisation was drawn to PSG.

"STATION F and PSG share the same ambition: to make Paris shine. Together, we want to show the world that the future is built here. This collaboration will bring out the champions of tomorrow," he said via press release.

Director of STATION F, Roxanne Varza shared her pride for the collaboration with PSG.

"At STATION F, we are proud to welcome Paris Saint-Germain. This is the first time that a sports club, and even more so one of the biggest football clubs in the world, has joined our campus," she said in a statement.

"Their commitment to innovation makes the club a key player in the transformation of sport. We can't wait to see how our start-ups will collaborate with PSG to develop the innovations that will shape the future of the sport."

Through PSG Labs, Paris Saint-Germain is showcasing its commitment to supporting French business and to developing technologies at a world class rate.

The post PSG Accelerator: Innovating the Sports Industry appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football NSW will be celebrating Female Football Week (FFW), recognising women and girls in football from May 2 to 11.

FFW is a nationwide initiative celebrating the significant growth of women’s football at all levels and recognising the vital role women play in developing the game.

The FFW Awards offer a valuable opportunity to recognise and celebrate the significant contributions of women and girls in football, highlighting their essential role in all aspects of the game. To honour the exceptional female champions within the club, nominations are being held for each of the following categories:

• Female Player of the Year
• Female Coach of the Year
• Female Referee of the Year
• Female Volunteer of the Year
• Community Champion of the Year

Each category winner will receive a prize and be nominated as Football NSW’s representative for the National FFW Awards.

Throughout the week, Football NSW and our Associations/Clubs will also actively participate in delivering female football events, including:

• Female Football Rounds
• Come + Try Sessions
• Free Skills Clinics
• Festival of Football

Football NSW's Head of Women's and Schools Football Hayley Todd expressed excitement about maintaining the momentum after a record number of community FFW events were held in 2024.

“As we reflect on the incredible growth of female football, it’s clear that the passion and commitment of female players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers are reshaping the landscape of the sport,” said Todd via press release.

“Celebrating the role of women and girls in football is not just about acknowledging achievements on and off the pitch; it’s about inspiring future generations to continue breaking barriers. Together, we are not just changing the game; we are redefining it.”

The growth of female football across all areas has been remarkable, with 2024 seeing record registrations across all participant types.

Female player registrations rose by 17%, while female coaches saw an impressive 36% increase, referees grew by 16%, and volunteers grew by 15%.

To learn more information on Football NSW's Female Football Week, click here.

The post Football NSW Announces Female Football Week 2025 appeared first on Soccerscene.

New Zealand's national stadium, Eden Park, has embraced the decision from the Auckland Council to support a recommendation to redevelop the stadium through a staged approach.

On Thursday, the council selected the Eden Park 2.1 plans over a rival proposal for a new 55,000 capacity stadium in the Quay Park area of Auckland.

Under the 2.1 plans, Eden Park will receive major modernisation and sustainability upgrades as well as a new north stand and retractable roof. Currently, Eden Park is asking for up to $99.9 million AUD to support the project.

Eden Park Trust Board Chair, Kereyn Smith expressed how important the decision was for the city of Auckland and New Zealand sport.

“Today’s decision is a pivotal step toward securing the long-term future of Eden Park as New Zealand’s national stadium. The staged approach gives us the certainty to plan, the flexibility to deliver, and the ability to respond to the needs of Aucklanders and New Zealanders alike,” she said in a press release.

“Eden Park 2.1 is a smart, staged investment that delivers high-impact returns for both Auckland and the nation. It’s practical, future-focused, and leverages existing infrastructure to achieve lasting outcomes. We look forward to working with both Auckland Council and central government to make this opportunity a reality.”

Eden Park CEO, Nick Sautner outlined why the council's decision was the instrumental for the future of New Zealand sport.

“We’re delighted that Auckland Council has chosen to support Eden Park 2.1 which is a practical, buildable, and future-ready approach to delivering Auckland’s main stadium. Recognising the Governing Body’s vital role in shaping the next phase, we are committed to working collaboratively to deliver the best outcomes for Auckland and the country,” he said via a press release.

“Eden Park 2.1 is a high-value, high-benefit opportunity for Auckland and New Zealand. It makes the most of existing infrastructure, leverages the City Rail Link which opens in 2026, and delivers social, cultural, and economic benefits quickly and at scale.”

“Since 2011, Eden Park has contributed more than $1 billion in GDP to the regional economy. Named International Venue of the Year in 2023, Eden Park is a hybrid, multi-purpose stadium that continues to be both a strategic asset for the nation and a community cornerstone for Auckland.

“Globally, there is a growing focus on repurposing and upgrading existing infrastructure. Eden Park is already a highly valuable asset – and with the staged upgrade, we will ensure it remains a highly utilised venue that delivers world-class experiences and continues to create unforgettable moments for future generations.”

Eden Park is best known for being home to New Zealand's dominant All-Blacks rugby team, but it has also hosted international cricket and football including matches for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

The post Eden Park supported by Auckland Council appeared first on Soccerscene.

Brentford FC has signed a strategic partnership with Gil Vicente, a competing club in Portugal's Primeira Liga, focused on sharing player development, recruitment, performance, and broader football operations.

The collaboration highlights Brentford’s ambition to create a global network of like-minded clubs, united by shared values and a modern approach to football.

As part of the new partnership, a delegation from Gil Vicente recently visited west London, spending time at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium and the Robert Rowan Performance Centre. This visit marked the first step in a broader plan for mutual learning and long-term collaboration between the two clubs.

Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Football strategy and game model design
• Scouting and player recruitment systems
• Coaching methodologies
• Club communications and brand positioning
• Fan engagement and matchday experience management

By combining Premier League-level insights with Primeira Liga experience, both clubs aim to challenge traditional models and uncover new efficiencies in the highly competitive world of professional football.

Brentford's Technical Director Lee Dykes highlighted how the new partnership will build on these foundations and further enhance the club’s internal processes.

“Football is always evolving, and one way to improve is by sharing knowledge. Gil Vicente has a proud history and are well-respected for their youth development, their resilience and their community spirit.

"This partnership with Gil Vicente will help us improve all aspects of our player development model and allow us to have a close relationship with a well-respected club in Portugal,” he said via press release.

The collaboration also aligns with Brentford’s wider strategy of resourcefulness and innovation, using international partnerships to complement the club’s relatively small-scale operational model compared to traditional Premier League giants.

President of Gil Vicente Rui Silva emphasised the advantages of such a collaboration.

"A partnership with a club competing in the world's most challenging league represents a unique opportunity to elevate our structure. Brentford has been a reference in data, player recruitment and development, as well as in its relationship with fans.

"These values align perfectly with our vision for the future of Gil Vicente,” he said via press release.

The Portuguese club brings its strengths in youth development, club culture, and resilience in domestic competition to the table, making this a mutually beneficial partnership.

The Brentford-Gil Vicente agreement is part of a growing trend in European football, where clubs outside the traditional elite are forming technical and operational collaborations.

Not only is this positioning Brentford as a forward thinking-player in the game globally, it is also a brand-building strategy, capable of influencing not just on-pitch performance but off-pitch strategies as well.

The post Brentford and Gil Vicente Form Partnership to Boost Development appeared first on Soccerscene.

Mingle Sport is designed to take the hassle out of team management, providing grassroots clubs with the tools they need to operate seamlessly and efficiently.

With three features: Team Management, Performance Tracking, and Scorekeeping. Mingle Sport brings a professional-level experience to local teams. Here's a closer look at how each feature can enhance your club's operations.

1. Team Management:

Keeping a team well-organised requires more than just setting a match schedule. Mingle Sport helps coaches and managers save time, improve communication, and keep everything in one place.

Key Features:

Match & Training Scheduling – Plan all upcoming fixtures, training sessions, and team events in one place. Add locations, arrival times, and additional notes for complete clarity.

RSVP System – Know exactly who’s attending each session or match. No more last-minute confusion—ensure your squad is always prepared.

Transport Coordination – Arrange carpooling and ridesharing within the app, making sure no player is left without a lift.

Attendance Insights – Track attendance trends and understand why players miss sessions, helping coaches improve participation.

Team Chat & DMs – Keep all team communication within Mingle Sport. Share updates in the official team chat, send direct messages, or comment on specific training sessions.

Minutes Played Tracking – Keep a record of each player’s game time to ensure fair rotations and better performance assessment.

Automated Reminders – Reduce no-shows by sending automated RSVP reminders. If a player can't attend, they can provide a reason within the app.

Formation Builder – Create your ideal team lineup with a drag-and-drop formation builder, whether for an 11-a-side match or a five-a-side tournament.

For those who like a desktop-friendly experience, Mingle Sport Homebase acts as an advanced planning hub. It allows coaches to analyse trends in training attendance, track minutes played and manage lineups more efficiently.

2. Performance Tracking:

Statistics aren’t just for professionals—Mingle Sport brings the power of data-driven performance analysis to grassroots teams. By tracking key player and team stats, coaches and players alike can measure progress, compare results, and compete for top rankings.

Key Features:

Team & Player Stats – Keep track of match scores, goal differences, win ratios, and overall team performance.

Leaderboards – Rank players and teams based on their stats, fostering healthy competition.

Player Voting – After each match, vote for three key players:

MVP (Most Valuable Player) – The standout performer of the game.

Playmaker – The most creative and influential player.

Workhorse – The hardest-working player who put in the most effort.

Personalised Player Profiles – Each player gets a dedicated profile tracking goals, assists, match highlights, and past performances. Compare stats with previous seasons to track improvements over time.

Performance Metrics (Coming Soon) – Mingle Sport is working on exciting new features to measure shot quality, top speed, stamina, and other key performance indicators.

Attendance Tracking – Monitor individual player attendance across matches and training sessions, helping coaches manage commitment levels.

Goal Trends – Get insights into your team’s scoring patterns over the season.

Win Ratio Analysis – Identify trends in match results—does your team perform better at home or away? Against specific opponents? Use these insights to fine-tune strategies.

With all these features available in one platform, Mingle Sport makes it easier than ever to track, analyse, and improve player and team performance.

3. Scorekeeping:

Keeping track of match statistics shouldn’t be complicated. Mingle Sport’s scorekeeping tools allow teams to record match events in real time, track player contributions, and share updates with fans and followers.

Key Features:

Goals & Assists Tracking – Keep an accurate record of every goal and assist, with the data automatically updating leaderboards and season stats.

Cards & Substitutions – Log yellow cards, red cards, and player substitutions for a complete match report.

Minutes Played – Use the in-app match timer to track each player’s time on the pitch.

Live Scoring & Match Reports – Share real-time match updates within the app or online, allowing followers to keep up with the action.

Match Ratings & MVP Voting – After each game, players can rate the match from 1 to 5 stars and vote for standout performers.

Season Trends & Team Awards – Identify long-term trends in goal ratios, win percentages, and other crucial team statistics. Recognise top performers with awards like Top Scorer of the Month.

For deeper match analysis, Mingle Sport Homebase on desktop allows coaches to take a detailed look at season statistics, match ratings, and player performance trends.

Conclusion

Mingle Sport isn’t just another team management app—it’s a game-changer for grassroots football. With a focus on efficiency, engagement, and performance tracking, it provides local teams with the tools they need to operate like the pros.

From scheduling and communication to live scorekeeping and performance stats, Mingle Sport brings everything together in one powerful and easy-to-use platform. Whether you’re a coach, manager, or player, this app ensures your team runs smoothly—both on and off the pitch.

The post Mingle Sport: Transforming grassroots football management appeared first on Soccerscene.

Melbourne Victory has celebrated being awarded funding under the Play Our Way program by inviting Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon. Anika Wells to Aami Park.

Play Our Way is a $200 million program from the Federal Government created after the success of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 to increase women and girls' participation in all sport.

The program seeks to achieve its goals by funding initiatives that aim to tackle the barricades that prevent women and girls from engaging with sport and physical in order to create a more equitable environment for everyone.

There were over 660 applications for the participation stream of the program, with only 70 programs across all sports and levels becoming successful recipients: of those, only four were professional clubs.

In a joint visit to Aami Park, Minister Wells and member for Macnamara Josh Burns MP spoke with key club representatives such as Managing Director Caroline Carnegie, former Matilda Lydia Williams and Melbourne Victory community program participant Tesnim Beke about the club's work to support women and girls.

Carnegie highlighted how the visit reinforced Victory's commitment to breaking down the barriers to equality in sport.

“We were honoured to welcome MP Anika Wells to Melbourne Victory to discuss and celebrate the incredibly important work we are undertaking as a Club to provide more opportunities in football for women and girls,” she said in a press release.

“Our projects will provide a program that will have an immensely positive impact on not only participation in sport, but allow individuals to grow their social and leadership skills.

“At Melbourne Victory, we aim to lead, unite, connect and inspire through football, and the Play Our Way program allows for women and girls to connect and reach their potential.

“We look forward to seeing our programs and pathways continue to welcome new participants across Victoria.”

Through funding from the Play Our Way program, Melbourne Victory now has the support it needs to build a comprehensive partnership strengthened program that will support participation in sport across schools, communities and clubs. This program will deliver important and educational physical sessions as well as workshops which encourage leadership.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has locked in a media rights agreement with sports broadcast giant ESPN, covering the upcoming 2025-2028 period.

The fresh deal sees ESPN continue as the exclusive media partner for top-tier AFC competitions.

Their services will be channelled to the footballing regions of Central and South America, including selective parts of the Caribbean.

Viewers can continue to catch the action across ESPN's platforms, including the Disney+ streaming service.

Covering marquee events like the 2027 Asian Cup and both Champions League Elite and Champions League Two club competitions, the agreement marks a significant boost for international football coverage.

This has come after the ending of the deal between the sports media giant and the AFC starting in 2021.

ESPN have broadcasted the AFC since 1989 and continues to want to deliver the AFC onto the international stage through its media reach.

Michael Walters, Vice President for programming and acquisitions at ESPN International explains how they wish to connect the AFC with the whole international community.

"At ESPN, our main goal is to serve the sports fan with a vast array of sportive events and our experts' analysis," he said via press release.

"We're thrilled to renew this agreement, so that audiences in Latin America, Central America, and the Caribbean can continue to enjoy the AFC's competitions in real time."

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John praised ESPN's commitment, noting they've been playing a crucial role in expanding the confederation's global reach.

"The AFC is delighted to renew our media partnership with ESPN, who have been strong supporters of Asian football and played a key role in expanding the reach of our competitions well beyond the borders of our Continent," he said via press release.

The deal comes hot on the heels of another recent partnership, with the AFC announcing a global support agreement with Chinese financial technology firm Du Xiaoman Technology for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last week.

This latest media rights renewal underscores the growing international appeal of Asian football and ESPN's strategic approach to sports broadcasting.

With the highlight focus of football centred around Europe it is very important that the AFC can reach all areas of football.

To connect the AFC across the Americas continues to tap into a football region and help elevate the AFC with other international footballing powerhouses.

The post AFC Extends ESPN Media Rights in Landmark Deal appeared first on Soccerscene.

NWS Spirit FC has confirmed a potential $1.9 million grant to assist in funding the construction of five new synthetic fields build at Christie Park.

Member for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale MP, has pledged a re-elected Albanese Government will help fund five new small-sided synthetic fields at Christie Park, building on the work he began as Mayor of Ryde.

The Christie Park Small-Sided Synthetic Fields Project marks the next phase of the Master Plan, expanding on earlier improvements like the addition of a new amenities building and training facilities that was initiated in 2015.

"With the immense growth of women’s football, alongside our growing population, this upgrade will help more locals get on the field, free up space on our natural grass fields, and enable the establishment of a stand alone futsal style comp here in Bennelong," he said via a post on Facebook.

The club views this as a fantastic win for the players, families, and supporters, providing the facilities they need to train, play, and thrive—no matter the weather.

What this would means for NWS Spirit FC & the local football community:

• More playing space to support our growing club and grassroots football.
• Year-round access, eliminating washed-out games and cancelled training sessions.
• Enhanced facilities for junior development, helping the next generation of footballers succeed.
• A community-focused investment that makes the most of our sporting infrastructure.

Jerome Laxale MP expresses his long-term commitment to the cause, and his efforts to continue to develop sporting clubs in the future.

"I’ve been working to finish Christie Park since my first days on Ryde Council. Today's announcement is a huge next step, I’ll always work hard for sporting clubs across Bennelong," he said via a post on Facebook.

The club states they have worked closely with Jerome Laxale and all levels of government for years to bring this project to life.

"We are proud to support this announcement and look forward to seeing these new facilities become a reality and want to thank Jerome for his continued support of our club and sport," the club said via press release.

NWS Spirit FC expresses their gratitude towards Jerome for his ongoing support of the club and the sport, with working closely alongside the club and all government levels to bring this project to life.

Calling all their members to spread the word and celebrate the investment in Christie Park’s future, the club insists on sharing this announcement on social media, in hopes of making this dream a reality.

The post NWS Spirit FC’s $1.9M Grant: Election Pledge for Synthetic Fields appeared first on Soccerscene.

Mackay Football Park is set to undergo significant upgrades, with a series of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the match-day experience for players, referees, and spectators.

The investment aligns with Football Queensland’s (FQ) long-term infrastructure strategy for the region, supporting the growing football community in Mackay and the Whitsunday Coast.

As part of its commitment to improving local facilities, FQ has also secured a new lease agreement with Mackay Regional Council for additional land.

This agreement will enable long-term facility development, ensuring the park continues to accommodate increasing participation numbers.

According to Craig Ramage, FQ’s General Manager – Northern, the upgrades are already making a noticeable impact and form a crucial part of broader efforts to foster the sport’s growth in the region.

“We’ve been listening closely to the needs of players, clubs, and spectators, and these improvements will make Mackay Football Park more functional, accessible, and safer for everyone who uses the facility,” Ramage said in a press release.

“A key part of the upgrade to the facility is the $800,000 expansion of the carpark, which has long been a point of concern, especially on busy match days, and this expansion will make a big difference by improving traffic flow, reducing delays, and ensuring smoother and safer match-day access for everyone.”

Among the key developments, new changerooms are scheduled for completion in 2025. These facilities will include two team rooms and a dedicated space for referees, catering specifically to the growing number of female players and match officials.

Additional improvements already underway include the installation of new Felton benches around the office building, along with a wheelchair-accessible picnic table, designed to enhance comfort, safety, and accessibility for all visitors.

Football Queensland continues to collaborate with local clubs, government partners, and the wider community to ensure Mackay Football Park remains a high-quality venue that meets the needs of the region’s football community.

The post Major upgrades underway at Mackay Football Park appeared first on Soccerscene.

In episode four of Soccerscene's Off the Pitch podcast, Global Institute of Sport (GIS) Asia-Pacific Regional Director Ray Boggiano joins the show to talk about how the Institute is assisting students get into the sports industry.

The Global Institue of Sport is a world leader in tertiary sports education, delivering cutting edge online and in person courses at campuses across the world in famous sporting locations such as London's Wembley Stadium, Miami's Chase Stadium, Brussel's Lotto Park and Melbourne's very own MCG.

Additionally, the GIS has influence in several other countries including hubs and labs in Canada, the UAE and Jamaica.

Through its expansive programs, the GIS has an immensely impressive 79% job placement rate in the sports industry for graduates, and a 99% job placement rate within nine months of graduation.

Speaking on the success of the GIS' programs, Boggiano explained how the curriculum prepares students for employment within an incredibly competitive industry.

"In the UK the national average is about 33% of those that have studied a sport subject find a job in sport within nine months. So, we're over double the national average," he said on the podcast.

"We do it through integration with industry. Not just in terms of when our students graduate, obviously connecting them with industry to find the next step."

"But we also integrate industry into our curriculum development - into guest speakers, networking events, a whole host of opportunities to first of all make sure that our programs are industry specific, so that the students are graduating with skills needed by the industry."

Additionally, Boggiano touched on other supports the Institute provides to help develop students for work.

"We've got a dedicated careers team, and we have a whole host of enrichment activities that take place online and also at our stadiums around the world to allow students to network with the industry, get work placements, and then when they graduate, they have got half a foot in the door."

However, it is not just through deep connections with industry that the GIS has been able to set up students for successful careers but also through the Institute's ability to reflect and restructure to stay relevant in an ever-changing world.

Boggiano highlighted the importance of different perspectives in maintaining an effective schooling environment.

"We refresh our curriculum on a regular basis. I think we have to refresh it every seven years, but we do it far more frequently than that, to make sure it is current and contemporary," Boggiano said.

"We've got a global industry advisory board, in fact, we've not got just one, we've got three. We've got one for the Emir region, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We've got one for the Americas, and we've got one for the APAC region."

"Its 12 senior exec[utive]s from across all different disciplines, different sports, and they feed into, again, that curriculum development."

Additionally, Boggiano touched on the support the Institue provides to graduates once they have completed their degrees.

To learn more about the GIS's highly effective curriculum, listen to the full interview with Ray Boggiano on episode four of Soccerscene's Off the Pitch Podcast - available on all major podcasting apps.

The post Off the Pitch Podcast: Ray Boggiano on GIS student pathways appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Tasmania has confirmed a significant new partnership with the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, reinforcing its commitment to player safety and well-being at all levels of the game.

Through this alliance, efforts will be made to:

• Raise awareness about heart health within the football community.
• Offer education and training on CPR and defibrillator use.
• Support greater accessibility to life-saving equipment at clubs and venues.

Football Tasmania Chief Executive Officer, Tony Pignata, mentioned the health significance this will present for individuals involved in football.

“Our mission is to provide opportunities for Tasmanians to lead healthy, enjoyable, and connected lives through participation in football — from Under 5s to over 40s,” he said via press release.

“As a State Sporting Organisation, we have a duty of care towards the tens of thousands of Tasmanians who take to the pitch or futsal court every week, regardless of their age.

“We recognise that heart-related medical incidents can and do occur on our sporting fields.

“That’s why partnering with the Heartbeat of Football Foundation is crucial in raising awareness, improving preparedness, and ensuring our clubs and facilities are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to save lives.”

Andy Paschalidis, founder of Heartbeat of Football, highlighted the significance of this collaboration.

“Our partnership with Football Tasmania is a vital step in ensuring players, coaches, and volunteers across the State are better armed with knowledge, resources, skills and tools, because minutes matter in an emergency,” he said via press release.

"By working with Football Tasmania, we can amplify this life-saving message and ensure that heart health awareness becomes a key part of grassroots football culture.

“Strong partnerships with organisations like Football Tasmania help us engage directly with players, clubs, and communities to drive real change.

“Football is more than just a game — it’s a community, and every heartbeat matters.”

Last weekend, the Heartbeat of Football Foundation brought its free heart health testing to Football Tasmania’s NPL and WSL games.

Click here to read more about Heartbeat of Football.

The post Football Tasmania and Heartbeat of Football unite for Heart Health appeared first on Soccerscene.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced a new partnership with Du Xiaoman Technology.

Through the collaboration the Chinese financial technology company will become a Global Supporter of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26.

Together, the AFC and Du Xiaoman Technology will aim to expand their individual markets through a combined effort. Du Xiamon Technoloy will bolster the AFC through providing competition activities to engage fans as well as brand new gameday experiences which will excite audiences.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John welcomed Du Xiamon Technology into the fold.

"The AFC is delighted to welcome Du Xiaoman Technology as a Global Supporter of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 and we thank them for showcasing their confidence in the future of the Asian game," he said in a press release.

“The enhanced qualification format has already elevated the levels of anticipation and competition for both our teams and passionate fans and we look forward to partnering with like-minded organisations such as Du Xiaoman Technology to create even more memorable experiences for all our valued stakeholders.”

General Manager of the Brand Marketing Department at Du Xiaoman Technology, Xinxin Cui explained why the deal was enticing to her organisation.

“Football embodies passion and dreams, which naturally align with our company’s philosophy of empowering micro- and small- business development," she said in a press release.

"Moving forward, through the partnership with the AFC, Du Xiaoman Technology will identify breakthrough opportunities where technology enhances the sporting experience. We aim to deliver innovative financial solutions to benefit football fans while strengthening support for China PR’s football development.”

CEO of AFG Patrick Murphy, embraced Du Xioman Technology into the growing network.

“We are proud to welcome Du Xiaoman Technology as a Global Supporter of the Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. We value their trust and collaboration in bringing this partnership to life, as we approach an exciting stage of this competition."

Together the AFC and Du Xiaoman Technology will work to elevate Asian football for fans across the continent.

The post AFC Du Xioman partnership to grow matchday experiences for fans appeared first on Soccerscene.

Keilor Park SC has a rich history dating back to 1957, established under an Austrian social club in Richmond. Two years later, the club evolved into Keilor Park Austria, embracing its Austrian heritage through its colours—Viennese violet, a shade of purple and a national symbol of Austria—and its emblem featuring the Austrian eagle. While the Austrian influence remains an important part of its identity, the club has grown into a diverse and inclusive hub for the local soccer community in Melbourne’s north-west. 

The club is known for its commitment to inclusivity, offering a welcoming environment for players from all backgrounds. With a strong volunteer base, Keilor Park SC ensures that players and families receive exceptional service at every step, from registration to coaching and community events. Its reputation for being well-run and community-oriented has made it a popular choice for many aspiring soccer players. 

As Keilor Park SC continues to evolve, its partnerships with Football Victoria, Brimbank City Council have been vital to its growth. While challenges like limited space and infrastructure persist, the club remains focused on its future goals—promoting inclusivity, expanding its programs, and striving for success in higher-level competitions. 

Speaking with Soccerscene, President of Keilor Park SC Ben Di- Lorenzo shares insights into Keilor Park’s journey and its plans for the future.

What do you believe sets Keilor Park Soccer Club apart from other community-based soccer clubs in the region?

Ben Di-Lorenzo: We’ve always been known as the inclusive, welcoming club; we get feedback, that Keilor Park is welcoming to all types, the inclusive club. Our participation is our core differentiator in that we try not to discriminate against anybody, offering a range of programs so that everyone can participate. We have a large army of volunteers that help with our daily operations, providing professional service at a community level. When players and parents come to our club, they can expect exceptional service, from registering to trialling and receiving their uniforms to coaching or connection with the community events we hold. So yes, I think that’s our point of difference. 

The other element is that our female program has always been strong, right? So, you know, diversity for us has been just integral. We’ve never had to try to be diverse or inclusive; our female program started in 1986. That’s when we tried to kick off with a senior female team. It didn’t take off right away, but it did kick off in the early 90s, and the rest is history. From there, we’re trying our best to make the 50/50 participation between boys and girls, and we have more than 630 registered players in 2025, with close to 40% of them female players.

Keilor Park Soccer Club has grown into a well-established community club. How have partnerships with Football Victoria, the local council, and other stakeholders contributed to this growth?

Ben Di-Lorenzo: Councils are in a sticky situation because they only have so much property. We’re fortunate to work closely with our council, and they’ve provided us with additional space and adapted some rules to accommodate our growth. Still, we have to turn away players because we simply don’t have enough space. That’s not on the council—they’ve given us what they can and recognise our growth path. They’re doing their best to increase the number of fields available to us. There’s a lot of parkland adjacent to the club with multi-sport use—basketball, softball, footy, cricket, even remote cars—so some outer fields have been repurposed as temporary soccer fields. The council has really come to the party to help where possible. 

Football Victoria (FV) has always assisted us by setting the standard for what good looks like, but it’s up to us to achieve it. I always say, these programs are great, but if you don’t have volunteers, they won’t go anywhere. We’re lucky to have motivated volunteers who take on what FV offers. From a governance perspective, they regularly assess us to ensure we’re running the club properly, and they recognise our efforts. In some cases, we even get recognition and celebrate that with them, which is great.

Image provided by Ben Di-Lorenzo

How have community responses to the Go Soccer Mums and Go Girls programs reflected their impact on female participation in the sport, and what makes these initiatives stand out from traditional junior soccer programs?

Ben Di-Lorenzo: The Go Soccer Mums include mothers of some of our members, and former senior players from the 90s who come and have a kick, play in tournaments, and train every week. It’s fantastic to see that.
I think there’s this general perception, especially for women over 40, that they’ve never played a lot of sports. So, the fact that they’re getting out and playing soccer on weekends, wearing boots and shin pads is amazing. For me, I love that it’s an opportunity where we just say, “Who cares? Just come and have a kick.” That’s the enjoyment I get out of facilitating and enabling a program like Go Soccer Mums.

Go Girls is a little different. From what we’ve seen, girls don’t always come to soccer right away. The Matildas’ success brought in a lot of girls starting the program late, and it was hard for them to join a club, especially with trials in November for a season that doesn’t start until April. Go Girls is really an introduction to the sport—come once a week, pay as you turn up, no long-term commitment. This is a program that really suited that need, it gave girls the chance to say, “I want to give this a go,” without pressure. From there, we actually found some really good players who are now competing in our junior girls’ NPL. We’re quite proud that it became a pathway for identifying talent.

We host Football Victoria’s Girls Cup competition, they use our facilities, and we love to assist and enable community football as much as we can.

In terms of club governance and operations, The Executive Committee oversees a lot of key areas, from governance to strategic planning. What are some of the club’s biggest challenges and priorities in 2025?

Ben Di-Lorenzo: We have an ambitious strategy—we want to be a total football club that is well-run and well-governed. From a board perspective, it shouldn’t matter who’s in the seat, because we should be governed by rules, and we should be governed by the strategic intent of the club. That’s why we focus on having the right governance processes and decision-making frameworks in place to ensure stability and long-term success. 

From an on-the-field perspective, our senior programs are performance-based, with the goal of promotion to higher leagues. Our senior women are in the VPL, one step below the NPL, and their ambition is to reach that level. For the boys, currently in State League 1, we aim to progress them to the VPL and then eventually the NPL . 

For the first time this year, we are implementing more advanced level programs for MiniRoos and Junior level, and that’s sort of going to be challenging, right? Not to say that the community isn’t any different, it’s just that some of these players would like to have more training rather than the two days a week. Now, when you look to include 14 teams that are training three days a week, obviously there are challenges with having the right infrastructure in place. Making sure we’ve got the right coaches in place that can actually coach three days a week and be a lot more technical, and then having a football curriculum and making sure that they can follow the curriculum as much as possible. 

Not every player wants the same commitment—some enjoy training twice a week and being part of the club, while others want to train four or five times a week. While we aren’t in a position to offer the highest intensity level, we strive to provide a strong middle ground that supports different ambitions.

Are there any exciting upcoming initiatives or projects that will be directly influenced by the partnerships the club has?

Ben Di-Lorenzo: Yes, we just recently signed a partnership with Kia Australia, and we’re looking to rename the main pitch to ‘Kia Park’ which is exciting for our club. Kia Australia prefers to have connections with more community-based groups where they can have a bit more influence on how their messaging gets out. The other exciting part is that Kia has an association with FIFA, and that association allows our members exciting opportunities, like the potential of carrying out the match ball at the next most appropriate FIFA-regulated game. 

We also host what we would classify as one of the premium community club MiniRoos tournaments in Victoria, called the Keilor Cup, which has been running for 25 years. This year will be the 25th anniversary of the Cup which is for players from under sevens all the way up to under thirteens. It is only for community-based teams; no sort of academies can join it because we want to maintain it as a community-based competition. We invite over 220 teams to participate in more than 400 games across 17 pitches with matches played over the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the AFL Grand Final weekend. That’s big for us, last year we had a team from New South Wales and Adelaide come across, and they’re committed to coming across again. So the 25th anniversary of the Keilor Cup is a big milestone for us and an exciting project and celebration.

In terms of future plans and club vision, what are the clubs long term goals, both for community engagement and competitive football?

Ben Di-Lorenzo: The goals are to extend our inclusivity and diversity into all abilities soccer. We do want to try to find a way in which we can facilitate all abilities competitive soccer at the club. We’ve started this with the council, and we’ve offered coaches to help at some of the council programs that are being run there, which we’d like to run on a more permanent basis. We’ve got some work to do to upgrade the facility, so that’s one of the things on our to -do list. From a competitive perspective, as I’ve mentioned before, our senior players need ambitions for our senior programs to climb up, to be more competitive in the NPL leagues. If there’s a licence open for the junior boys NPL program, we’d be open to applying for that. 

However, on the girls side, the FV have extended the NPL girls from 10 teams through to 16. People would debate if there’s 16 clubs worth of talent out there for females, and we probably all agree that there isn’t. But actually, I look at it differently. I see it as if the FV puts standards out there for you to develop and train in a certain way or that you meant to train, then you will develop more talented female players. So our long-term goal is to be quite competitive at the NPL level for our girls, but have them grown from our internal club program.

The post Keilor Park SC’s Vision for Growth: A Total Football Club appeared first on Soccerscene.

FC Schalke 04 has showcased their new business networking platform, the Business Kreisel - in an announcement which promises to elevate their financial potential.

Set to launch in Q2 of 2025, the Business Kreisel auf Schalke platform aims to connect leading businesses and partners with the club in a highly innovative B2B platform.

Notably, the platform will not only be designed to entice large scale corporations but will also encourage medium and small businesses such as family-owned companies and start-ups.

Through the Business Kreisel app (available on mobile and desktop) members will be able to:

• Seamlessly communicate with other organisations and partners.
• Utilise event sharing tools
• Receive exclusive and premium B2B offers through a digital marketplace

Furthermore, becoming a member of the Business Kreisel will reward industry parties with the ability to use the "Business Kreisel auf Schalke: Das königsblaue Unternehmens-Netzwerk" logo and access to Schalke 04 networking events.

Businesses can join the network through a variety of ways:

• Schalke 04 sponsors can join without charge
• Members of Schalke's cooperative society ‘Auf Schalke eG’ will not have to pay membership fees for four years on the condition they have 40 shares in the cooperative and had originally paid $18,100 AUD, including an entry fee of $860 AUD.
• Businesses not originally involved with Schalke 04 can join by either paying $7000 AUD annually or a one-time $20,700 AUD transaction for four years.

FC Schalke 04 CEO Matthias Tillmann described why the Business Kreisel network was so important to the club.

“Our goal is clear: to build a strong and exclusive network that offers real value to our partners and Business Kreisel members," he said in a press release.

"Through our business app, companies can connect, easily engage with other businesses, or even promote their own events – all in an open and transparent setting. Additionally, our exclusive Schalke-organized events will help create a personal and professional exchange in a familiar atmosphere.”

Through the Business Kreisel B2B network, FC Schalke 04 has committed itself to growing its business family in a highly innovative way.

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Paramount Australia and SportsPick Live have revealed a new multi-year partnership aimed at increasing football viewership across venues in Australia, an action that aims to enhance the sports presence in a local landscape in settings such as pubs, clubs, casinos, and gyms.

The partnership with Paramount Australia, the home of Australian football, grants commercial venues the distribution rights to Paramount’s exclusive and extensive package of domestic and international football matches.

This provides full-season coverage of both the Isuzu UTE A-League Men and the Ninja A-League Women, enhancing entertainment options for venue operators while making the game more accessible to fans nationwide.

This collaboration not only brings Australia’s premier domestic football competitions to screens in venues nationwide but also delivers over 100 international matches featuring the CommBank Matildas and Subway Socceroos, allowing fans to support their national teams in a vibrant, shared atmosphere.

Managing Directer of Entain Venues, Mark Sturdy, expressed his enthusiasm on sharing the sport across the nation.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Paramount Australia, allowing us to bring Australian football into venues nationwide, championing both women’s and men’s leagues with equal passion,” he said via press release.

“By consolidating the branding of Paramount Australia, A-Leagues, CommBank Matildas, and Subway Socceroos under the SportsPick Live initiative, the partnership aims to establish a robust platform for sports entertainment tailored to the commercial market.

“Our partnerships aren’t just about streaming matches; we’re completely invested in growing the sports in our portfolio while elevating the local venue as the place that unites fans."

This landmark agreement highlights both companies' commitment to growing football in Australia and aims to provide an outstanding viewing experience for fans in commercial venues, uniting communities through the power of sport.

Vice president of partner management and business development at Paramount Australia, Lachlan Roach, commented on the vitality of the collaboration.

“The SportsPick Live business is pioneering commercial venue distribution in the territory, and Paramount Australia’s inaugural and multi-year partnership is pivotal in delivering and making available our premium broadcast of all Australian football matches to fans across the country," he said via press release.

With Paramount's ambition to become the go-to destination for venues across Australia, the newly-founded deal between the two companies marks the beginning of something greater.

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Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has joined forces with the UK's Green Football Weekend for The Great Save 2025, a global campaign tackling football kit waste.

By bringing The Great Save to Australia, the PFA is urging clubs, players, and fans to rethink how they dispose of kit and its environmental impact.

The Great Save aims to keep sports kit in play for longer – via donations, re-sale, reusing or upcycling – helping to reduce waste, save money, and support those in the community who may otherwise lack access to kit.

The players' union is partnering with several sustainability organisations to drive real impact.

KitAid Australia and The Salvation Army will distribute donated kit to disadvantaged communities, while Unwanted FC will help players upcycle old jerseys.

With a large demand due to new fashion trends, Vintage resellers will also keep classic and retro kits in circulation.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch explained how the need for sustainability in football has become a major topic and lead to this alliance.

"Sustainability in football is increasingly important to players and fans. The Great Save 2025 offers a real chance to keep kits in use longer, reduce waste, and provide gear to communities in need," he said via press release.

"Building sustainable practices in clubs and leagues requires a whole-of-industry effort, and I'm proud that players are once again leading on this critical issue."

An extension of the PFA's Greener Games 2024, The Great Save follows the PFA's nomination for Elite Organisation of the Year at the BBC Green Sport Awards.

Emma Ilijoski, a member of the PFA's climate-conscious advocacy group, Our Greener Pitch, said supporting The Great Save would help leverage football's global appeal, and connect fans and players to make an impact in the UK and Australia.

"Footballers collect a lot of gear during their careers, from junior clubs through to senior professional football," she said via press release.

"Instead of letting it go to waste, we can create a cycle where kit is reused, keeping its nostalgic value, and also benefit those in need. The Great Save makes that possible."

In 2024, the PFA's Stoppage Time report explored football's climate impact in Australia and New Zealand, sports and with that football has always had an important place for supporting sustainability.

This collaboration has the unique positions of positively effecting all pyramids in the industry in active sustainable practices and arguably having greater effect.

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