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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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 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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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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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 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.

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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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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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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.

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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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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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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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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 (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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The post Business Kreisel: FC Schalke 04’s move to connect businesses appeared first on Soccerscene.

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.

The post Paramount+ to Boost Football Viewership Through Sports Venues appeared first on Soccerscene.

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has announced a series of new international media partnerships, significantly expanding its global reach ahead of the 2025 season. With coverage spanning over 130 countries, the new deals ensure broader access to live matches and highlights across key international markets.

Expanded Coverage Across Continents

ESPN has secured exclusive rights in Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, the Caribbean, the Netherlands, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Disney+ Nordics will provide live coverage of two matches per week along with highlight packages.

In the UK, TNT Sports will air two exclusive matches weekly, while Canadian broadcaster TSN will show one game per week, with additional matches available on TSN+.

Brazil’s Canal GOAT and Latin America’s TV Azteca will each carry up to two matches per week.

Meanwhile, Dubai TV has obtained exclusive broadcasting rights for two matches per week.

For Australian audiences, Optus Sport has acquired exclusive rights to all NWSL matches and highlight packages, ensuring full coverage for fans across the country.

Global Streaming and Accessibility

NWSL+ remains a key component of the league’s international streaming strategy. Launched in 2024, the free direct-to-consumer platform will continue to provide non-exclusive matches, highlights, replays, and team content for viewers outside the United States via Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku TV.

In the U.S., more than 160 matches will be available across national broadcasters, including CBS, ESPN, Prime Video, and ION, while the remaining fixtures will be streamed for free on NWSL+.

NWSL Senior Vice President of Broadcast Brian Gordon spoke on the importance of securing multiple international deals at once.

"The NWSL is home to an incredible roster of world-class talent, including many of the game's top international stars," he said in a press release.

"As the global reach of our sport continues to expand, we remain committed to making our matches more accessible, connecting fans everywhere with their favourite teams and players."

A Boost for Australian Football Fans

This expanded coverage is a major win for Australian football fans, providing unprecedented access to one of the world’s premier women’s football leagues.

With Optus Sport securing exclusive rights, fans can follow top-tier women’s football with ease, further enhancing the growing popularity of the sport and league in Australia.

This move not only strengthens the global presence of the NWSL but also supports the continued growth of women’s football down under.

The post NWSL Expands Global Reach with New Broadcast Deals appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Australia has unveiled a partnership with Live Graphics Systems (LIGR) to establish a world-first centralised production and distribution model for over 3,500 matches annually across multiple competition tiers.

This ambitious undertaking is set to transform sports broadcasting efficiency whilst unlocking future commercial opportunities for Football Australia and its nine State and Territory Member Federations.

The collaboration comes as Football Australia prepares to kick off the Australian Championship this October.

In mid-2024, Football Australia began developing a new production strategy, defining requirements across multiple tiers of Australian football.

The strategy encompasses the Hahn Australia Cup, NSD and the top tier of Federation Competitions for both men and women (National Premier Leagues), Futsal and National Para-Football Championships included as well.

LIGR's appointment followed a rigorous Request for Proposal (RFP) process, led by Football Australia in alliance with Member Federations, aimed at identifying a single partner capable of managing the complex scale.

LIGR, an Australian tech business recently acquired by European-based tech company Crionet, will provide technical and operational broadcast management, live monitoring and AI integration across Football Australia's multi and single camera productions.

Additionally, LIGR's world-leading streaming, graphics and highlights automation platform will enable seamless integration of key sponsors on broadcasts.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, highlighted the significance of the partnership.

"This partnership marks a defining moment in Australian football and represents a paradigm shift in the way the game is produced, distributed and commercialised both in Australia and abroad," Johnson explained via Football Australia official press release.

“By unifying production across thousands of games and multiple tiers of competition, we are not only streamlining operations but also reshaping the future of football broadcasting in this country. This is innovation at scale.

"Through this centralised model, we are building long-term operational and cost efficiencies and can focus on building sustainable revenue streams for the connected football pyramid."

Luke McCoy, CEO of LIGR, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.

"At Crionet and LIGR, our mission is to disrupt the traditional sports production, streaming, and distribution landscape," McCoy commented via Football Australia’s official press release.

“Our partnership with Football Australia and its State and Territory Member Federations represents a groundbreaking shift towards a truly aggregated model, marking a significant milestone for sports coverage in Australia.

“Our cutting-edge technology and innovative approach sets us apart, and we are excited to elevate the game, enhance fan engagement, and drive innovation across all levels of the sport."

This multi-tier integration represents an unprecedented approach, as no other Australian rights holder has consolidated production across such a diverse range of competitions under a single centralised model.

This new centralised approach will allow the sport to optimise its production workflows and unlock new commercial opportunities in the evolving broadcast and streaming landscape.

An exciting development in increasing viewership and commercial viability for, as Football Australia's 2024 National Participation Report confirmed, the most popular and fastest growing sport in the country.

The post Football Australia Announces Broadcasting Partnership with LIGR appeared first on Soccerscene.

Liverpool FC and Adidas have announced a new multi-year partnership, agreeing to the return as the club's official kit supplier from August 1, 2025.

This renewed collaboration with Adidas will see the iconic brand supply match kits, training gear, and culture wear for the club’s men’s, women’s, and academy teams, as well as LFC Foundation staff.

This alliance marks the revival of a storied relationship, with Adidas having previously provided kits during some of the Reds’ most successful eras.

Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan commented on the importance of this partnership and what it means for the club.

“Everyone at the club is incredibly excited to welcome adidas back into the LFC family. We have enjoyed fantastic success together in the past and created some of the most iconic LFC kits of all time," he said via press release.

“Adidas and Liverpool share an ambition of success and we couldn’t be more excited to partner together again as we look forward to creating more incredible kits to help drive on-pitch performance. We’d like to thank Nike for their support over the last five years and wish them well for the future."

The initial collaboration from 1985 to 1996 saw Liverpool secure multiple domestic league titles and FA Cup victories, while the subsequent partnership from 2006 to 2012 delivered further silverware, cementing adidas as a fan-favourite kit provider.

Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden expressed his excitement for the returning collaboration.

“We are extremely excited that adidas and Liverpool Football Club are teaming up once again. The club is one of the biggest and most iconic names in world football with a huge fan base," he said via press release.

“The jerseys worn during previous partnerships are some of the greatest ever created."

With the three stripes returning to Anfield, excitement is building ahead of the unveiling of Liverpool’s new home and away kits.

The designs will be officially revealed through Liverpool FC and adidas channels, with fans able to purchase the fresh range from the start of August.

The post Liverpool FC and Adidas Reignite Partnership appeared first on Soccerscene.

Oxford United has announced its partnership with Radisson Hotel Group, which has signed with the club to deliver a new-build, 180-room Radisson-branded hotel.

The club aims to build its new stadium north of Oxford, where the facility will form part of the proposed development on land known as the Triangle.

Oxford United’s proposed state-of-the-art stadium will deliver a world-class sporting and entertainment precinct, featuring a 16,000-seat stadium, a 1,000-capacity conference and exhibition centre, and a 180-room Radisson hotel.

Oxford United's Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Adam Benson, discussed the new partnership and its benefits.

“Signing an agreement of this nature marks a major milestone for the stadium development. The fact we can attract a partner of the calibre of Radisson Hotel Group is a real endorsement of the world-class complex we are looking to build," he said via press release.

“At every stage of the process the Radisson team demonstrated a real understanding of what we are trying to achieve. Their offering, accommodation and associated facilities will fit perfectly with the overall development ensuring an exceptional experience for all visitors.

“The hotel is a key part of our plans to create a multi-purpose venue, whilst supporting the club’s ability to operate an economically sustainable long-term home."

More than half of the hotel’s guest rooms will offer views overlooking the pitch, while the ground floor will feature a restaurant.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the stadium will be powered by a low-carbon energy supply, operating as an ‘all-electric’ venue.

Development Director at Oxford United, Jonathon Clarke, commented on the process and what to expect from this collaboration.

“We conducted a thorough tender process for our hotel partner and the Radisson Hotel Group stood out for their strong sustainability credentials, beautiful design and understanding of how to integrate a hotel into a leisure and community facility," he said via press release.

“The standards they set are world-class, from interior design and visitor experience through to sustainability. Our visions are perfectly aligned, and we look forward to working together."

Solar panels will generate additional energy, ensuring the project sets a new benchmark as the most environmentally sustainable mid-sized stadium in the United Kingdom.

The development will also provide a major economic boost, creating close to 1,000 jobs to support the local workforce. In addition, the site will include a range of hospitality, fitness, and entertainment facilities, further enhancing the precinct’s appeal.

Committed to improving public transport access and community connectivity, the stadium will feature an east-to-west pedestrian and cycle route.

Located adjacent to Oxford Parkway train station, the site offers a convenient five-minute rail link to Oxford’s central station, as well as direct access to a Park & Ride facility for local bus services.

This landmark project underscores Oxford United’s vision for a modern, accessible, and environmentally responsible stadium, delivering lasting benefits for both fans and the wider community.

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Sports Group Melbourne (SGM) has embraced TheCoachKart (TCK) as an Official Partner for 2025 in a bold new collaboration.

Through the new partnership TheCoachKart will become heavily involved in Sports Group Melbourne's elite competitions - the Youth Super Cup and Junior Champions League.

As part of the deal, TCK will gain sponsor naming rights for the key "YSC Pre-Season Coach of the Tournament" award, in addition to a comprehensive digital presence across the YSC media sphere. Furthermore, TCK will feature heavily across YSC events by presenting their products on gamedays and showcasing co-branded products with SGM. To further boost their appeal across the YSC, TCK will also launch branded activations such as pop-up displays across the tournament.

TheCoachKart kickstarted their partnership with Sports Group Melbourne yesterday at round 2 of the Youth Super Cup Pre-Season on Sunday 16 March, showcasing their products to onlookers and giving clubs the chance to order exciting custom-made clothing. TCK will return to the competition on Sunday March 23 for the YSC Pre-Season Finals Round, granting the organisation further experience with SGM's competitions and allowing event participants to become more familiar with a valuable supporter of youth sport in Victoria.

Representative of Mondo Sportivo Group, Chris Jackson expressed TCK's excitement for the collaboration with SGM.

"TheCoachKart is thrilled to partner with SGM, the premier organiser of junior sporting events in Victoria, combining forces to deliver great product to SGM events and participants," he said in a press release.

The partnership between the two organisations details their intertwined commitment to excellence and developing the world's game through supporting tomorrow's stars. To ensure progress is continual and efficient, TCK is dedicated to assisting coaches through granting them elite level products to thrive in the rigours of competition.

After the conclusion of the Youth Super Cup, TheCoachKart will continue to work with Sports Group Melbourne via the exciting Junior Champions League competition, beginning May 2025.

The post SGM-TCK Partnership Enhances Youth Sports Events appeared first on Soccerscene.

Sevilla FC has made history as the first sports club invited to join the AI Alliance, a global community dedicated to the responsible and ethical advancement of artificial intelligence. Among over 150 member organisations, Sevilla FC stands out as the only sports club, highlighting its commitment to technological innovation in sports.

Co-founded by IBM and Meta, the AI Alliance brings together leading technology companies like Intel, AMD, Oracle, Red Hat, and Sony. It also includes renowned academic institutions such as CERN, EPFL, ETH Zurich, Yale, Cornell, the University of Tokyo, Imperial College London, and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.

Nationally, Sevilla FC is the fourth Spanish institution to join the AI Alliance, alongside the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, MLOps Community, and Esade, representing a significant milestone for sports and technology in Spain.

Sevilla FC has long been a leader in adopting cutting-edge technologies across both sports and business operations. The club has utilised AI to develop advanced solutions in various areas, including player identification and profiling based on scout evaluations in natural language. On the commercial side, AI has been integrated into ticketing, sponsorship, and Fan 360 tools, with a strong focus on attendance prediction, greatly enhancing the management of the secondary ticket market.

Club president, José María del Nido Carrasco, expressed great enthusiasm about the club joining this organisation.

"For Sevilla FC, it is a great honour to be the first sports clubs to join the AI Alliance. We feel fully committed to its principles for the safe, ethical, and collaborative development of artificial intelligence. For the club, this represents significant recognition from the technology industry and various academic institutions for our strong commitment to applying technological innovation to sports, as well as to our different business areas, in order to provide our professionals with the best tools to pursue success both on and off the field," he said via Sevilla FC statement.

Through its membership in the AI Alliance, the club adopts and aligns with the core principles of this community, including:

• Global collaboration to advance AI development.
• The definition and development of AI use cases in the sports industry.
• The promotion of open source technology that encourages equitable access to AI.
• The development of and adherence to standards that ensure trust and security in AI applications.

This achievement not only reinforces the club's dedication to digital transformation but also establishes it as a leader in creating a more innovative, ethical, and sustainable sports ecosystem, setting a precedent for other sports clubs to follow.

The post Sevilla FC is the first sports club in the AI Alliance appeared first on Soccerscene.

Stockport County has declared a new digital partnership with North-West-based market leader Urban Zoo.

The new website and mobile application will offer an improved interface for supporters, with real-time updates and enhanced multimedia content.

Urban Zoo’s Gamechanger platform aims to enhance fan engagement and the club's digital presence by creating an interactive, seamless experience for users.

This will ensure that the platform will allow Stockport County to deliver top-tier digital engagement to their fans, with its specifically designed features for sporting organisations.

Head of Marketing at Stockport County FC, Ryan Deane, emphasised the importance of the partnership in the club’s growth.

“We’re excited to be launching a brand-new website and the club’s first mobile app, all built on Urban Zoo’s market-leading Game Changer platform," he said via press release.

Deane highlighted that the collaboration is a significant milestone in aligning off-the-pitch advancements with the club’s rise through the leagues. 

“We’re confident that this investment will play a crucial role in elevating our digital presence, connecting with our supporters more effectively, and growing the County brand.

"We're not just getting new tools; we’re gaining a partner who truly understands football and how to deliver a premium digital experience for our fans,” he said via press release.

Stockport County’s quick climb up the football pyramid has placed its digital strategy under the spotlight.

The club recognises that a strong online presence is essential in today’s football landscape, where fan engagement extends beyond the stadium.

Fans will have access to live scores, exclusive interviews, match highlights, as well as behind-the-scenes content, bringing them closer to the action.

Urban Zoo’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rob Moore, echoed the enthusiasm, noting the benefits of launching mobile applications for the first time.

“We’re delighted to welcome Stockport County to the Gamechanger platform and provide new digital experiences for their supporters at such an exciting time for the club.

“Launching mobile applications for the first time, in particular, will have huge benefits for the club.

“The ownership has ambitious plans, and we look forward to bringing our breadth of experience to help them achieve their goals," he said via press release.

With a focus on accessibility and innovation, the club believes it will strengthen its bond with supporters, keeping them at the heart of the Stockport County experience.

The post Stockport County FC Announces Digital Partnership with Urban Zoo appeared first on Soccerscene.

In the world of grassroots football, managing a club can be just as challenging as playing the game itself. From registrations and finances to scheduling and communication, the administrative workload can overwhelm even the most dedicated volunteers. That’s where Majestri comes in.

Founded by former TechnologyOne employees Mike Clahsen, Andrew Holman and John Kent, Majestri was born from a desire to simplify club operations by bringing enterprise-level software to the community sports space. What started as a solution for a single Brisbane football club has since expanded to 250 clubs nationwide across multiple sporting codes, helping streamline administration and improve efficiency.

In an exclusive interview with SoccerScene, Majestri’s Andrew Holman shares insights into the company’s journey, its deep-rooted connection to football, and its commitment to working closely with clubs to provide tailored solutions.

He also discusses the challenges of expansion, the growth of grassroots football, and the future of Majestri in Australia and beyond.

Theo Athans

Speaking on your specific journey, can you talk about the previous jobs or roles you had before the creation of Majestri?

Andrew Holman

In a previous life, the three of us that started Majestri worked for Australia's largest software company, TechnologyOne. That is where we each learnt what it takes to build and support enterprise-level software.

We saw an opportunity at the end of 2010 to go out on our own and try to bring some of those sensibilities from building software for the big end of town into the community sports world and that's ultimate how Majestri started.

T.A.

Can you discuss why the company chose to focus on the local football industry? Is it because you have a passion for the game?

A.H.

The real requirement came from Majestri co-founder, Mike Clahsen, who was the president at his local club was up here in Brisbane. That was where a lot of the early requirements for a club administration system stemmed from.

Personally I've played football for over 40 years now, from the age of 7. It's a fantastic game, it's the best game in the world, and we can see in every community just how important it is through the junior representation. Football is truly the world game and you can see that even in Australia where it isn't the national code.

I'm getting a bit old to keep playing regularly now even though I do have a run for 10 weeks in a social competition at the end of every year. I'm 5 years into my coaching journey now with my son’s team, which I'm finding is very fulfilling. There’s immense reward to working with talented kids at that younger, discovery age around 8-12 years.

I guess that's where the passion has come from, after playing for many years and now into coaching as a parent of a young player.

T.A.

The participation rates are growing every year and the numbers are huge for grassroots soccer so do you see a big potential for growth in this industry?

A.H.

I can tell you unequivocally because we see the numbers. Many clubs have been with us for over a decade now, and their player numbers have at least doubled in the last 10 years. This is even before you factor in the recent meteoric rise of female football on the back of the Matildas World Cup campaign. The demand is accelerating and clubs are at their respective limits in terms of trying to cater to that local demand.

T.A.

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting Majestri and moving on from your previous job?

A.H.

TechnologyOne was a great place to work, and taught us so much of what we know about building product software, but there was always a latent desire to do our own thing.

Mike had retired from TechnologyOne by 2010 but was actively involved in football, and club administration in particular. When he described ‘Sign-On Day’ activities as having his room full of player registration sheets and sports bags full of cash that couldn’t be banked until the following Monday, we identified that there was potential for a software solution.

With a specialised skill set around financial software in particular, we decided to start with the Treasurer, and have been iterating on the software ever since to cater for other committee positions.

T.A.

How big is your current club portfolio?

A.H.

I would say we are at around 250 clubs around the country and not all of them are football but most of them are.

Although we started with football, we’ve since learned that there is a common set of problems for volunteers no matter what code of sport you play. Certainly, football is what we’re most familiar with, but it’s amazing what you learn about how the nuances of other codes work along the way.

T.A.

Speaking of ambition, do you see Majestri becoming mainstream with leagues and/or associations over the next few years?

A.H.

No, I don’t think our offering will ever been mainstream. The most surprising aspect of this whole journey is the near-uniform resistance of sporting associations at all levels to a club administration system like Majestri.

Despite repeated attempts to rectify this, we’ve accepted that our future lies in our past. This system got to where it is because of working directly with the magnificent volunteers on the ground that give up big parts of their lives to ensure kids get on the pitch, and that is where our success will continue to lay.

There is no shortcut to earning the trust of clubs and the volunteers, so at the moment we’ll continue to introduce them to Majestri one at a time and give them the personalised experience that demonstrates we know what they do.

Every club is unique and part of the overall ‘technology problem’ is this expectation that one solution to capture player registrations will be an immediate fit for all clubs. It’s nowhere near as simplistic as that. Club operations run a wide spectrum of complexity, which is calculated by factors such as how many players are at the club and the different licenses that may be held to field teams at a range of competitive levels. Combine this with a year-round expectation of additional programs such as holiday coaching clinics and skill development programs, and some clubs are serious operations. Others are more traditional where the Winter season is played and then there’s a marked off-season. We endeavour to cater for either end of that spectrum and all clubs in between.

T.A.

Thinking very long term here, do you see the company going international at any point or is the goal to stay in Australia and grow here?

A.H.

There’s always the possibility of overseas opportunities, but I think there are still plenty of problems left to solve in Australia. There are plenty of clubs that we haven’t spoken to yet, and there’s a chance our offering could really help.

Taking a product overseas necessarily introduces complexity to accompany the growth, and I think our prerogative is to build more features. Club operations aren’t static – the compliance and governance continues to grow with the expectation that volunteers will give up more time as a result. It’s just not sustainable without an industrial-strength system underpinning it all, and that’s where we want to focus.

T.A.

You started with the three co-founders but has the company grown in size with employees or any help to operate the 250 club portfolio?

A.H.

We have two active developers involved which is John and myself, two of the three co-founders. Mike has taken a step back from administration to devote significant time to a charity called BrAshA-T, which seeks to cure a particularly awful disease. We also have a gun administrator named Nicole who takes a lot of work off our hands four days a week.

We consider ourselves experts in business automation, and part of proving that is that we can streamline and automate our own business as well. We learnt how to do this by building product software for many years, which is a very difficult skill in our industry. The software we built for TechnologyOne was used by over 1,000 enterprise customers, so a lot of the learnings from our respective careers there have been refined and implemented in Majestri.

The post Andrew Holman on Majestri’s mission to revolutionise grassroots football appeared first on Soccerscene.

In 1995, Husqvarna launched what is believed to be the world's first robotic lawn mower. As world leaders in robotic mowing, they are now celebrating 30 years of Husqvarna Automower® with an exclusive competition that is sure to excite garden owners – and for Liverpool FC supporters, it is an especially thrilling opportunity.

At stake in the competition is Husqvarna Automower® Aspire R4 – a smart and compact robotic lawn mower for smaller lawns – and a signed Liverpool FC jersey. The competition runs from 1 March – 31 March 2025, and the lucky winner will be announced 10 April 2025.

For more information about the competition and Husqvarna’s partnership with Liverpool FC, visit: Husqvarna teams up with Liverpool Football Club | Husqvarna AU

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Beyond Sports is a Dutch sports AI data analysis and visualisation organisation challenging and transforming the way sport is viewed and engaged with.

Founded in 2014 in the midst of the Brazil World Cup, Beyond Sports founders Sander Schouten and Nicolaas Westerhof felt there was a significant gap in the market for data driven visualisations that catered for both businesses and consumers.

Since then, Beyond Sports has bloomed in popularity and value, culminating in it being acquired by Sony in 2022.

Beyond Sports' Solutions 

Driving Beyond Sports' success is its wealth of solutions for a variety of markets and consumers, operating a number of unique progammes designed for B2B and B2C.

Many sport addicts may have unknowingly witnessed Beyond Sports' work across its numerous contracts with high profile broadcasters and leagues like ESPN, Fox Sports, KPN, Sky Sports and more.

Virtual Reality 

Beyond Sports' initial projects revolved around creating real life football matches within a virtual reality environment. A partnership with ChyronHego, Feyenoord and PSV assisted the organisation in creating the first ever live computer-generated VR football match, which was broadcast on Twitch to 37,000 viewers in 2017, demonstrating Beyond Sports' ability to broker the cutting edge of technology.

The revolutionary project soon blossomed into a longstanding partnership with Fox Sports Eredivisie alongside KPN to create a fully interactive VR environment of each week's best goals, allowing fans to pick and choose their favourite player's perspectives of the action for free.

From such an innovative project, Beyond Sports then provided broadcasters like Fox Sports and Sky Sports with VR tools to more effectively analyse games.

Additionally, the organisation's use of AI VR to capture on the ground perspectives of real matches has garnered the interest of many elite level clubs. By being able to review moments through a direct one-to-one perspective, coaches are able to more effectively scrutinise mistakes and convey instructions to players more clearly. Through this, Beyond Sports has gained partnerships with clubs such as Arsenal, AFC Ajax and AZ Alkmaar.

AI Animated Visualisations 

Capitalising on the organisation's impressive momentum, Beyond Sports pivoted to alternative animated visualisations of live sporting events using the company's world class AI across world class broadcasters and interactive gaming environments like Roblox.

Beyond Sports' live visualisations most notably broke through into the consumer market via a partnership with Nickelodeon, CBS and Next Gen Stats. Through the collaboration, Beyond Sports used live positional data of the 2021 NFL Wildcard Game to create an alternative animated broadcast of the event in Beyond Sports' signature "blockie style". While the real game aired on CBS, the animated version was shown on Nickelodeon to major success, drawing millions of viewers and earning a 2021 Sports Emmy award. The collaboration was then repeated in 2022, with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme.

To further drive and alter the way sport is typically viewed, Beyond Sports entered into a new collaboration with ESPN and the NFL to create a Disney Toy Story themed live animated broadcast of the Jaguars-Falcons London game in 2023. Like the prior Nickelodeon broadcasts, the live version of the game occurred simultaneously with the animated "Toy Story Funday Football" version. Displaying the game within Andy's Room, the animated broadcast boomed in popularity. Beyond Sports' work resulted in the animated game becoming the most viewed event on both ESPN+ and Disney+ ever and earning both Beyond Sports and ESPN three Sports Emmy awards.

In addition to the work Beyond Sports has done with the NFL, the organisation also has a long running partnership with the NHL. In 2023 and 2024 Beyond Sports created the Big City Greens Classic, an animated version of a live NHL game featuring characters from the Big City Greens Disney Channel show. Furthermore, Beyond Sports has also aided in the launch of the NHL's "Hockeyverse", a weekly condensed 30-minute animated version of a game that uses player tracking to feature stylized avatars battling it out on the ice.

Late last year, Beyond Sports also worked with the NBA to create the Dunk the Halls, an animated version of a live game featuring Disney characters.

Conclusion

While many people will still prefer to watch sports in a traditional format, Beyond Sports has found incredible success in creating new alternative methods of watching live events through its proficiency with AI to create VR and animated experiences.

For more information on Beyond Sports, check their website.

The post Beyond Sports: Transforming Sports Engagement appeared first on Soccerscene.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly believes the Premier League could eventually consolidate its media rights into a single global streaming deal potentially with Netflix, similar to Major League Soccer’s (MLS) agreement with Apple.

Currently, the league negotiates rights on a market-by-market basis, partnering with traditional broadcasters and streaming services across different regions.

However, speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit, Boehly suggested that a global streaming model is “where we’re headed.”

“I’m not saying [one streamer] is the blatant answer right this minute, but I think that’s where we’re headed,” Boehly said at the Summit.

“To repackage all of that, the owners have to be willing to take some level of risk.”

He noted the Premier League’s immense global demand would make it an attractive asset for streaming platforms looking to expand internationally.

Premier League’s In-House Approach

While Boehly envisions a streaming-dominated future, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters stressed that the league is taking a measured approach.

“We’re about to enter a new rights cycle, so we have time to assess our options,” Masters said. He expects the league’s model to shift towards a “mixed economy” rather than an abrupt transition.

The Premier League is already preparing to bring its media operations in-house, ending a long-term partnership with IMG after the 2025/26 season. The move will see 250 staff transition to Premier League Studios, giving the competition greater creative control.

“In the future, if we want to differentiate the Premier League, localise content, or create new audience-driven products, we’ll have the freedom to make those decisions,” Masters explained in a response.

Is a Global Streaming Deal Likely?

Despite Boehly’s comments, a full shift to a single streaming partner isn’t imminent.

The Premier League’s current domestic broadcast contracts run until 2028/29, and its overseas rights continue to grow in value—rising 27% for the next three-year cycle, set to generate $24.81 billion in commercial and broadcast revenue.

Masters hinted at experimenting with direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming in select markets but emphasised the importance of existing broadcast partnerships.

Major deals with Sky, TNT Sports, and NBC provide stability, and any transition would need to carefully balance revenue potential with audience reach.

Conclusion

While streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple are increasing their investment in live sports, a single global Premier League streaming platform remains a distant possibility rather than an immediate reality.

The post Todd Boehly backs Netflix streaming future for Premier League appeared first on Soccerscene.

Auckland FC has confirmed meal kit delivery service My Food Bag as its newest official partner that was presented for their previous clash against Adelaide United.

The three-season alliance unites one of New Zealand's established food brands with the rapidly growing football club.

The collaboration promises to enhance the fan experience through exclusive foodie giveaways following Knights victories and innovative match-day activations.

To celebrate the joint venture, My Food Bag is offering all match attendees the chance to "Claim Their Steak" – providing free eye fillet steak with any My Food Bag delivery the following weekend if Auckland FC secures a win.

Auckland FC Chief Executive Nick Becker welcomed the agreement.

"We are delighted to bring My Food Bag into the Auckland FC family. Their commitment to delivering fresh, high-quality meals aligns perfectly with our values of providing the best for our community.”

“This partnership will help us engage with our supporters in new ways and continue to grow the Auckland FC brand," commented Becker via Auckland FC official press release.

Mark Winter, CEO of My Food Bag, expressed similar enthusiasm.

"At My Food Bag, we are passionate about helping Aotearoa New Zealand eat and live well. We are thrilled to partner with Auckland FC to support the club, its players, and its energetic fanbase.”

“Together we can bring fresh new experiences to fans and create memorable moments both on and off the field," explained Winter via Auckland FC official press release.

The contract comes as Auckland FC continues its record-breaking inaugural season, having quickly established itself as a club known for creating an electric and inclusive atmosphere at matches.

Auckland FC’s success on the field is partnered with its constant work in the business side of the sport.

All of Auckland FC’s sponsorships not only support the club’s portfolio but also engages more businesses into supporting the growth of the A-league.

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Football in South West Victoria received a significant boost with the official opening of the upgraded Eastern Oval at Brierly Recreation Reserve last month.

The $2.5 million redevelopment aims to provide local clubs, players, and the broader community with access to high-quality football facilities year-round.

Led by Mayor Cr. Ben Blain and Member for Western Victoria, Jacinta Ermacora, the opening ceremony highlighted the importance of the project in expanding football opportunities across the region.

The Victorian Government contributed $1 million to the redevelopment through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, with the local council funding the remaining investment.

The upgraded Eastern Oval features two top-tier playing pitches, along with state-of-the-art irrigation, drainage, and lighting. 

These enhancements ensure that Brierly Reserve can host training sessions and matches regardless of weather conditions, reinforcing its status as a premier football venue.

Mayor Cr. Ben Blain has emphasised the positive impact this facility will have on players, coaches, and supporters in the region.

"With the new playing surface featuring state-of-the-art irrigation, drainage, and lighting, Brierly Reserve can now host football matches and training sessions in all conditions, giving more people the chance to play and enjoy the game.

"We thank the Victorian Government for their investment in this vital project. Upgrades like these ensure our local footballers have the facilities they need to develop their skills and stay active," he said via press release. 

The redevelopment marks a milestone in the long-term vision of dedicated Warrnambool Rangers volunteers such as Garrett Wyse, John Berg, and Cameron Pyke.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the Brierly Reserve redevelopment includes plans for a new sports and community hub. 

Stage two of the project will introduce a pavilion, female-friendly change rooms, and dedicated spaces for local groups.

Football Victoria (FV) anticipates a positive impact this facility will have on the game for players, coaches, and supporters, allowing for high-quality football.

Not only will this further strengthen accessibility in the South West region, but it will also allow for inclusivity in Victoria’s football landscape.

The post Upgraded Eastern Oval Opens to Boost Football in Victoria appeared first on Soccerscene.

Founder and CEO of INTIX, Alex Grant was the key guest in episode two of Soccerscene's Off the Pitch podcast to discuss INTIX's rise from a young Australian startup to one of the nation's premier ticketing solutions.

Grant founded INTIX in 2017 to address the problems he saw that event operators, leagues and clubs had with their outdated ticketing methods, or their reliance on ticketing organisations which held a stranglehold over their finances and customer data. To combat these rampant issues, INTIX utilised modern technology to revitalise and simplify how ticketing is done for event operators, whilst offering instant access to revenue and data from their ticket sales.

It has proven a successful strategy for the company, with INTIX achieving highly desirable partnerships with key names such as the Tasmania JackJumpers in the NBL and Melbourne Victory in the A-League. Most notably, INTIX kicked off an important collaboration with Football Victoria in the middle of last year.

Grant explained how INTIX was approaching the unique challenges of ticketing across Victoria's state leagues as the organisation prepared for one of the biggest years in NPL history.

"It was a lot of learning on our side," he said on the podcast.

"We spend a lot of time learning about a person's event; how they were doing things previously, maybe without technology. For us, it's very much a process of not just coming in and saying this is what you should be doing, this is the best way. It's year one, let's use our technology and provide a very similar experience to the customer, to what you what you were offering previously."

"I think particularly at most levels there's still this want to just turn up on the day and access the event. So, it's having our system set up to facilitate that and give the customer the same experience, so that next year, you can sort of bring them on this journey.

"We want to get to best practice, but we're not just going to ostracize everyone straight away, we're going to bring people on the journey."

To learn more about how INTIX is tackling the challenges of implementing its tech network across Victoria, listen to the full interview with CEO Alex Grant on episode two of the Off the Pitch podcast by Soccerscene; available on all major podcasting apps.

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The Saudi Pro League (SPL) and South Korean technology giant Samsung have partnered together for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

Through the deal, Samsung will become a Gold Partner of the SPL.

The partnership was signed and celebrated at a ceremony on February attended by key representatives from both organisations - Sami Khairalla, Country Senior Director for Mobiles, SamsungElectronics, Saudi Arabia, and Mohammed Basrawi, SPL General Manager of Marketing & Communications.

Basrawi spoke of the SPL's optimism for the upcoming partnership.

"We are excited to welcome Samsung as a Gold Partner of the Saudi Pro League," he said via press release.

"This partnership reflects our commitment to working with global industry leaders to enhance the league’s growth and deliver the latest in technological innovation.

"We look forward to a successful collaboration that will bring new experiences to the SPL and its fans."

Khairalla reflected Basrawi's hopes for the deal, and outlined what Samsung would aim to bring to the SPL.

"Football is a passion shared by millions, and we are proud to partner with the Saudi Pro League to support the sport’s development in the Kingdom," he said in a press release.

"Samsung is committed to innovation and excellence, and through this collaboration, we aim to elevate the experience for supporters and contribute to the continued success of the SPL."

The new partnership with Samsung echoes many of the SPL's previous collaborations, such as its innovative deal with TikTok last year as the league aims to capture new global markets via technology in an attempt further legitimise itself as a competitor to Europe's premier competitions.

Likewise, for Samsung the deal allows the tech leader to gain traction in one of the world's most influential markets via establishing itself as a supporter of one of Asia's most watched leagues.

Together in 2025 both Samsung and the Saudi Pro League will work together to elevate fan experiences and enhance engagement with the league through technology.

The post Saudi Pro League partners with Samsung appeared first on Soccerscene.

The Australian Sports Fundraising Foundation (ASF) has been consistently supporting initiatives and ways for clubs to elevate their fundraising capabilities to gain the best results in engagement and economic support.

Recently, the ASF has introduced 21 ways in which clubs and sporting groups can adapt their fundraising to achieve their goals.

The nature of grassroots sports (especially football) means that funding has been required for clubs in getting and maintaining the necessary equipment and basic amenities.

Fundraisers are also times when the club can solidify its connections with their participants and maintain the positive culture that is crucial to the survival of these clubs.

According to the ASF, clubs typically raise an average of $13,250 through this platform.

The ASF's Fundraising Platform is also a key tool clubs use to streamline their fundraising efforts and is the only way to accept tax-deductible sports donations in Australia.

Below is a shortened list of fundraisers which can be better utilised in a football environment:

Trivia Nights or Talent Shows are great fundraisers for afternoon/night slots at the club. You can set up team registrations and place it after training to increase player attendance.

Consider offering prizes and venues from local businesses to boost participation and engagement with the local community.

Another option is a Club Cinema Night, choosing films through social media polls to increase engagement with club members. Its adaptability means it could be hosted indoors during winter or create an outdoor cinema experience in nicer weather.

These events can be enhanced through extra fundraising ideas such as catering with themed food fundraising like Wine Tasting or BBQs.

Consider potluck options and involve local food suppliers.

Or if you have a good club venue with a liquor licence, running a bar can provide additional revenue and keep the costs down.

Having day-based activities is also a good way to get people back at the club and supporting the community.

Sports Days where clubs host traditional sports day activities like egg-and-spoon races and tug-of-war competitions are great engaging activities for all age groups.

 Coaches' Games also allow coaches and staff to engage in the sport they love. Including parent teams can also add entertainment, and the ASF expresses its popularity with younger club members.

Offering club merchandise as prizes is also a great reward.

Car Boot Sales, Merch Shop and Swap or even Auctions can be exciting events that allow people to give back to the club through supporting other club members and the local community.

People or even the club can sell spare items, club merchandise or even retro kits for added benefit.

Clubs should use rare items for the auctions or prizes and accept donations and sponsorship from local businesses.

Clubs can charge sellers a hosting fee and collect entry donations from browsers for the event.

Going beyond the club environment and engaging with local sponsors, councils or businesses is also a viable option.

Holiday celebrations are perfect times to add in fundraising opportunities. For example, an Easter Egg Hunt or Christmas-themed Event on the club grounds.

 A Fun Run or Community Chore-a-thon is a great way to get local councils involved and encourage healthy social activities. Keep entry fees affordable to encourage participation and accept donations.

Barefoot Bowls and other sporting venues are cornerstones of communities and a good place to partner for a relaxed social event.

Include entry for fundraising and allow the venue to cater. These are great ways to engage the local venues with the club and increase social togetherness.

These events could even be placed in a themed Club Calendar featuring coaches, players, or sponsors. Include important club dates and upcoming events to encourage participation.

It's important to point out that these activities will take time and effort. Juggling everyday life and club events is a difficult and time-consuming process and proper organisation from the clubs is key.

While these initiatives and options are great ways for clubs to participate in fundraising, it should not take away from a growing issue within the grassroots scene.

Government programs through grant systems, both federal and state-run, should still be central programs to provide clubs and footballing federations the support they need for larger projects and developments.

Football's rising popularity has presented clubs with very difficult situations where the demand is too high for the capabilities of the clubs.

The price to play football these days is a large sum. For many participants in grassroots and even NPL levels, paying over $400 to register to play is a struggle, let alone encouraging these people to also participate in fundraising.

Therefore, creating enjoyable and engrossing events is key to getting engagement and achieving positive funding.

With this, the value for local businesses to host or sponsor these events is a fantastic publicity option.

As life presents tough challenges for all, these gatherings can deliver the hope and togetherness necessary to savour positive outlooks, unite local communities and harness the larger Australian sporting culture.

To check out more from the Australian Sports Foundation read here.

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Brazilian football superstar Neymar has triggered a sponsorship frenzy following his return to Santos, the club where he began his professional career.

After an 18-month stint plagued by injuries and limited game time at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Neymar’s homecoming has revitalised the club’s marketing and commercial appeal.

Making his much-anticipated debut last week off the bench against Botafogo in the regional Campeonato Paulista, Neymar’s return has coincided with a surge in sponsorship deals for Santos.

The 33-year-old took to the pitch wearing a Santos jersey featuring three new sponsor logos, all secured since his high-profile transfer was finalised on January 31.

Fresh Sponsorship Deals

Havan, one of Brazil’s largest retail chains, claimed a prominent spot on the front of the Santos kit, just below the main sponsor Blaze, in a one-year deal.

Similarly, lottery and promotions company Viva Sorte landed the master back-of-shirt position, also in a one-year partnership. Meanwhile, auto insurance platform Loovi Seguros signed a two-year deal to display its branding on the player numbers.

The move has also strengthened the existing partnership between Santos and Blaze, an online casino brand that became the club’s main sponsor in April 2023.

Neymar, already a global ambassador for Blaze since December 2022, is expected to enhance the brand’s visibility further with his association to Santos.

Kit supplier Umbro, which retained technical rights with Santos after renegotiating its deal last year, is also expected to see a spike in sales thanks to Neymar’s massive fan base.

Interestingly, Puma—Neymar’s personal sponsor since 2020—was reportedly in the mix for Santos’ kit rights last season, highlighting the player’s influence on brand decisions.

“The Neymar Effect” reshaping Brazilian football's future

Neymar’s return to Santos not only boosts the club’s commercial prospects but also reignites interest in the Brazilian domestic league.

His presence instantly elevates Santos’ profile on a global scale, drawing attention from sponsors keen to capitalise on the hype surrounding one of football’s most marketable stars.

This newfound momentum stands in stark contrast to Neymar’s challenging spell at Al-Hilal, where injuries and poor form limited him to just one goal in seven appearances.

Signed by the Saudi Pro League club for $148.7m AUD (€90 million) from Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar was expected to play a pivotal role in Al-Hilal’s ambitions to cement itself among the world’s top clubs. However, the partnership was cut short, with both parties mutually agreeing to terminate his contract.

Despite his struggles in Saudi Arabia, Neymar remains a marketing juggernaut. If his 229 million Instagram followers weren't already enough of a symbol of his presence in the world game, his enormous sponsorship portfolio speaks for itself.

Al-Hilal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Sultan bin Abdulaziz Alsheikh, noted last year that Neymar’s presence helped the club target the Brazilian and European markets as key commercial regions.

Puma, Al-Hilal’s kit supplier, signed a five-year deal with the club just a month before Neymar’s arrival, underscoring the player’s pull for major brands.

Santos' Commercial Revival

For Santos, Neymar’s return is not just a nostalgic reunion—it’s a strategic mastery.

The club stands to benefit immensely from his star power, with new sponsorships, increased merchandise sales, and global media attention all on the horizon.

The “Neymar effect” has already started to reshape Santos’ financial landscape, setting the stage for a potentially transformative chapter for the iconic Brazilian club.

The post The Neymar Effect: Santos’ Sponsorship Boom appeared first on Soccerscene.

Nike and Football Australia have collaborated with acclaimed Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie to create the first-ever Australian National Football Team Collection designed by a First Nations artist.

Set to launch on 21 February 2025, the partnership centres on the CommBank Matildas and Subway Socceroos' shared brand essence of 'Forever Forging Forward', embodying cultural representation and continuous progress through a bold new kit design that celebrates First Nations storytelling.

Rennie, who recently showcased his work in a major retrospective at the National Gallery of Victoria, has incorporated elements from his 2024 painting featured in the REKOSPECTIVE exhibition.

The jersey's centrepiece draws inspiration from traditional First Nations message sticks, historically used for inter-community communication.

Reko Rennie explains his profound understanding of football's community-building potential and its important connection with his first nations design.

"I have a deep connection to the culture of football. Growing up in the western suburbs of Melbourne, I saw first-hand how the game united the local community I was a part of, and what it means to wear the national jersey. To feel part of something bigger," explained Rennie via Football Australia press release.

"I am proud to have designed this kit, it is a bold statement of cultural visibility, celebrating the diverse communities changing the game for the future - a message of unity from the oldest continuous civilisation on earth to everyone, united through football."

Nike Pacific Vice President and General Manager, Ashley Read emphasised the brand's commitment to innovation.

"Since the brand's inception into the beautiful game, Nike Football has been a catalyst for change. Nike are proud to partner with Reko Rennie and Football Australia for this Collection and look forward to seeing Australian's come together to support their national teams in the new green and gold,” commented Read via official Football Australia press release.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson also highlighted the sport's inclusive nature.

"Football is Australia's most diverse team sport, and its multiculturalism is its superpower. The new national team kits reflect our commitment to innovation and inspiring the next generation of footballers. 'Forever Forging Forward' is more than a brand identity – it's our guiding philosophy as we shape the future of Australian football," Johnson commented via official Football Australia press release.

The collection will debut with the CommBank Matildas during February's SheBelieves Cup and the Subway Socceroos during their Round 3 AFC Asian Qualifiers in March.

All Football Australia National Teams, including senior, youth, Paras and Futsal teams, will wear the new designs.

The jerseys will be available from 8.00am AEDT, 21 February, through Nike's website and Football Australia's online shop, as well as retail partners rebel, Ultra Football and SPT Football.

This landmark collaboration represents a significant step forward in celebrating Australia's First Nations culture on the global sporting stage, allowing first nations artists to take control of their story and narrative while reinforcing football's unique ability to unite diverse communities across the nation.

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Inter Miami CF names Más+ by Messi as its Official Hydration Partner in a new partnership, the alliance ensures hydration for all players, from the Academy to the First Team, while introducing Más+ by Messi to fans at Chase Stadium.

This partnership adds to Lionel Messi’s growing commercial ventures as Inter Miami’s captain and football legend. Founded by Messi, Más+ by Messi provides balanced hydration with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, serving both elite athletes and everyday consumers.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF’s leadership underscored the partnership’s significance, emphasising its advantages for both players and fans. Messi shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration.

“It's a huge honour and joy that Más+ by Messi is becoming a partner of Inter Miami. When working on this drink, we aimed to provide hydration not only for elite athletes but also for amateurs and anyone looking to stay properly hydrated in their daily lives, while also benefiting from electrolytes and vitamins,” he said via press release.

Más+ by Messi's Executive Vice President, Rishi Daing highlighted the vital role of hydration for everyone.

“Players for Inter Miami understand how important hydration is to achieving their goals. Now everyone can benefit from the same hydration, whether they’re on the field, in the stands, or in everyday life. We’re proud to partner with Inter Miami to share the importance of everyday hydration,” he said via press release.

Más+ by Messi will be seamlessly integrated into Inter Miami’s matchday experience and training facilities:

• On-Field Presence: Branded coolers and towels will be used during training and matches.
• Academy Support: The brand will aid youth development, reflecting Messi’s dedication to nurturing young talent.
• Matchday Access: Fans at Chase Stadium can enjoy all Más+ by Messi flavours, including the city-inspired “Miami Punch.”
• Retail Expansion: Available at Publix, Inter Miami’s Official Grocery Partner.
• Stadium Branding: Visible throughout Chase Stadium, including press conferences and fan engagement areas.

This partnership extends beyond standard sponsorship, with Más+ by Messi actively engaging Inter Miami fans through activations and promotions at Chase Stadium. The brand’s presence in the Fan Zone and Northwest Club will further enhance the fan experience.

As Inter Miami CF expands its commercial ventures, this collaboration blends sports performance, business strategy, and the growing impact of Lionel Messi’s personal brand.

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On Saturday, February 1st, over 200 attendees came together at Valentine Sports Park for the 2025 Football NSW Club Development Conference.

With registrations for the 2025 season still coming in, over 85 Football NSW clubs from both Sydney Metropolitan and regional areas gathered for a dynamic day of workshops, panels, and special guest speakers, celebrating community football.

Presented by Stephanie Brantz, the Conference included keynote addresses from Karen Jones, Acting CEO of Destination NSW and Chief Executive of the NSW Office of Sport, Dr. Catriona Rose of the Australian Sports Commission, and Matildas cap #167, Ellie Brush.

After the successful second edition of the conference, Trevor Huxley, Football NSW’s Program Manager for Club Development, expressed his excitement over the strong support from the community.

“The Club Development Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together all levels of the game to learn from one another, network and discuss best practice for grassroots football,” said Huxley via press release.

“It has been inspiring to see grassroots clubs across the state in attendance, illustrating a remarkable commitment to supporting their local communities. It’s vital that Football NSW continues to lead in this space, providing support to the volunteers and local administrators who are central to the ongoing growth of our game.”

Along with the keynote speakers, attendees were able to choose sessions tailored to their Club or role, covering topics such as safeguarding, volunteerism, marketing and data analysis, infrastructure and grant funding, player and spectator behaviour, women & girls’ football, diversity and inclusion, and grassroots coach education.

The Football NSW Club Development Conference serves as a pivotal platform for enhancing community football by Empowering Clubs, Facilitating Networking, Offering Targeted Education and Showcasing Leadership.

By focusing on these areas, the conference plays a crucial role in strengthening community football, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring the sport's sustainable growth.

To gain further details and access Club resources, click here.

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Optus Sport has announced an exciting partnership with beIN SPORTS, enabling commercial venues across Australia to stream premium live sports content from February 2025.

This collaboration allows pubs, clubs, and other venues to access beIN SPORTS’ top-tier coverage through Optus Sport Business’s streaming platform.

The deal significantly enhances Optus Sport’s content offerings, adding major leagues and tournaments such as LALIGA, Serie A, the Carabao Cup, the English Football League, and ATP & WTA Tennis.

With three dedicated beIN SPORTS channels integrated into the Optus Sport Business platform, fans can enjoy seamless access to world-class sporting action in public venues.

Building on the success of UEFA EURO 2024™ and its ongoing coverage of the Premier League, Optus Sport expects this collaboration to elevate the viewing experience, attract more visitors to venues, and create an unmatched atmosphere for sports fans across Australia.

Scott Davoren, Associate Director of Optus Sport Business spoke on the importance of delivering the Optus Sport experience across many venues.

“We are dedicated to helping commercial venues deliver world-class sports experiences, and partnering with beIN SPORTS is a huge step forward in achieving that goal," Davoren mentioned in a press release.

“Football has been the essence of Optus Sport since 2016, and now, with beIN SPORTS as a venue partner in Australia, we’re privileged to bring an even wider array of live sport to our Optus Sport Business customers.”

John Armitage, Director, Distribution & Country Manager, Australia & New Zealand beIN SPORTS shared the same excited sentiment about the interesting deal.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Optus Sport to bring our premium sports content to commercial venues across Australia," Armitage said in a press release.

“We understand that the fragmentation of sports rights in this market can be challenging for venues. Through this partnership, we are providing a streamlined, centralised solution-that makes it easier for venues to offer more live sport to their patrons.

“By prioritising the fan experience, we’re ensuring that football and tennis enthusiasts can enjoy unforgettable moments together in their favourite venues. With Optus Sport, we look forward to enhancing -in-venue experiences and drive increased foot traffic into our venue partners.”

This partnership addresses a common challenge for commercial venues: navigating fragmented sports rights across multiple providers.

By consolidating premium sports content, Optus Sport and beIN SPORTS aim to simplify access and deliver a unified sports experience for patrons which will benefit all Australian sport fans.

The post Optus Sport teams up with beIN SPORTS for live venue streaming appeared first on Soccerscene.

English premier league giant Chelsea FC has celebrated a new multi-year partnership with Twilio, an American customer engagement platform.

The partnership will see Twilio become an Official Supplier to Chelsea, as both parties collaborate to improve fan experiences within the stadium and online.

Key to the deal is Twilio's Twilio Segment customer data platform. Through Twilio Segment, Chelsea will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the club's 615 million global fans by conducting online and in person touchpoints with supporters to discern how fans interact with the club.

In gaining a greater understanding of the relationship fans have with the club, Chelsea hopes to create new and improved personalised experiences for local and international supporters.

Chief Digital Officer of Chelsea, Phil Lynch, expressed his excitement for the partnership with Twilio.

"We are delighted to welcome Twilio to the Chelsea family and look forward to engaging more deeply with our global fanbase thanks to its Segment technology," he said in a press release.

"For many fans, regardless of their geographical location, digital connectivity is what brings them closer to the club, our players, and our history.

"Twilio's leading work in customer engagement will help enrich these fan experiences and offer an increased level of personalisation and connection to the club for our global fanbase."

Vice President of Marketing, EMEA at Twilio, Peter Bell, outlined the significance of the deal with Chelsea.

"This exciting new partnership will empower Chelsea Football Club to connect with their fans like never before. With Twilio Segment, Chelsea FC can unlock a truly 360 view of their fanbase, enabling powerful, personalised engagement both home and away," he said via press release.

"At Twilio, we’re committed to supporting Chelsea in allowing its fans to feel even closer to the club. We’re excited to see the game-changing impact of this partnership over the coming years."

To celebrate the partnership, Twilio has kicked off One in a Twillion, an award to recognise the important work of women in technology teams. Submissions are open to the public and winners will be announced on the 5th of March 2025.

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In September 2024, former Matilda’s and journeyman coach, Tom Sermanni, was quietly going about his business coaching in the women’s program at Western Sydney Wanderers.

The last thing he expected was to receive an offer from the F.A. to become the interim manager for the Matildas.

However, Sermanni reflected on his previous stints with the Matildas from 1994-97 and 2005-12 with a great sense of pride and didn’t hesitate to accept the offer.

After five months in the job, Sermanni and assistant coach Jean-Paul de Marigny have methodically restored confidence in the squad after the disappointment of not qualifying for the quarter finals at the Paris Olympics.

It was certainly a far cry from Sermanni’s previous stints in 1994-97 when players weren’t paid and had to cover their own expenses and 2005-12 when contracts were introduced for the players.

Notably, Sermanni is aware of the strong brand the Matildas carry in Australian sport and every time they venture onto the pitch, there is a weight of expectation for them to perform.

In this interview with Roger Sleeman, Tom Sermanni discusses his progress with the Matildas since September 2024 and the general state of the women’s game in Australia.

ROGER SLEEMAN

What was your mindset when you were offered the job after your last stint with the Matildas in 2005-12?

TOM SERMANNI

Surprise was my first reaction as it came completely out of the blue

I’d actually reached the stage where I wasn’t searching for a career but winding down.

However, it was a compliment to be still considered for coaching at this level.

R.S.

How long did it take you to accept the offer?

T.S.

Only a few minutes because it was a no brainer after I contemplated what was involved.

[caption id="attachment_28219" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo: Kyoko Kurihara - Football Australia[/caption]

R.S.

Based on the Matilda’s performance at the Paris Olympics, what areas were you going to concentrate on?

T.S.

I was actually at the U.S.A. and Zambia games which was useful and I also knew a number of players in the squad.

Initially, I wanted to maintain stability because when a tournament doesn’t yield results, there are inquisitions and uncertainty.

Therefore, the lack of confidence had to be restored.

R.S.

What has been your main focus since you commenced the position?

T.S.

When we first assembled for the first match in Switzerland, I outlined the expectations for the team and myself.

I wanted to get back to the way Australian teams play on the front foot and to reassure the players there was a lot of ability in the squad , despite the disappointment of the Olympic’s result.

We needed to establish goals for the players to achieve and winning was critical.

Rebuilding belief, confidence and spirit was essential to achieving this outcome.

R.S.

What were your conclusions after the Switzerland and German clashes in October?

T.S.

There were signs of missing confidence and cohesion in the Swiss clash but against Germany it was a great 2-1 victory and defied our 15th ranking in the world standings.

R.S.

Against Brazil, how did you rate the team’s performance?

T.S.

Both games were probably the most brutally physical I’d ever witnessed in the women’s game.

Also ,the Brazilians were very direct and unfortunately in the first game in Brisbane, the referee didn’t control the game well enough.

In the second game on the Gold Coast this was rectified somewhat .

Critically, the games were a great benchmark to assess our status with the top five teams in the world.

R.S.

Are we technically adept to match the top teams?

T.S.

If you look at Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, Mary Fowler and Kyra- Cooney Cross, we have players who rate technically with the best.

Also, we have players spread across the best Leagues in the world.

Nevertheless, at the development level we need to advance players at a technical level, rather than implementing systems which restrict individual development.

[caption id="attachment_28220" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo: Kyoko Kurihara - Football Australia[/caption]

R.S.

Are the senior players performing to their best?

T.S.

I believe in the matches so far they have and are still our most consistent performers.

Don’t forget, despite the Paris Olympics failure, we did qualify for the semi finals of the previous Olympics and the 2023 World Cup.

R.S.

Is it time to blood young players in the squad, and what is your general opinion of the talent scouting process employed to unearth new players?

T.S.

If I’d come in as a new coach for the next campaign, rather than an interim coach, things may have been different.

I emphasise again my role is to instigate stability in an effective way and my successor in a permanent role will decide where the squad will go forward from there.

For me , the role is to plan for the present and the future so it’s a balancing act.

In the modern game it’s difficult because you don’t get enough time with the players who are mainly based overseas.

This is in contrast with my last stint with the Matildas when most of the players were home based so we had complete access to them for local camps .

Importantly, this allowed us to develop players within the team structure.

It’s getting harder to bring in new players because of the time limits you have to work with them.

Obviously, you’re continuing to strengthen your squad by bringing new players in but moving forward the new coach has to reassess the current squad and also be mindful of other players to be given an opportunity to see if they are better than the current players.

Naturally, there will be a turnover of the squad due to ageing of senior players so we have to provide a better way of bringing younger players through.

With the huge increase in playing numbers in women’s football , there should be a lot of new talent coming through the system to be considered for Matilda selection.

Unfortunately ,there hasn’t been an organised plan since the Institutes fell by the wayside and resources aren’t being committed to a cohesive system.

R.S.

How important is Mary Fowler to the squad?

T.S

She is critical because she has that X-factor and those qualities to become a superstar.

Some of the senior players are now at their peak in their late twenties and Mary in her early twenties has the world at her feet to become a world class player.

Along with Ellie Carpenter whose workrate and football awareness are phenomenal, it should be our aim to continue unearthing such talent in the W- League.

R.S.

What is your opinion of the A-League Women?

T.S.

Unfortunately, it’s not fully professional and it needs more resources to make it the best league it can be because at the moment it’s a development league for domestic players.

However, we need as many young players to be competing in the League and over time it would be ideal for overseas players to come back to the League to contribute to its progress.

However, the League is certainly a great place for supplying national youth team players.

[caption id="attachment_28221" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo: Kyoko Kurihara - Football Australia[/caption]

R.S.

Can you tell us more about the She Believes Cup, the Matildas are competing in the U.S. from February 19-27 against U.S.A., Japan and Colombia?

T.S.

It's a proper, competitive tournament, not a series of friendlies so there is a great incentive to win.

We play the first game and then travel to two other cities to play so there’s limited time for preparation.

Clearly, it’s an important tournament to play serious opposition with different styles on show and for players to maintain their place or for new players to emerge.

R.S.

After your interim role ends, would you like to be still involved with the Matildas in some way?

T.S.

If there was a role for me which was suitable I certainly would take it because I’m really enjoying the current position.

The post Tom Sermanni- Leading the Matildas in the Right Direction appeared first on Soccerscene.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced a partnership renewal with worldwide digital payments service, Visa.

The rejuvenated collaboration will see Visa become the Official Global Supporter of the AFC's crown jewel competitions - the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Women's Champions League and AFC Champions League Two for both the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, in addition to the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26.

The partnership between the AFC and Visa first bloomed at the AFC Asan Cup Qatar 2023, and will now work to include more regions and provide a variety of exciting new fan experiences such as:

• The Visa Coin Toss: Selected Visa cardholders will join in the pre-match coin toss with the team captains and officials.
• Final Whistle Experience: Visa winners will be able to watch the final ten minutes of games from the pitch side.
• Visa Player Escort Kids Programme: More than 100 children will be granted the opportunity to lead players onto the field at the AFC Champions League Elite Finals.

AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.

The post The AFC and Visa Renew Partnership appeared first on Soccerscene.

South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC hosted the highly successful second edition of the Greek Herald Cup at Lakeside Stadium.

Thousands of fans poured through the gates to enjoy a vibrant celebration of heritage, culture, and football. With Greek music and food creating a festive atmosphere, the event showcased the rich traditions of both clubs.

The match itself didn’t disappoint, delivering an entertaining 2-1 victory for South Melbourne, highlighted by memorable goals and moments that capped off a fantastic day.

In this exclusive interview with Soccerscene, South Melbourne President Nick Maikousis shares his thoughts on the Greek Herald Cup, the revival of ethnic clubs in Australian football, and the immense potential of the upcoming National Second Tier (NST).

Maikousis reflects on the club’s heritage, the significance of iconic rivalries, and how South Melbourne is poised to thrive in this new era for Australian football.

Theo Athans

What is the origin of the Greek Herald Cup?

Nick Maikousis

It started last year and that was the first time the competition took place. We flew to Sydney for that game. It's based on the fact that we started to develop a relationship with Sydney Olympic and in particular their President (Damon Hamlin) and CEO (Lawrie McKinna) over the discussions about the National Second Division.

The second division was announced as a standalone competition and we thought let’s get ahead of the game and lets show what two big clubs from Melbourne and Sydney can do and that’s basically how it all came about.

We spent so much time with Olympic and the other National Second Division clubs so we thought let’s get on the forefront of this and start the competition.

T.A.

In your eyes, how successful was the second edition of the Greek Herald Cup especially for the Melbourne Greek community?

N.M.

Yeah, it was certainly a success and given it's really just a friendly so we can build it up as much as we like but we're pretty delighted with the attendance.

It's a difficult time, it's a couple of weeks out from the season so whilst we really want to give it a good shot, we also don’t want to incur any injuries and as it turned out we had a couple of minor injuries which might affect us in the short term.

It allows us to go back to our roots, played a lot of Greek music on the day and doing things that we have not really done for decades now in terms of acknowledging our heritage.

Given that Football Australia and the various federations have relaxed their stance on ethnic names, it allows us to reach out to our past again. Both South and Olympic represent the same thing, we have different supporters, but we represent the same community so it's a great opportunity to showcase our heritage.

T.A.

Thinking back to the NSL days, can the NST and NPL ever get back to the passion we saw back then? 

N.M.

I think there’s a couple of stages to the commencement of the competition. Do I think it can get to the heights of the NSL? Look South Melbourne was a powerhouse back then and after the Cup game we had a look at some old footage with the 1984 NSL championship legends as a reunion dinner.

We had a couple of past legends there, including Alan Davidson, who wouldn't stop talking about the old supporter base, how big and passionate they were and how it lifted them during that time.

So I think during certain fixtures, for example South Melbourne/Preston, will fill Lakeside stadium.

Some of the other games between the Sydney clubs perhaps it won't be quite as full but I still believe we forecasted around 3,000-4,000 people per game so if we can get to that sort of number I'll be delighted in the early parts.

It's a competition that we need to build and we don't know what it's going to look like in five years or ten years’ time with the inter relationship between the NST and the A-League. I don't think anyone quite understands what it is going to look like yet but we all have our own idea on that.

Will it be as big as the old NSL? I doubt it. But certainly there will be some fixtures that will be significant and that's one of the reasons why I wanted Melbourne Knights to come into the NST. Their history and the original derby in this town would have made it even better.

T.A.

Do you think the South Melbourne and Preston game last year was a showcase into what we could expect out of the NST and its atmosphere?

N.M.

The atmosphere was incredible but not only that, it was a cold Tuesday night out at Reservoir. If you put that fixture on a Friday or Saturday night at Lakeside Stadium, you'd be filling both grandstands easily and you could get up to 10,000 people there so there's huge potential.

T.A.

Now with the NST, ethnic clubs are back in the mainstream, how important is that for Australian football considering its historical roots?

N.M.

I think what they had done to ban ethnic flags and names was going too far but now that they have relaxed their position in regards to that, it's a very positive thing.

It allows us to do what we did in the Greek Herald Cup and that is to celebrate our culture proudly from time to time.

Certainly, South Melbourne has evolved over the years as well so let’s not kid ourselves. In my case there's been four generations following South and two of those generations were born in Australia and we're all South tragics. So whilst we acknowledge our heritage, we have also moved on past that.

Whilst we have a very big Greek community, its reducing a little bit to how it was and the fact that South is in the NPL, soon the NST, we've also got a lot of other clubs have suburban level who are sort of competing with us.

Back when South Melbourne was a powerhouse, you'd find that everyone still had their suburban clubs but I'd say 75% of the Greek suburban clubs also followed South Melbourne.

Unfortunately when South Melbourne dropped divisions outside of the NSL, all of a sudden, we became competitors and that's never what we wanted. So the NST will help us significantly because people will follow their local clubs and now South Melbourne which is a great opportunity for the community and the club.

If you look at our juniors, the cultural diversity as well is extraordinary, so whilst we respect our heritage, it suggests we have moved on.

T.A.

The NST will bring something fresh because apart from the finals, there isn't much to play for in NPL so how will that benefit the club?

N.M.

Look the positive thing about this year is that there will be plenty of healthy games like Heidelberg, Oakleigh, Melbourne Victory got promoted and of course Preston is in there as well.

They have replaced teams which didn't have massive followings so I'm looking forward to quite a few games with great attendances. It'll be a great season.

The post Nick Maikousis on Greek Herald Cup, reviving heritage, and South Melbourne’s future in the NST appeared first on Soccerscene.

The Newcastle Jets have announced a multi-year partnership with Eggy, an innovative employee experience app designed to streamline workplace efficiencies.

As part of the partnership, Eggy’s branding will feature on the shorts of the Jets’ A-League Men’s team for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons.

Eggy was co-founded by Novocastrians Dr Kate Morgan and former NRL fan favourite Kirk Reynoldson.

Originally developed as a family organisation app, Eggy has evolved into a mobile-first platform that simplifies access to essential work information for deskless employees, reflecting the company’s forward-thinking approach.

It has many important features like Simplified centralisation, Segmented comms and Streamlined compliance that help employers manage employee's tasks a lot easier.

The app has amassed over 40,000 users with an app store rating of 4.5 stars and used across three different countries, highlighting its quick growth in the market.

This would become Eggy's first venture into the football market for a partnership and no better start than with local club Newcastle Jets who have built a very loyal fan base in Northern NSW.

Dr Kate Morgan explained the importance of the local connection to Newcastle and the Jets with this new partnership.

“While living in Newcastle, we made lifelong friends, soaked up the beaches, and fell for Newcastle’s vibrant charm,” said Dr Morgan in a statement release.

“So, when the Newcastle Jets started their grassroots reboot, the partnership was a natural fit.”

Kirk Reynoldson shared the same sentiment about this exciting new partnership.

“Sport builds strong communities,” Reynoldson explain in a statement. “And as a parent watching my kids play football, I see the same magic that Eggy aims to bring to everyday life: simplicity and connection.”

Partnering with Eggy strengthens the Newcastle Jets' ties to the local community while enhancing financial stability and brand synergy.

This collaboration reinforces the club’s commitment to supporting Newcastle businesses, driving economic growth, and fostering long-term success both on and off the pitch.

The post Newcastle Jets partner with Eggy to boost local ties appeared first on Soccerscene.

Reigning English Premier League champions Manchester City have announced they have joined forces with global software giant, Veritran.

Headquartered in Buenos Aires, Veritran are renowned for providing clients with exemplary, efficient digital solutions for unique needs or for revamping outdated digital infrastructure.

Through the collaboration with Manchester City, Veritran will become both an Official Global Partner of the club, as well as City's Official Fan Identity Partner. Via the deal, Veritran will apply their technology expertise to network and update Manchester City's software infrastructure, to improve online processes readily accessed by fans such as membership, registration and ticketing.

Vice President of Global Partnership Sales at City Football Group, Kaitlyn Beal, explained why the club was drawn to Veritran.

“As a club, we strive to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovation in order to further enhance our solutions-based infrastructure and help us continually improve our processes for fans," she said in a press release.

“We are excited by Veritran’s products and solutions, and we look forward to working with them to implement this technology over the next few years.”

Chief Commercial Officer at Veritran, Marcelo Fondacaro, expressed his company's enthusiasm for the collaboration with Manchester City.

“At Veritran, our mission has always been to simplify and elevate digital processes. Becoming a partner of Manchester City, a club that shares our passion for innovation and excellence, allows us to bring that expertise to the sports world," he said via press release.

“This collaboration represents a groundbreaking achievement for Veritran, as we proudly become one of the first LATAM tech companies to partner with Manchester City. With Veritran’s proven expertise and the Club’s commitment to excellence, this partnership will further enhance Manchester City’s technology infrastructure, creating smoother, more connected, and more enjoyable interactions for fans worldwide.”

With over 50 million people accessing Veritran services across Latin America, North America and Europe, the partnership marks a significant achievement for Manchester City and also provides Veritran with a widely recognised global platform to grow further from.

The post Manchester City joins forces with Veritran appeared first on Soccerscene.

DAZN’s Ligue 1 Struggles

Sports streaming giant DAZN is reportedly seeking to renegotiate its $666 million-per-year agreement with the French Professional Football League (LFP) for Ligue 1 domestic broadcast rights.

The move comes amid disappointing subscriber numbers, with DAZN reportedly attracting only 400,000 customers by November 2024, far short of the 1.5 million needed to secure a return on investment (ROI).

Since the start of the 2024/25 season, DAZN has been airing eight of the nine Ligue 1 matches each matchday, positioning the league as its flagship property in France. Despite promotional efforts, including price cuts, subscriber growth has remained stagnant.

Exit Clauses Looming

DAZN has the option to terminate its contract after two seasons if it fails to meet the 1.5 million subscriber target by December 2025.

Meanwhile, BeIN Sports, which pays $166 million annually for the remaining fixture, also holds an exit clause after three seasons.

BeIN has previously expressed dissatisfaction with its treatment by the LFP, and industry insiders believe it could also walk away if DAZN activates its clause.

Financial Challenges for Ligue 1

The LFP had hoped its current broadcast deals would help reduce the financial disparity between Ligue 1 and Europe’s other top leagues.

However, the contracts with DAZN and BeIN, which run until the 2028/29 season, were signed at the last minute before the 2024/25 campaign and represent a significant drop in revenue compared to previous deals with Amazon Prime Video and Canal+.

Adding to the financial strain, new projections from the LFP’s National Control and Management Directorate (DNCG) estimate that clubs in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 face combined losses of $2 billion.

This grim outlook is attributed to reduced broadcast revenue and the cessation of funds from private equity firm CVC’s prior investment in French football.

What’s Next for the LFP?

Should DAZN and BeIN terminate their contracts, the LFP could find itself in a precarious position. A direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service is one potential solution, but DAZN’s underwhelming subscriber base casts doubt on the feasibility of achieving the LFP’s previous targets of two million subscribers and $962 million in annual revenue.

Long-Term Implications for French Clubs

The ongoing broadcast uncertainty adds to a series of challenges for French clubs, which have already endured the financial fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and the collapse of the Mediapro deal. For many teams, ensuring financial stability and consistent revenue streams will be the top priority as they navigate an increasingly volatile landscape.

Conclusion

Ligue 1’s broadcast crisis highlights the fragile state of French football’s financial ecosystem.

The LFP’s strained relationships with key partners and its reliance on uncertain broadcast revenues leave both the league and its clubs vulnerable.

If DAZN and BeIN exercise their exit clauses, the LFP will need to act swiftly to stabilise its media rights strategy and secure the long-term future of the competition.

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Nine Entertainment is reportedly in discussions to acquire Optus’ sports streaming service, Optus Sport, as part of plans to strengthen its own Stan Sports platform.

This would include handing over the rights to the Premier League, which has been the main selling sport in Optus' sports streaming subsidiary.

According to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Nine initiated talks in December, while Optus has been seeking buyers for the service since late 2023.

Optus Shifts Focus Back to Core Business

Optus initially launched its sports streaming service to diversify revenue streams and complement its telecommunications offerings. However, the company has decided to refocus on its core operations and move away from content-based ventures.

In recent years, Optus Sport has opted not to renew broadcast rights for major competitions such as La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, reflecting a strategic shift towards cost-cutting and prioritising its core telecommunications business.

Additionally, the service has seen its subscription price increase from $14.99 to $24.99 over the past two years. Optus also introduced charges for its customers, who previously enjoyed complimentary access to the platform, further signalling its move away from subsidised content offerings.

Nine’s Strategy to Stay Competitive

Acquiring Optus Sport would enable Nine to secure key sports rights, including the English Premier League and FA Cup, while expanding its subscriber base.

This move comes as the Australian streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive, with international player DAZN poised to enter the market.

DAZN, which recently acquired Foxtel in a AU$3.5 billion deal, is expected to make a significant impact when it launches locally later this year.

Stan Sports: Building a Robust Portfolio

Stan Sports currently holds the rights to premium events such as the Olympic Games, UEFA Champions League, and several rugby union and tennis properties.

Adding Optus Sport’s rights would bolster its offerings and help Nine contend with rivals like Paramount+, BeIN Sports, Amazon Prime, and free-to-air broadcasters.

Consolidation on the Horizon

Australia’s crowded sports media market is ripe for consolidation, with multiple players vying for lucrative rights deals.

Free-to-air broadcasters have maintained a strong foothold, supported by Australia’s anti-siphoning laws, which ensure key events remain available outside paywalls.

Conclusion

While Nine has declined to comment on the AFR report, Optus noted it routinely reviews its businesses to ensure they deliver value.

As the market evolves, this potential acquisition could be pivotal in shaping the future of Australian football broadcasting.

As it stands, the average Australian consumer requires at least four subscriptions to watch every European competition and each of the Top 5 leagues which remains a frustrating solution to legal broadcasts in the country.

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The Premier League has unveiled its first official virtual reality (VR) game, Premier League Player, in partnership with sports technology firm Rezzil.

Available on Meta Quest VR headsets, the game immerses fans in the heart of the action, allowing them to recreate legendary goals and experience historic moments from a player’s perspective.

In March, the Premier League and Rezzil officially confirmed their four-year partnership, promising to make 'groundbreaking' developments in both the broadcasting and video game space.

In the press release they mentioned the video game being released late in 2024 purely for a new fan experience.

Fully Licensed Clubs and Stadiums

Premier League Player features all 20 clubs and stadiums, offering fans the chance to train, compete in multiplayer modes, and engage in free play. Players can create their own avatars, collect items, and even interact with the Premier League trophy.

Rezzil's Cutting-Edge VR Technology

Rezzil, a Manchester-based technology company known for its VR training tools, developed the game. Its software is widely used by professional athletes and Premier League clubs to enhance performance through training sessions and match analysis.

The platform also recreates an authentic stadium atmosphere, complete with crowd noise and in-game scenarios, further bridging the gap between fans and the on-field experience.

Rezzil’s innovations extend beyond gaming, offering professional-level platforms that use sensors and haptic feedback to replicate the sensation of kicking a ball.

These tools, previously reserved for elite training, are now accessible to fans through consumer-friendly devices like the Meta Quest.

Broadening the League's Digital Footprint

The Premier League’s partnership with Rezzil reflects its evolving approach to fan engagement and gaming. Alongside long-standing collaborations with EA Sports and Football Manager developer Sports Interactive, the league is embracing innovative technologies to reach a wider audience.

Conclusion

The launch of Premier League Player signals a step forward in merging cutting-edge technology with fan experiences.

By offering immersive and interactive opportunities, the game not only strengthens fan connections to their favourite teams but also showcases the potential of VR in sports.

Every stakeholder from fans to players and clubs is utilising this technology and it has very quickly entered the sports mainstream.

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Preston Lions Senior Men's Head Coach, Louie Acevski, went live on SEN Radio yesterday with Julian De Stoop to discuss the upcoming Victoria NPL season and National Second Tier competition (NST).

Having achieved promotion from the VPL1 after a successful 2024, the Lions will face a busy year in 2025.

Beginning on February 7, the Preston Lions will kick off their first match in the NPL with a game against Hume City at home. However, the Lions will also take part in the new NST competition in October.

Speaking on the season ahead, Acevski expressed his enthusiasm.

"Coming into NPL 1 season this year, where we haven't been part of it for a long time, it's exciting times," Acevski said on radio.

"There's derby games week in, week out, and we're hoping to get anywhere between four to 6000 people per game on a Friday night. I know round one against Hume City will be a huge crowd.

"There will be some entertainment. Facilities are fantastic. Ground will be exceptional. Lights will be on, and cameras will be rolling.

"It's a great product to watch and be a part of. I, to this day, still get goosebumps every time I walk out."

Having achieved four promotions across the last six seasons, the Preston Lions have achieved immense success in a short time frame. However, Acevski was aware of the fraught competitiveness of the NPL.

"Expectations are very simple for us, It's an unknown quantity at the moment," he said.

"The NPL 1 is a very, very tough league, and we're the new kids on the block. We're just coming into it to put a bit of security and put the foundations down in NPL 1."

At the end of the NPL season, Preston will take part in the recently created National Second Tier competition as a foundation club.

Acevski outlined the importance of the competition for Australian football.

"The B league is so important. The quicker we bring it in, the better," he said.

"We need to give kids opportunities to grow further and become better players in a better environment, closer to a professional environment, and the B league will give us that."

Preston will enter the 16-team competition as one of eight foundation clubs, hoping to become a mainstay in the tournament which will run from October to December next year.

"We're in a really good place. The foundations have been constructed. We're moving up to bigger and better things, and every year we're just trying to improve as a club," he continued to say.

"We just want to make and bring a product to Australian football that everybody wants to be a part of and wants to come and watch us on a Friday night.

"The success is not a one person show, you're as good as your team in relation to your staff, players, committees, etcetera. We're all on the same status and wavelength about what we want to do and how we want to go about it.

"Come this season, the B league, as an official home and away season is not commencing, but the Victoria NPL 1 season will be a short advertisement for it. You'll the see the passion, love and support base around these games, and it's just going to be a snippet of what the B league can and probably should be."

To listen to the full interview, click here.

The post Louie Acevski discusses NPL season 2025 and NST on SEN radio appeared first on Soccerscene.

Despite its slow start to the season, many pundits believe this season’s Sydney F.C. squad is one of the strongest for many years.

Consequently, it has been difficult for striker Jaiden Kucharski to be selected on a regular basis. However, Jaiden Kucharski’s journey is one marked by moments of brilliance and potential.

For those who observed the power-laden goal he scored against Brisbane Roar in Round 3 and the disallowed volley he despatched against Wanderers two weeks ago, there is no doubt he has all the attributes of a goal-scoring maestro.

Additionally, his powerful right-footed drive from outside the penalty area last Sunday nearly found its mark for a ten-man Sydney F.C. to achieve a 2-2 draw, only to be denied by the agility of Central Coast Mariners custodian Dylan Peraic-Cullen.

[caption id="attachment_27806" align="alignright" width="400"] Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC[/caption]

None of this comes as a surprise, as Jaiden Kucharski’s Sydney F.C. record includes twenty-nine goals in three seasons in the NPL Men’s competition.

So, what does the future hold for this talented twenty-two-year-old?

In this interview with Roger Sleeman, Jaiden Kucharski talks about his early exposure to football, his progression through the Sydney FC Academy to the senior squad, and his ambitions in the senior game.

ROGER SLEEMAN

Can you outline your early introduction to the game?

JAIDEN KUCHARSKI

After starting at Glenwood Redbacks as a five year old, I moved to the Football Development Academy and eventually progressed to the Sydney FC Academy at the age of fourteen via the NSW Institute.

R.S.

Who were the early influences in your career?

J.K.

I followed Messi and Ronaldo and also worshipped Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell.

Also, due to my Polish background, I admired Robert Lewandowski as a goalscorer.

R.S.

You are equally accomplished on both feet  with ferocity on both sides.

When there are so many one sided players in the A-League, how have you managed to achieve this milestone?

J.K.

There was a coach called Cormack at the FDA who worked with me to improve my weaker left side when we went for periods without using the right foot in training.

At the weekends when I was eight or nine, I would train with the ten to fourteen year olds which also harnessed my two sided skills.

At the Sydney FC Academy, Kelly Cross has also nurtured my left side further and now I believe my shooting is better with my left side.

R.S.

You’ve been scoring goals for fun in NPL competition so what role do you see yourself playing?

J.K.

I’ve grown up playing as many positions as possible

However, I want to play up front as one of the two nines and being a target man to either drop to receive the ball and also playing in between and along the last line of defence.

I also want to be able to take the ball myself and score goals by taking opponents on.

[caption id="attachment_27810" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC[/caption]

R.S.

The goal you scored against Brisbane Roar in Round 2 was one of the hardest shots ever seen in the A-League.

Could you explain how you did it?

J.K.

My best attribute is my striking contact with the ball, assisted by strong groins and when the cutback came I hit through the ball as hard as I could.

R.S.

Are you prepared to wait for that break to get more game time?

J.K.

I’m contracted with Sydney FC until June next year and I’ve made the most of my playing time so far, but in the end selection is up to the coach.

I could also leave during the transfer window in January if the club allowed me.

[caption id="attachment_27808" align="alignright" width="400"] Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC[/caption]

R.S.

Have you had recent discussions with the coaching staff regarding your role in the squad?

J.K.

Not really as I just do everything in training to impress.

However, it was heartening to get a full game against F.C. Kaya and the goal I scored just inside the box to make a 3-0 scoreline, reinforced what I can do when I get space in front of goal.

R.S.

Would you leave Sydney F.C. when your contract expires, and if so where would you go to?

J.K.

I could go to Poland where I have citizenship but I also believe Germany would suit my style of football as an attacking player.

R.S.

It is a star studded squad at Sydney FC but you would be a certain starter at most other A-League clubs.

If the right offer came, would you move to another A-League club?

J.K.

Anything is possible, providing I’m getting game time and further developing as a footballer.

R.S.

Which of your team-mates do you really relate to?

J.K.

Adrian Segecic is an old team-mate who laid the ball off to me for the Brisbane Roar goal and three years ago I provided the pass which allowed him to score his first A- League goal against Macarthur Bulls.

Also, Anthony Caceres is a great foil and I’ve learned a lot from Joe Lolley and more recently Douglas Costa who is impeccable in his movement.

The new striker, Patryck Klimala, is a clinical striker and Leo Sena has that touch of genius which any young player can learn from.

[caption id="attachment_27809" align="aligncenter" width="571"] Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC[/caption]

R.S.

What is your opinion of the A-League?

J.K.

Foreigners I’ve met say they didn’t expect the A-League to be so strong.

It’s a great step up from NPL to APL as the pace and pressure is so much more demanding.

R.S.

Where do see yourself in three years time?

J.K.

Playing overseas as a regular starter, ideally in a First Division setup.

The post For Jaiden Kucharski, The Sky is the Limit. appeared first on Soccerscene.

Fundraising is a vital aspect of any club's journey, without it, clubs would not survive. Therefore, it's critical that fundraising is done as efficiently as possible. Here's how to improve your club's fundraisers.

Planning Fundraising Goals 

While it can be tempting to begin fundraising as soon as possible, too many clubs jump straight into it without proper planning.

To fundraise effectively, you have to consider the club's position.

• How is the club tracking financially?
• What needs improvement at the club?
• Is there club infrastructure that needs repair or upgrades?
• Do we need new equipment?
• Are our membership fees appropriate?

These questions and more will inform your fundraising goals. Objectives are important to have as they keep your club on track, and break fundraising into more achievable blocks, preventing overstressing.

When creating club goals, always make them specific and realistic.

If your objectives are too lofty, people will lose trust or feel unaware of what you are raising for. Additionally, if they are unrealistic or too difficult, it can hurt donor's motivation to contribute money.

For example: Raising $1,000 to buy new shirts is more achievable than raising $10,000 to improve the club.

The latter goal feels endless while the former can be achieved and replaced by a new goal, producing a sense of progress and success within the club's community.

Delegating Fundraising Work 

Depending on the size of your club and the number of willing volunteers you have, you want to do as many fundraising events as you comfortably can.

However, crowdfunding can be incredibly time heavy and manpower intensive. Additionally, its often tasked upon too few people.

When organising charity campaigns, it is incredibly beneficial to delegate multiple people across different fundraising streams to ensure each receives full attention, and to prevent people from becoming overburdened.

Through this, each fundraising method is being optimised to its fullest extent, while club members can still focus on their club roles.

Choosing Fundraisers 

Choosing what club donations to do can be a tricky process and often depends on the membership base of your club, as members may be likely to contribute to some fundraisers more than others.

When deciding, first reflect on what has worked well for the club in the past and what has been less successful.

Additionally, it's important to fundraise in a cost-effective manner. Some contributions may be appealing, but if they are too time intensive and expensive than the benefits may not be enough.

Furthermore, the skills of your volunteers are also worth considering. Some of your members may have special talents which you can leverage. For example, naturally extroverted and charismatic members could make for great trivia night hosts.

Traditional Fundraisers 

There are a range of traditional fundraisers that your club can implement to help boost funds in a way that is familiar and approachable to your membership base.

Here are some examples:

• Trivia Night
• Sausage Sizzle
• Auction
• Raffle
• Movie Night

Online Fundraising 

In today's world, technology has generated more ways than ever to fundraise.

A valuable option for your club could be an online donation page. These pages can be added to your cub's website, allowing members from a wider community to donate in a familiar and trustworthy place.

Donation pages are a great option for clubs as they can be relatively simple to set up and do not require too much work afterwards. However, it's important to ensure the page stays up to date and works, you do not want to miss out on possible funds.

If your club does not feel comfortable creating a donation page or does not have its own website, you could consider opting into the Australian Sport Foundation's (ASF) fundraising platform.

The ASF allows clubs across the nation to post a donation page to the ASF website to receive funds for club projects.

Funds donated through the ASF platform are tax-deductible, thus making donations a more attractive option to potential benefactors.

Membership Fees

The most effective way to increase the coffers of any club is to increase membership fees, as it targets everyone involved in the club. However, it can be a double-edged sword.

If your club increases fees too much, you can upset or even drive away members. Remember to always treat membership fees carefully, and as an option of last resort.

Conclusion 

Club finances are an often-stressful dread hanging over the heads of club boards and members, however, fundraising does not have to be daunting.

Through planning and delegating the work, fundraising can be made a far simpler process. Additionally, fundraising events can be an enjoyable time for all involved, generating lifelong friendships and memories.

The post How to improve your club’s fundraisers appeared first on Soccerscene.

British sports streaming mega platform, DAZN, has gained a free-to-view exclusivity deal with FIFA for the Club World Cup 2025.

The partnership will mean all 63 Club World Cup matches, featuring 32 of the world's best clubs, will be livestreamed free-to-view on DAZN's network. The deal also includes the option to sublicense to local free-to-air broadcasts.

The collaboration between FIFA and DAZN aims to make the game easily accessible to fans across the world, providing a significant boost to the launch of the new competition.

It is also a large next step for the burgeoning partnership of FIFA and DAZN. The two organisations have continued to grow more intertwined, with FIFA aiming to incorporate FIFA+ into the DAZN network.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino exclaimed his joy for the deal.

"I am delighted to announce that FIFA, in partnership with DAZN and FIFA+, will bring the best of club football for free to everywhere in the world, meaning that every single football fan across the globe can watch the best players from the 32 best clubs compete in the new FIFA Club World Cup to be the first official ‘FIFA Club World Champions'," he said in a press release.

DAZN Chief Executive Officer Shay Segev outlined the importance of the deal for DAZN.

“This groundbreaking deal with FIFA is a major milestone in DAZN’s journey to be the ultimate entertainment platform of choice for sports fans everywhere," he said via press release.

"We’re delighted to have the exclusive rights to this new chapter in global club football, marking the start of our long-term relationship with FIFA and cementing our status as the home of football.

"We’re committed to ensuring that every fan can watch every moment of the thrilling action from this new prime club tournament.”

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will kick off June 14, 2025, in Miami and finish July 13, in New York New Jersey.

The post DAZN gains free-to-view exclusivity deal for FIFA Club World Cup appeared first on Soccerscene.

The German Football League (DFL) has secured new domestic broadcast contracts for the Bundesliga worth $7.39 billion over four seasons.

The deal, which will run from the 2025/26 to 2028/29 campaigns, represents a modest 2% increase from the current rights package valued at $1.82 billion per season.

This development positions the Bundesliga as the second-highest earner in domestic media rights among football leagues, trailing only the Premier League.

Key Broadcasters and Packages

The DFL confirmed that pay-TV network Sky and streaming platform DAZN will remain the league’s primary broadcast partners:

• Sky will air the majority of live matches, including Friday evening, Saturday fixtures, and relegation play-offs. It will also maintain exclusive coverage of 2. Bundesliga matches.
• DAZN secured rights to the fan-favourite ‘Konferenz’ whip-around show and will broadcast Sunday matches. The deal also extends to the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).

Free-to-air access is bolstered by:

• Sat.1, which will broadcast key games such as season openers, relegation play-offs, and the German Super Cup.
• ARD, ZDF, and Sport1, offering highlight rights.
• RTL, airing Saturday evening 2. Bundesliga matches and highlight packages.
• Axel Springer, managing short highlight clips for digital platforms.

DFL’s statement

DFL co-chief executive Steffen Merkel spoke on the incredible record-breaking TV deal that will advance German football.

“The result of the tender underlines the unbroken popularity of German professional football, despite economically challenging times,” Merkel said in a statement.

“Trust and unity within the league association have paid off. At the end of an intensive process, a very good and comprehensively secured financial result has now been achieved.

“The clubs now have planning security at a high financial level for another four years. For the fans, our future partners in both the pay and free-to-air markets will provide a high degree of consistency.”

DFL co-chief executive Marc Lenz shared the same positive sentiment about the new deal.

“The financial security achieved with this result is a key foundation for the positive development of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. From this position of strength, we must tackle the economic, sporting and political challenges – and continue to develop our leagues together with the 36 clubs and make them fit for the future,” he said in a statement.

Market Context and Challenges

The increase in Bundesliga's media rights revenue contrasts with declines experienced by other major European leagues like Serie A and Ligue 1.

The DFL’s ability to keep Sky and DAZN involved despite legal challenges reflects the league’s strong negotiation position. While DAZN received fewer live matches, its acquisition of the ‘Konferenz’ show could drive subscriber growth.

Future Outlook

The deal provides financial stability for Bundesliga clubs, giving them an advantage over many European rivals. Moving forward, the DFL will focus on expanding its international rights income, with the U.S. deal set to expire in 2026.

The Bundesliga’s mix of traditional TV, streaming, and free-to-air options ensures fans remain well-served, setting the stage for sustainable growth and global outreach.

The post Bundesliga secures $7.39bn domestic broadcast deal appeared first on Soccerscene.

The long-standing 3pm broadcasting blackout for Premier League and EFL matches may soon be a thing of the past.

According to The Sun, the restriction could be lifted within the next five years, potentially reshaping the football viewing landscape in the UK.

The Current Situation

The blackout, which has been in place for six decades, prevents live broadcasting of games played at 3pm on Saturdays.

This rule aims to safeguard attendance at lower-league matches by encouraging fans to watch games in person rather than on television.

The Premier League's new four-year broadcasting deal, set to begin next season, will maintain the blackout. However, both the Premier League and EFL agreements are scheduled to expire at the conclusion of the 2028-29 season, opening the door for significant changes.

Changing Perspectives

Traditionally seen as essential to protect matchday attendance, the blackout's relevance is being questioned.

EFL studies suggest that televising matches has minimal impact on crowd numbers, challenging the necessity of the rule.

With a surge in live games on TV and digital platforms, the football community is increasingly debating whether the blackout is outdated.

Currently, the Premier League broadcasts 270 matches per season, leaving 110 games locked behind the blackout, and this has become increasingly controversial with local fans left frustrated at the fact they can't watch all of their teams games.

Piracy Concerns

The blackout has inadvertently contributed to the rise in illegal streaming. Fans often resort to using devices like "cracked Fire Sticks" to watch Saturday 3pm matches, undermining the very attendance-focused intent of the restriction.

Recently, the Premier League have cracked down on piracy, threatening jail time and/or a large fine for anyone who illegally streams games that are affected by the blackout.

What’s Next?

Although the blackout remains in place for now, its future is under scrutiny. As midweek fixtures are exempt from the rule, every Premier League game this week is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

The decision to lift the blackout will likely come as part of broader broadcasting negotiations, potentially marking the end of a long-standing tradition and redefining how fans experience English football.

With the rule being considered 'outdated' by many, the 2028-29 proposed change comes at the right time. Both the Premier League and the EFL can capitalise on an even bigger national TV rights deal, strengthening both leagues' finances.

The post Premier League’s 3pm Blackout Could End After 60 Years appeared first on Soccerscene.

On Wednesday, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will ratify Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast as hosts of the upcoming Women's Asia Cup 2026. Games will be played across Stadium Australia and Western Sydney Stadium, the Perth Rectangular Arena, Perth Stadium, and the Gold Coast Stadium.

While the Women's Asian Cup is a momentous occasion for Australian football, the exclusion of Melbourne stands as a missed opportunity.

Known as the sporting capital of the nation, Melbourne holds an incredibly passionate soccer fanbase and has continually delivered excellence on the pitch.

Zealous and Loyal Fanbase 

Most recently, Melbourne hosted six Women's World Cup games at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, otherwise known as AAMI Park, in 2023 for hungry audiences. Of the six games, five reached over 90% capacity according to AuStadiums, illustrating the desire Melbournians and Victorians have for more football.

Furthermore, Victorians have consistently shown up to support their teams across both the men's and women's A-Leagues. According to AuStadiums, in last year's ALW season, AAMI Park was on average the most attended stadium of the grounds which had hosted 10 or more games, averaging 3,500 people per game. This accomplishment built off of the 22/23 season where AAMI Park had also averaged the largest crowds for stadiums for which had hosted multiple games.

In the men's competition, AAMI Park has been by far the most played at stadium, with more than 30 games played at the stadium each season since the 21/22 season. Through this, AAMI Park has consistently achieved the highest total attendance of any A-League stadium and has additionally maintained strong crowd averages.

AAMI Park was the third most attended ground on average last year for stadiums which had hosted multiple games. Additionally, AAMI Park also appeared the most in the top 10 attended games of the year, hosting four of the largest crowds of the 23/24 season.

To deny such a passionate fanbase the opportunity to see their national team, and other elite Asian teams, locally, would be a travesty. Compounding it, the decision to neglect one of Australia's most beloved, professional and modern stadiums on a global stage is another disappointment.

World Class Facilities

In the latest Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) 2023-24 A-League Men Report insights from players, executive teams and coaches, AAMI Park was one of the highest scoring stadiums across Australia and New Zealand.

In terms of pitch quality, measured by the pace, smoothness, hardness and overall quality of the surface, AAMI Park scored above average. Depending on the hosting team, the stadium was rated between 3.5 stars to 4 stars placing it above the 3.2 average across the league.

Additionally, AAMI Park recorded the best atmosphere leaguewide when Melbourne Victory played, achieving a 4.4-star rating. Nearly half a star higher than the second-best atmospheric stadium.

These sentiments were similarly echoed in the most recent PFA A-League Women Report from the 2023-24 season. The report illustrated AAMI Park as one of the premier stadiums in the country, with the ground achieving a 4-star and near perfect 4.9-star rating, across its two hosts.

Australia's Most Liveable City 

In combination with providing a world class stadium for some of the world's best teams, hosting games at AAMI Park in Melbourne at the Women's Asia Cup would have propelled Australia's image on the global stage by highlighting one of the world's most liveable cities. Ranked fourth in the world for most liveable cities by the Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index 2024, Melbourne continues to showcase the very best of Australia.

Travelling fans would get to enjoy the cultural events and sights Melbourne has to offer, while also finding their way to and from games easily due to Melbourne's simple public transport system.

Furthermore, Melbourne would not only highlight the best of Australia to travellers, but to an ever-increasing global audience. With the rise of interest in women's football, the amount of people watching and interacting with games has increased exponentially.

According to FIFA, over two billion people engaged with the Women's World Cup in 2023. Furthermore, the tournament produced over 2.72 billion viewer hours, a 9.2% increase in consumption from the 2019 Women's World Cup. With so many eyes now on women's football, it makes sense to put forth Australia's best.

Conclusion 

Fortunately, as Australia's most loved team, the Matildas will draw crowds wherever they play, having now sold out 16 home games in a row.

Yet the neglect of Melbourne from the Women's Asia Cup will prevent one of the country's most fervent fanbases, which has repeatedly supported the national team and the A-Leagues, from witnessing one of Australia's most important sporting events.

The post Melbourne should have been apart of Women’s Asia Cup 2026 appeared first on Soccerscene.

Members are the lifeline of any soccer club, but it can be a tricky task to gain more. Fortunately, you can grow your soccer club through SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, and potentially boost memberships exponentially.

SEO is the process of refining online content to be deemed more favourable by search engine algorithms, therefore placing it higher in search results.

Web goers are far more likely to visit higher search results than lower ones, and thus sites that can consistently place at the top of search results will receive far more web traffic.

For your soccer club, the greater level of web traffic you have, the greater your chance of gaining more memberships.

While the process of SEO may seem large, complicated and ultimately daunting - this guide will provide simple ways to boost your SEO practices.

Understanding your club's online position 

Before you begin implementing SEO practices, it's important to acknowledge how your club is tracking online.

If your club has a website, check for an analytics section. Website builders like Wix and WordPress offer analytics information such as the amount of web traffic a site receives, or which pages on a site are accessed the most.

If you do not have a club website or want to improve it, click here for Soccerscene's club website guide.

If you want to upgrade the level of analytics at your disposal, Google Search Console is an incredibly useful tool available. It allows you to see which search queries are bringing visitors to your site, in addition to far more.

Once you have checked your website's analytics, make note of the successes and areas for improvements across your website. These notes will help you start your SEO practices.

Targeting the right audiences 

To attract new members, it's important to target the right people and not just the most amount of people.

As a club, your SEO practices should always prioritise your local area. Your local area is where you are going to find the most likely people to join your club, and also the least competition from other clubs.

To target your local area effectively, create a Google My Business profile and add your club's address and contact information. Here you can add your club to Google Maps, add photos and much more.

In addition to targeting your local area, consider what type of soccer club you are marketing for. Is it family friendly, social, competitive, or something else?

SEO Tips and Tricks

When you know the audience of your club, you can start implementing SEO practices.

Keywords: Keywords are the words people are using to search for content online. As a club, you want to be using specific keywords to draw in the right visitors, such as "inclusive", "all-levels welcome", "professional", or "competitive", depending on the audience you're aiming for.

Keywords should be used multiple times across your website, especially in your title, Web URL, and in the first 100 words of text on a page. You should also include synonyms to your keywords across your content.

Linking: Search engines find sites easier when they are linked elsewhere. There are two types of SEO linking, internal and outbound links. Internal links are links within your website, while outbound links are to other websites.

When internal linking, try linking articles within your site to related content. When outbound linking, always link to trustworthy sites, and to related content. Outbound linking is also an SEO bonus to where you link to, so consider linking to your sponsors or local community directories.

Readability: It may seem obvious, but it is incredibly important to have a readable and navigable site. When visitors quickly click on and leave multiple websites, search engines assume the websites are unhelpful and thus lower the website's rankings within their algorithms.

To prevent people from rapidly leaving, ensure that information on your site is easily laid out and concise. Bullet points and short paragraphs can assist with this.

Additionally, ensure pages are easy to access and avoid cluttered website designs.

Mobile Optimisation: The majority of searches are performed on mobile phones, so it's vital to cater to them. Make sure your website design is navigable on a phone. Furthermore, ensure that image or file sizes do not cause lengthy load times on phones.

Chrome Lighthouse can run reports on how successful your mobile site is.

Conclusion 

In the modern footballing world, it is crucial to grow your soccer club through SEO. With so many businesses and clubs flocking towards it, now is the time to jump on board to boost the number of people interested in your club.

If you would like to know more, feel free to contact Football Pro Directory.

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In a significant milestone for Australian football, Hahn has been confirmed as the naming rights partner for the Australia Cup in a three-year deal.

Beginning in 2025, the competition will be officially rebranded as the "Hahn Australia Cup," marking the start of an important partnership between Hahn and Football Australia.

The Australia Cup is celebrated as one of the nation’s most inclusive football competitions, bringing together more than 750 senior community clubs from grassroots to professional levels.

This new alliance highlights Hahn’s commitment to fostering unity and strengthening connections within Australia’s vibrant football community.

Hahn, recognised as one of Australia’s fastest-growing beer brands, brings its no-compromise philosophy to the collaboration. With a range of low and zero-carb beers, Hahn caters to health-conscious consumers who seek to enjoy a mindful choice without sacrificing taste.

Football Australia and Hahn are set to collaborate on initiatives designed to grow the competition, ensuring it continues to resonate with communities across the country.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson touched on how exciting this deal is for the future of the game.

“This exciting partnership marks a significant moment for the Australia Cup, and we’re thrilled to welcome Hahn as the naming rights partner for this extraordinary competition", Johnson said in a press conference.

“The Hahn Australia Cup represents more than just a football tournament; it brings together grassroots players, officials, fans, and communities from across the country in a shared celebration of the game.

"This partnership with Hahn, one of Australia's most popular beer brands, aligns perfectly with our vision for the Australia Cup, and we’re excited about the impact this collaboration will have on Australian football.”

Lion Australia Managing Director, James Brindley shared the same excited sentiment about this partnership.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Football Australia as the official beer and naming rights partner of the Australia Cup. The Hahn Australia Cup is a competition that pits park footballers against professionals in the ultimate David vs Goliath matchup. Aussies love to back an underdog and every year the Australia Cup delivers 'Cupsets' that engage and inspire players and supporters alike", Brindley said in a press conference.

"Hahn is here to celebrate the on-field moments that forge lifelong bonds and become the stuff of legend in months and years to follow. We look forward to raising a Hahn with the players, coaches, and communities that bring this tournament to life each year.”

History of naming rights

Before this deal, the history of naming rights sponsors was scarce. In 2014, Westfield Group was announced as the sponsor for the first three seasons of the cup tournament, known for commercial purposes as the "Westfield FFA Cup."

However since 2016, the cup has failed to secure another naming rights sponsor until now, settling for Umbro and Mitre as ball suppliers and sponsors as its only revenue stream on that front.

Conclusion

Through this collaboration, Hahn and Football Australia are poised to elevate the tournament's status while celebrating the shared love of the game among players and fans alike.

The partnership is a huge step forward for Football Australia who will capitalise off their biggest cup tournament to secure some much needed funding.

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FIFA has confirmed a collaboration with US based gaming company, Mythical Games, to develop a new officially licensed mobile game - "FIFA Rivals".

Aiming for release in 2025, FIFA Rivals will be available on IOS and Android.

The game marks a significant move in FIFA's continual quest to expand and diversify its gaming and esports portfolio. Neglecting simulation-based gameplay in favour of fast paced arcade gameplay, FIFA Rivals is a departure from previous FIFA licensed games.

As an organisation with experience in mobile gaming, Mythical Games already operates a Rivals game in partnership with the NFL, with over five million downloads. The US company will now seek to grow its market in the footballing world.

Their latest offering, FIFA Rivals, will enable gamers to create, manage and develop their own in game football club. Players will also be able to create their own line-ups and enhance them via levelling up, to then play against other players.

FIFA Rivals will be a free to play game but will feature extensive in game microtransactions.

Operating off of the Mythos blockchain model, the game will include in-game and web marketplaces for players to buy, sell, trade and own in game versions of real-life football players.

FIFA Secretary, General Mattias Grafström spoke of the opportunities FIFA Rivals presented.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Mythical Games to launch FIFA Rivals, bringing football fans a mobile-first gaming experience that deepens their connection to the sport," he said in a press release.

"The game is an innovative and accessible addition to our expanding gaming and esports portfolio."

CEO and Founder of Mythical Games, John Linden outlined the goals of the collaboration.

"We’re excited to partner with FIFA and leverage our expertise to create an unparalleled football gaming experience," he said via press release.

“Our goal is to replicate our success with our previous Rivals game and set new benchmarks in the web3 gaming sector.

"The combination of officially licensed football stars (past and present), prestigious clubs from around the world and globally competitive esports gameplay will take sports gameplay to a new level.

"Through this long-term partnership with FIFA, there are major plans to integrate into the FIFA esports platform to give players in every country the ability to become a participant or fan.”

FIFA Rivals will launch worldwide in 2025, game updates are confirmed via FIFA Rivals' X account.

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Aki Ionnas is the General Manager & Director of Football at the Oakleigh Cannons FC, whose senior men’s side were champions of the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Victoria in 2024.

Speaking with Soccerscene in a wide-ranging chat, Ionnas details why his club continues to have great success on and off the park – cementing themselves as one of the top clubs in the state.

First of all, going back a couple of months now, you were crowned champions of NPL Victoria in 2024 - tell me a little bit about how rewarding it was to win the GF in Victoria this past season?

It was an amazing season and we deserved the results from the hard work we put in. If we even look back a bit further, what we’ve shown in the last 3 years is that we’ve proved we are the best team in NPL Victoria.

We’ve won 2 Championships in that time, a Dockerty Cup, a Community Shield and a Premiers Plate - what else can I say, these are great achievements.

What were the factors that you think contributed to your success last season, but also the last few years?

First of all, Chris Taylor and his coaching team, who are absolutely fantastic and have been for a number of years. Chris is a top class coach and since he's been with us, he has won us plenty of silverware. Our Football Operations person, John Ioannou, has also made a huge contribution to our success on the field - working very closely with Chris.

The entire board, the great support we have from sponsors, it’s all a big family and the results continue to speak for themselves.

Everyone works hard together for the same cause and that’s a main reason why we have been so successful.

How will you sustain that success moving forward into next season, what are your objectives for next season?

It’s always hard to sustain the success, it’s not easy at all. We are a close-knit club and we are now always going to be the hunted. Being the hunted is always difficult, but we will always continue to try and achieve our goals and be up there at the end of the season.

There’s a recent history of success that we’ve established, record Grand Final wins and also good results in the Australia Cup (reaching the quarter and semi-finals recently), so we’ve found the formula and I don’t see why we can’t continue that.

[caption id="attachment_27519" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: One Nil Media[/caption]

Are you able to provide an update on the facility upgrades at Jack Edwards Reserve, how is that progressing at the moment and when is it due for completion?

It’s all going great. Our 550 Lux light towers are now up and they will be operational in a couple of weeks. All of our home games next season will be on a Friday Night, so everything is going to plan, which is amazing to see.

Could you just detail what the other planned facility upgrades are for?

Alongside the 550 lux light towers, there will be upgrades with a new 500 seat grandstand, a corporate function room upstairs in the pavilion, medical rooms, referee rooms and also first aid rooms. The plan is for everything to be completed by late 2025.

Council has contributed significantly to these upgrades - tell me a little bit more about how this will positively impact your club and the local community overall?

We definitely appreciate council’s support but also a big thanks goes to our Chairman Kon Kavalakis and our President Stan Papayianneris – these two have been instrumental in getting this project up and running.

The facilities are great and it’s a hub for the local community in the area; it’s going to be fantastic and really take the club to the next level. We’ve seen success on the park and now we’re starting to see the success off the park. We’re going to be one of Melbourne’s leading clubs in the state of Victoria.

[caption id="attachment_27521" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: One Nil Media[/caption]

Moving on Aki, what are your thoughts on the finer details announced around the National Second Division (NSD) recently - what is Oakleigh’s stance on potentially joining the second tier?

Of course, we’d love to be a part of the national second division. We have some of the best facilities in the state, we are looking very positively at the idea (of joining a national second tier).

[caption id="attachment_27523" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: One Nil Media[/caption]

What were the reasons around why the club wasn’t amongst the foundation clubs of the competition?

We initially just wanted to wait and see more of the details come out at the time of submission. Now that more details have come out into the open, it’s looking very positive overall.

With NPL Premiers across the country invited to join next year’s NSD, are you aware of the financial expectations if you were to win the premiership in NPL Victoria next season and get invited to the national competition (have they been communicated from FA to the clubs?)

No not as yet, but we expect those details to come out when appropriate.

What do you personally think of the NSD’s “Champions League” model, as opposed to the Home and Away model?

I personally think it’s a great start (with the announcement of the Champions League model) and if it was to be a home and away season eventually, we would look at those details when they come out and make a further decision.

Just back on the club, obviously women’s football participation continues to boom in the state - is an NPL Women’s side for your club on the immediate agenda for you to implement?

It’s definitely on the agenda and it’s a high priority for us. We have people in the background working on this and with the participation rates great around the women’s game it.

[caption id="attachment_27524" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: One Nil Media[/caption]

What does the future for the club look like Aki? Obviously, there are very positive signs - where do you see the club positioned over the next few years and what are its main objectives?

We want this club to continue its strong success in all areas. We are always striving for this club to be competing for silverware, whether that’s in Victoria or on a national level.

The post General Manager of Oakleigh Cannons FC Aki Ionnas: “We’ve proved we are the best team in NPL Victoria” appeared first on Soccerscene.

FIFA and Hawk-Eye are working together again to create the 'Football Technology Centre', a joint venture that will create new and emerging football technology. 

The Sony-owned Hawk-Eye currently provides FIFA with football technology used in the men's and women's World Cups. The existing partnership has worked on implementing semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and artificial intelligence (AI). 

Hawk-Eye has established itself as a pioneer in sports technology since 2001 and is trusted by major sporting events globally. Its takeover in sports technology has come from mission statements of creating officiating solutions, providing accurate results for referee decisions, enhancing sports safety for the players, and ultimately making their work digestible for fans to understand the game's decisions and nuances.  

The immediate technological focus areas cover performance enhancement of the already-in-place technology between the two organisations, officiating efficiency and on-pitch detection algorithms. 

With the commencement of the 'Football Technology Centre,' FIFA and Hawk-Eye will work towards improving officiating performance through automated offside technology that alerts match officials through a smartwatch, similar to the already-in-place goal-line technology.

These two organisations continuing this technological football advancement partnership makes a lot of sense, considering how the developed SAOT tracks skeletal and object movements of the game ball and all players on the pitch. The in-place system works hand-in-hand with the future objectives of both companies.

The technology will guide video match officials in receiving alerts through the SAOT. Once they review the footage, the on-field match officials will receive the alert.

Since its introduction, SOAT has beaten the VAR system by an average of 30 seconds per decision while providing better accuracy, visual validation, and enhanced clarity among officials and spectators. 

On the performance enhancement side of the 'Football Technology Centre', the match analytics data feeding and biomechanical data capture can provide FIFA clubs with insightful data on athletes and improve how we analyse football beyond what we see with the naked eye. Critical game situations can be recreated through AI in the metaverse for VR training.

The benefits of Hawk-Eye and FIFA from a fan perspective and engagement aspect are that a 3D virtual recreation of the SAOT decision, once video officials and match officials rule on offside calls, it will automatically be made and shared with the television broadcasting and stadium big-screen. 

Through a corporate lens, Sony's calculated acquisitions and investments in sports technology and biochemical data capture a clear vision for the tech giant to continue dominating the sports technology space.

Beyond Hawk-Eye, owning Pulselive (digital specialist), Beyond Sports (immersive data visualisation), and the new sports technology acquisition for Sony, KiniTrax (motion capture). Sony's sports division's focal point is improving digital solutions, broadcast technologies, and officiating solutions for all companies owned under their sports branch.   

As a leader in sports technology innovation, Hawk-Eye evolves broadcast and production potential through its work. It gives FIFA cutting-edge data analysis through its intricate AI software, which is then visualised and shared with the viewers.

Hawk-Eye is continuing to push the envelope with new software that enhances football in all facets is a remarkable achievement, especially in its success in revolutionising the game, particularly for referees.

Future implications from this joint venture include further technological integration between existing software through the FIFA and Hawk-Eye collaboration, more robust development opportunities for AI, and how it can help shape the future of football on an international scale, advanced training practices for players and enhancing officiating systems. 

The continued collaboration between FIFA and Hawk-Eye is a colossal step in football's technological advancement, shaping its evolution in the coming years. 

For more information on Hawk-Eye Innovations and how they are shaping the future of football, click here.

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Integral to any burgeoning or successful club is an accessible and easily understood website.

A website should be the central hub of a club's media portfolio, allowing members, fans, and more to swiftly access key information in one place.

A well-made website can have a significant impact on your club's stature in many ways by:

• Gaining more members
• Facilitating fundraising
• Attracting new sponsors
• Entrenching support
• Aiding volunteers

Building A Website

It may seem daunting to create a website, especially for those without experience, but it can be easier than expected.

Platforms such as website builders offer a simple solution to creating what your club may require.

These platforms make organising a website stress-free by providing a number of resources such as templates and checklists that are catered to beginners.

Templates can be used to rapidly set up a website design which can be effortlessly and endlessly customised to suit your club's branding.

Furthermore, website builder checklists can streamline the creation phase, preventing confusion.

In addition to checklists, some website builders offer AI chatbots to help articulate how you want your club's website to look.

To find the best website builder for your club, make sure to account for your level of technical expertise and the amount of money you are willing to spend on a website.

Acclaimed website builders Wix, WordPress, and GoDaddy offer free options alongside a range of premium plans. Alternatively, Clubforce is a premium website builder designed for sporting clubs.

However, to customise a domain name - the name of your club's web address - you will more than likely need to purchase a name.

Website Pages

The low quality websites are those which are hard to navigate. Fortunately, most websites follow a common formula to aid web visitors by dividing content into pages.

The first page should be the homepage, where visitors are first introduced to your club. The homepage serves as a directory for your other pages and should be simple to follow.

However, it should also be visually interesting. Consider including a striking feature image to capture visitors' attention.

The homepage should also include links to your club's latest news posts, so visitors don't get frustrated searching for them.

Pages your club's website should include are as follows:

• Membership Page
• News Page
• Contact Page
• About Us Page
• Fundraising Page
• Sponsors Page

Additionally, depending on your club it could be beneficial to create pages for health and safety or legal material.

Across the bottom of each of your pages, make sure to include important contact information such as social media links, emails, phone numbers and your home ground location.

Furthermore, the bottom of a page is also an effective spot for sponsor logos and advertisements.

Web Content

The most important part of any website is the content, so it's important to get it right.

Before deciding what content you want on your website, it's important to ensure you can deliver it to a high quality consistently. Otherwise, visitors will lose interest.

There are a range of non-negotiable pieces of content that should be on any club website, such as the fixture, match results, price changes, membership dates and training days, but you are free to include more.

To garner different audiences, consider blogging on your website. You could blog detailed match reports, or write stories that cover the club's history, key people, and events.

Additionally, a weekly newsletter can keep your members and fans up to date with what is happening all around the club. Or if you feel more ambitious, post photos, videos or even podcasts on your website to create more engaging content.

Design Tips 

While it can be tempting to add more and more when designing your website, the best website designs are often simple. Here are a few tips to help you design:

• Match the website's colour palette with your club's.
• Include photos to give life to the site.
• Ensure there is contrast between text and background.
• Make sure image and graphic files are not too large.
• Keep it professional.

Market Your Website

Once you have created your website, you need to make sure as many people as possible are accessing it.

There are a range of ways to achieve this. One is to use your club's social media presence to post links to the website, another is to email members.

An incredibly influential method to boost the amount of web traffic your website has, is to employ the practices of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). SEO uses a range of techniques such as hashtags, keywords, hyperlinks and more to highlight your website to a larger audience.

If you would like to know more, contact Football Pro Directory.

The post How to create and improve your club website appeared first on Soccerscene.

FC Barcelona has signed a groundbreaking extension with Nike, potentially worth €1.7 billion ($2.76 billion) over the next 14 years, aimed at boosting the club’s financial stability amid ongoing challenges.

It has become the biggest kit deal in football history and take Barcelona to the top in kit sponsorship revenue annually, outdoing rivals Real Madrid and Premier League giants Manchester United, who are both with Adidas.

Here’s a closer look at the key details and implications of the deal.

Key details

- The extended partnership runs until 2038, with Barcelona receiving approximately €108m ($175m) annually until 2028 and €120m ($195m) per season thereafter.

- A signing bonus of €158m ($257m) is included, spread across the deal’s duration.

- This represents a significant increase compared to previous earnings, which fluctuated between €50m ($81m) and €60m ($97m) due to performance clauses.

President Joan Laporta touted the deal as a victory, claiming it surpasses Real Madrid’s €120m ($195m)-a-year agreement with Adidas (including the signing bonus). The agreement guarantees most of the promised revenue, regardless of on-pitch success, addressing a critical need for consistent financial inflows whilst alleviating the pressure of having to win titles to secure bonuses.

Financial context and challenges

Barcelona’s financial struggles are well-documented, with La Liga salary cap restrictions posing ongoing hurdles.

Despite this lucrative deal, the club remains €120m ($195m) short of the league’s requirements, complicating player registration for stars like Dani Olmo and Pau Victor beyond December 2024.

While the Nike deal provides an immediate financial boost, the upfront distribution of the signing bonus—approximately €9m ($14m) annually—falls short of fully resolving the club’s pressing financial issues. Barca must continue seeking investors for their "Barca Vision" project to meet La Liga’s demands.

Laporta has spoken about the importance of "Barca Vision" before, stating that the kit deal was only going to patch up a portion of their financial issue and not completely solve the issue.

Long-Term Implications

Locking into a 14-year agreement raises questions about future flexibility. Industry insiders have expressed concerns that the deal’s annual €127m ($206m) revenue may lag behind market inflation by the mid-2030s, potentially limiting the next president’s financial options.

It presents the deal as a double-edged sword.

While the collaboration secures critical short-term funding and strengthens Barca’s global brand, it also ties the club’s future to current financial decisions.

As Laporta continues to navigate the club’s precarious situation, this deal represents both a lifeline and a calculated gamble on long-term growth.

Conclusion

This deal offers both promise and potential pitfalls, with its true value hinging on how inflation impacts similar agreements in the coming decade.

For now, however, the €1.7 billion ($2.76 billion) figure provides Barcelona with vital financial relief as they aim to solidify their footing while remaining competitive at the highest level.

Under new manager Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona have shown encouraging signs of resurgence, leading La Liga and securing three wins in four Champions League matches.

While the club continues to benefit from its renowned La Masia academy, long-term success will depend on securing sustainable revenue streams.

Deals of this magnitude represent a significant step towards the club’s ultimate goal of financial stability and a debt-free future.

The post FC Barcelona’s $2.76B Nike deal: Game-changer or gamble? appeared first on Soccerscene.

The City in the Community (CiTC) initiative ‘Man Up: Creating Respectful Relationships’ has launched the evaluation report for the pilot program, which aims to promote healthy relationships, respect, and gender equality. The initiative, funded by the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Grant, was rolled out through Victorian community settings, primary and secondary schools. 

CiTC Young Leaders and football coaches delivered the program, which included contributions from A-League Women’s star Laura Hughes, Melbourne City’s Powerchair champion Shaun Millett, and A-League Men's teams. The program targeted adolescents, with a specific focus on multicultural youths using sports as a hook to get youths interested in participating. 

Important findings from the initiative's evaluation were that there was a demonstrated shift in masculine attitudes, youths exhibited positive impacts on Young Leaders and peer influences, leading to improved relationships. 

Local state MPs and federal representatives supported the launch of the report findings. Tim Richardson MP (Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention) spoke at the launch, emphasising the significant importance of addressing gender-based violence and shifting attitudes of adolescents.

Dr Pam Kappelides (La Trobe University) instructed the evaluation of the program and applauded the report for initiating critical conversations. 

Women’s A-League Melbourne City player Laura Hughes spoke about her role and experience from participating as a Youth Leader. 

“As a professional footballer, I hope I can positively impact young people’s lives in some way,” she said in a press release.

“I’ve especially enjoyed connecting with young men sharing some of the barriers female athletes face as well as the great opportunities we’re afforded here at City.” 

Key recommendations found from the program:

• Extend the length of the program beyond one day in some cases
• Establish a long-term evaluation system
• Incorporate visual/interactive elements
• Evaluate program title change 
• Source for experienced leaders/coaches

CiTC hopes to extend the initiative and seeks stakeholder and funder engagement. Victorian schools have reached out to CiTC to bring the program to their students in both primary and secondary schools.

The program successfully used football as a platform to engage youths in participating, actively engaging, and having critical conversations to understand the importance of promoting gender equality and healthy relationships among young people. 

The post CiTC’s ‘Man Up’ initiative uses football to inspire change appeared first on Soccerscene.

The AFC Women's Football Conference 2024 has heralded a positive future for women's football after a successful three day gathering.

Hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the conference welcomed women's national team coaches and technical staff to share insights from November 12 to 14, building off an incredibly prosperous year of women's football.

The opening day of the conference celebrated the achievements of Asian teams, including Australia's semi-final appearance at the Women's World Cup 2023.

AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John, outlined the importance of celebrating these achievements to power women's football.

Day two of the conference provided participants an overview of the upcoming AFC Women's Champions League, the AFC Women's Calendar for 2025-29 and changes to Asian women's competitions.

The final day of the conference presented an analysis of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament 2024's teams and a forum on the future of women's football, featuring Australia U20 women's national team head coach Leah Blayney.

Australia U17 women's national team head coach, Rae Dower, expressed excitement for Australian women's football with the Asian Cup heading down under in 2026.

“The future is so exciting, especially now that we have the dates and venues confirmed for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™," she said via press release.

"The football fever from the FIFA Women’s World Cup is still very strong with the Matildas continuously selling out stadiums. We can’t wait for the rest of Asia to come and share the experience with us."

The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia, will begin March 1, 2026, learn more here.

The post AFC Women’s Football Conference 2024 proclaims optimistic future appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Queensland's digital broadcasting platform, FQTV, has achieved remarkable growth in 2024, viewership across all competitions increased by 23%, with an additional 315,000 viewers tuning in to Queensland football content.

The platform's success has been particularly evident in women's football, which experienced an extraordinary 113% surge in viewership, attracting 118,000 new viewers. This growth aligns with Queensland's record-breaking 44% increase in female participation for 2024.

FQTV's Match Centre remains the primary platform for streaming Queensland's major football competitions, including the National Premier Leagues Queensland, Football Queensland Premier League, and various statewide tournaments.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci highlighted the significance of this achievement.

"This year's viewership surge is a testament to the growing demand for local football content as FQ recorded an additional 315,000 viewers tuning in to watch Queensland's football action on FQTV, demonstrating the expanding reach and increasing interest in high-quality, community-driven football," he said via FQ press release.

"Through the streaming of matches on FQTV's Match Centre, clubs gain exposure to a much larger audience, which is key to strengthening community and commercial ties and is an invaluable tool for clubs to showcase their on-field talent, captivate new supporters to boost matchday attendances, and increase sponsorship value and opportunity."

The platform has also seen significant growth in regional football coverage, expanding its streaming services to include more matches from the Kappa Pro Series and statewide Kappa Queensland Cup.

Looking ahead to major sporting events, including the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, Cavallucci emphasised the platform's role in capitalising on football's growing momentum.

"With the excitement following the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ and upcoming events such as the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, local clubs now have an unprecedented opportunity to capitalise on this momentum," he added via FQ press release.

FQTV's Match Centre’s increased viewership is a strong indicator for the growing support local football is receiving from their fan base in Queensland. Local football has been struggling for recognition in Australia and this data proves that the sport's growth opportunity is there.

With the coming second tier in 2025, the Australian football pyramid is gaining community and financial support.

This news from one of Australia’s strongest footballing states only strengthens the popularity for the sport and its justified call for support to develop.

The post Football Queensland TV sees record viewership growth in 2024 appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Australia proudly acknowledges the Australian Sports Commission’s latest AusPlay survey, highlighting football's enduring popularity in Australia.

The Australian Sports Commission's recent AusPlay survey conducted between July 2023 and July 2024, surveyed 40,000 Australians and highlights several key data supporting the sustained growth of football in Australia through high participation rates and engagement.

The survey indicates football as the highest-ranked sport in Australia, beating out other popular team sports, such as basketball, netball, and Australian rules football. 

The survey uncovered a few positive health trends for Australians, 84% of Australian adults engage in physical activity, and informal participation in sports is increasing, seeming to be the preferred option for individuals or Australians exercising with family and friends. 

Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, spoke about football’s position in Australia, the sport's inclusivity, and community recognition that supports FA.

“The AusPlay findings reaffirm football’s place at the heart of Australian sport. These participation numbers speak to football’s inclusivity and its power to connect people of all backgrounds, genders and ages, whether they are new to the game or lifelong fans. I want to thank the entire football community - including our Member Federations, the A-League clubs, all the community clubs around Australia, the participants, and the countless volunteers - who contribute so much to our game’s success and growth," he said via press release.

FA initiatives can be credited with increasing participation rates for youths and adolescents across Australia, the Coles MiniRoos program has created an environment where young Australians feel supported and enjoy playing football.

The Club Changer program is a partnership initiative between the FA and the Australian Sports Commission that assists football clubs in creating an inclusive environment, safe spaces, and sustainability for long-term success. 

Impact factors that occur away from FA, state governing initiatives and programs that contribute to football’s success in participation across Australia are the successes of international football teams, the Matildas, and the Subway Socceroos. FA has grown a strong volunteer culture, with 145 million hours being annually contributed by volunteers supporting football in Australia. 

FA is aligning with the Australian Sport Participation Strategy Play Well. FA is leaning into the report findings to tailor its programs to participation needs, arranging informal and less structured play options and emphasising its focus on building stronger communities through football. 

The post Football leads in Australian participation, AusPlay reveals appeared first on Soccerscene.

The 2023/24 season marked a milestone for European women’s soccer, with average attendance across the top four leagues rising by 24% compared to the previous year, according to data from sports marketing agency Two Circles. The growth highlights the increasing popularity of women’s soccer across Europe, with notable performances in England and France.

Record Attendance Growth in England and France

England’s Women’s Super League (WSL) recorded an impressive 41% year-over-year (YoY) increase in attendance, leading the charge among the four leagues. This surge was largely attributed to clubs hosting matches in larger venues.

Arsenal emerged as a standout, with an average attendance of 52,000 at the Emirates Stadium compared to just 3,595 at Meadow Park in Boreham Wood. The Gunners also achieved the highest average attendance per game across the leagues, drawing nearly 30,000 fans per match—almost triple the second-highest figure recorded by Manchester United (10,951).

France’s D1 Féminine also posted strong results, with a 38% YoY rise in attendance. This performance underscores the growing enthusiasm for women’s soccer in France, mirroring trends seen across Europe.

Modest Growth in Spain and Germany

Spain’s Liga F saw an 11% YoY increase, while Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga experienced a smaller 6% rise. Despite having the lowest growth rate, the Frauen-Bundesliga achieved significant progress in reducing low-attendance matches. The league saw a 10% decrease in games with fewer than 1,000 fans, complemented by an uptick in matches drawing between 1,000 and 5,000 spectators.

World Cup Impact and Sustained Growth

The impact of hosting major tournaments close to home on women’s soccer is undeniable. The UEFA Women’s Euros held in England not only attracted new commercial partners but also introduced fresh audiences to the sport, boosting the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Interestingly, the 2023/24 season saw slower crowd growth following the FIFA Women’s World Cup than after the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022. Two Circles attributed this to the World Cup’s location in Australia and New Zealand, which presented time zone challenges and geographical distance for European fans.

However, despite the slower rise in Europe, Australia’s A-League Women experienced a remarkable 92% increase in average attendance following the FIFA Women’s World Cup, showcasing the powerful influence of hosting a local tournament on fan engagement.

Visa’s Women’s Football Whitepaper, The Compound Effect in Women’s Football, highlights a key insight: in both England and Australia, the leading driver of new fan interest was simply the pride and excitement of hosting a major tournament. Fans recognised these events as historic milestones, further cementing their connection to the sport.

However, the season bucked trends from previous years by maintaining or increasing average attendance from the first to the second half of the campaign across all four leagues. This consistency stands in contrast to the 2022/23 season, which saw a mid-season drop in attendance for the WSL, Liga F, and Frauen-Bundesliga.

Growing Momentum for Women’s Soccer

The consistent rise in attendance across Europe’s top leagues demonstrates the growing appeal of women’s soccer, driven by a combination of strategic scheduling, larger venues, and increased investment in the sport.

Two Circles highlighted that a major factor driving the increase in attendance is clubs’ use of larger stadiums, often owned by their male counterparts.

However, it's the investment in training facilities, academies and grassroots football that has made the biggest impact in its current surge of momentum.

With these developments, women’s soccer continues to build a strong foundation for sustained growth in the coming years.

Conclusion

Women's soccer has a uniqueness to it that is started to become celebrated and enjoyed by the masses.

With the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 held in Switzerland, it gives women's soccer another chance to grow the game in the host country and nearby regions, whilst also attracting a new casual audience.

If the past four years have told us anything it’s that women's soccer is only going to grow, with increased broadcast rights, developed academies and CBA's raising the minimum wage for players, it's assumed that the quality on the pitch will coincide with its popularity surge.

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Jasmine International has secured the rights to broadcast the English Premier League for at least three years for $360 million, starting with the 2025-26 season. Jasmine is replacing TrueVisions as the Premier League's broadcasting partner in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. 

The broadcasting rights for Jasmine include live game coverages, replays, and highlights for the 600,000 customers who subscribe to the Jas service. The previous Premier League and TrueVisions deal was valued at $202 million.

Jasmine considerably outbids TrueVisions, with an additional option for the Premier League to decide if they extend for an extra three years with Jasmine International. The deal soars to $866 million for a six-year broadcasting deal.  

Since the broadcasting rights acquisition confirmation, Jasmine's shares have increased by 8.4%. The target is to increase the 600,000 customers to 3 million customers out of a total population of 96 million during the first year of the Premier League coverage.

The commercial significance highlights the growth and rise of the Premier League within the Southeast Asia region. There is a growing competitive market for Asian broadcasters to get a hold of quality football leagues to broadcast.

Streaming platforms continue to splash the cash to broadcast sports. Football has again secured another significant financial boost with the MLS on Apple TV and the Premier League expanding to three Southeast Asian countries.

If football continues on this trajectory, there are still many countries with streaming platforms ready to follow suit as Jasmine did if they manage to succeed in their target aims of the Premier League broadcasting deal. 

The three-year deal with a further three-year extension in the Premier League's favour allows them to be flexible in reaching a new agreement with a rival of Jasmine if the broadcasting deal achieves mass customer growth. If Jasmine's ambitious move does not achieve the expected target, the Premier League will be secure.

It holds all the power in this deal but will still receive significant financial gain if Jasmine's competitors are not interested in broadcasting the Premier League after three years. 

Many streaming platforms and broadcasters in the Southeast Asian region will watch this deal's significance, and if Jasmine International is successful, fierce competition will be on the horizon. 

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As a global leader in athletic wear, Puma understands that your club jersey represents more than just sportswear. It symbolises team pride, sporting heritage, and athletic excellence.

One Sports Puma is dedicated to supplying top-quality kits through performance technology and durability. Follow this detailed guide to learn how to care for your jersey and all your uniform components to preserve the quality of fabrics while protecting all badge applications and ensuring all products stay in optimal condition. 

Why Proper Jersey Care Matters

Your club PUMA Pro Performance Custom Kit invests in quality athletic apparel, standard washing practices can harm your jersey and compromise its performance features. Improper washing and drying execution often leads to:

• Early fading of PUMA's signature vibrant colours
• Causing badges and crests to peel off
• Weakening of the Dry Cell fabric technology
• Diminish moisture-wicking capabilities
• Compromised breathability and comfort

Pre-Wash Stain Treatment

When removing grass, dirt, sweat, and blood stains, puma kits need special attention. Follow this guide for stain-removal tips:

• Attack all stains before washing
• Avoid chlorine bleach; it can damage PUMA's specialised polyester Dry Cell material
• Pre-soak in warm water (below 40 degrees) to loosen dirt and grass stains
• For persistent stains, use a diluted vinegar solution, the diluted solution helps remove odour
• Stay alert to the collar and underarm areas where stains commonly occur

Recommended Washing Instructions 

• Turn kits inside out to protect Puma badges and applications
• Separate jerseys by colour (keep white PUMA kits in separate washes to dark colours/kits)
• Stay away from fabric softeners. This can compromise PUMA's technical fabric features
• Empty pockets and remove any item that could damage the kit

Professional Washing Methods

There are two ways to wash your One Sports Puma Custom Performance Kit. 

Option 1: Machine Wash

• Use cold water only (30 degrees or below)
• Select a delicate washing cycle to guard PUMA's premium materials
• Use bleach-free, colour-safe detergents
• Dodge detergents with powerful chemicals that can hurt the technical fabric components
• Wash matching items together to avert friction deterioration from happening
• Use a mesh laundry bag for additional protection

Option 2: Hand Wash (Puma Preferred Washing Method)

When hand washing, it is only recommended to use cold water exclusively. Gentle handwashing techniques to protect badges and crests. Avoid wringing out water when drying the kit and gently squeeze the water out of the kit. This method will best protect your Puma kit and ensure longevity within the athletic apparel. 

Drying Guidelines 

The strongly recommended practices for drying your One Sports Puma Custom Performance Kit are as follows:

• Hang the kit in fresh air. Avoid hanging the kit in sunlight
• Reshape while damp for optimal fit
• Invest in padded clothes hangers to maintain shoulder structure
• Space out hanging garments for maximum ventilation 

Important Cautions

There are severe must-nots when caring for your performance kit.

• Stay away from tumble-drying techniques
• High-heat exposure will cause the kit to shrink and fade in colour
• Once a jersey completes its cold cycle in the washing machine, take it out and air dry it immediately
• Never iron badges or applications

Helpful Tips Recommended by One Sports Puma

• Store jerseys on proper hangers when not in use
• Always verify water temperature to ensure cold wash (30 degrees or below recommended)
• Make sure jerseys are not damp when storing them in the wardrobe
• Entertain having multiple jerseys to rotate through training sessions, keeping the gameday jersey for gameday only

Following the One Sports Puma Custom Performance Kit tips and guides, you protect your custom kit's longevity, look and feel. Puma's dedication to quality sporting apparel should be equalled by the players to maintain a kit in top-tier condition.

Following the guide allows you to wear your jersey proudly for many seasons.

The post How to care for your PUMA Pro Performance Kit appeared first on Soccerscene.

Melbourne Victory is excited to introduce Zib Digital as the Club’s leading Digital Marketing Partner for the 2024/25 season.

This collaboration underscores Melbourne Victory's commitment to boosting fan and business engagement through innovative digital strategies, utilising Zib Digital's expertise in connecting brands with audiences via digital marketing.

With a shared commitment to digital excellence, Zib Digital will play a key role in helping the Club strengthen its online presence and deepen community ties.

The company boasts a dedicated team of over 140 digital specialists across Australia and New Zealand, each bringing expertise in areas such as SEO, Google Ads, social media, email marketing, content writing, and digital design. With experience working with over 800 clients, from small businesses to national sportswear retailers, they have a proven track record of delivering exceptional results.

The team of experts combines their skills and experience to develop customised, data-driven digital strategies designed to meet the unique needs of each client.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, shared her enthusiasm for the deal via press release.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Zib Digital as our Premier Digital Marketing Partner. Zib Digital’s dedication to digital innovation aligns perfectly with our vision to Lead, Unite, Connect, and Inspire. Together, we look forward to delivering unique and engaging experiences for our fans and highlight and amplify Melbourne Victory and football, in this, our 20th season, to the broader community.”

Nicole Wagenecht, Chief Growth Officer at Zib Digital, also commented via press release.

“This partnership with Melbourne Victory is an exciting step for us, as we join forces with Australia’s most iconic football club. We’re dedicated to helping Melbourne Victory reach new heights in digital engagement, bringing fans closer to the action and creating more impactful experiences.”

Through this alliance, Melbourne Victory and Zib Digital seek to foster meaningful digital engagement, enriching the experience for Melbourne Victory fans.

To learn more about Zib Digital, click here.

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Former National Soccer League media personalities Kyle Patterson and Greg Blake have rekindled their broadcast friendship for the Old Gold Soccer podcast.

The podcast will explore the growth, turmoil, trouble and successes of soccer's history in Australia.

Episodes will focus and reflect on the key events that have shaped Australian soccer, such as the country's first World Cup Qualification in 1974 and the difficult years of the NSL.

The Old Gold Podcast will particularly narrow down on 2004, the year Australian soccer was changed forever following the demise of the NSL and birth of the A-League, when "New Football" replaced "Old Soccer".

Co-host and former SBS sports journalist, Kyle Patterson, outlined what Old Gold Soccer aimed to achieve.

"The whole premise of this podcast series, Old Gold Soccer, is to say - let's turn it on its head. Old Soccer is a very disparaging term used to blacken the great work of a lot of people and a lot of generations," he said in episode one.

"I reckon there is a lot more gold in Old Soccer sometimes, than there is in the New Football.

'We are going to try and celebrate all the great things that were a part of Old Soccer and show you the lessons that can be used today in New Football."

Released on Friday, episode one of the Old Gold Soccer podcast covered the Old Soccer vs New Football debate and the impact it still has on soccer in Australia.

Speaking on his frustrations around Old Soccer vs New Football, co-host and former SBS and Channel Nine sports journalist and commentator, Greg Blake, voiced his opinion.

"It astounds me that we don't realise that the thread that runs through the whole thing is the same thread," he said.

"We're not two different competitions."

The Old Gold Soccer podcast is available on Spotify.

The post NSL media greats reunite for Old Gold Soccer podcast appeared first on Soccerscene.

Melbourne Victory has confirmed RUBIX will continue to operate as the club's official data partner for the 2024/25 season. The collaboration follows a prosperous first year between the club and RUBIX.

RUBIX is a prominent Melbourne based data company, with offices across Australia and the US. The company has worked for high profile clients such as the Victorian State Government, Australia Post, Telstra and more.

RUBIX has successfully delivered over 350 projects for leading Top 50 companies, rapidly expanding FinTech and software firms.

The company was also a back-to-back SmartCompany award winner in 2022 and 2021 and earned a CRN Fast50 award in 2020.

RUBIX will aide Melbourne Victory's growth and fan engagement strategies using the company's knowledge in statistics, data technology, analysis, and artificial intelligence.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, warmly welcomed RUBIX via press release.

“We’re thrilled to have RUBIX on board as the Club’s Official Data Partner for a second season," she said.

“Their world-leading solutions have already offered incredible insights across our operations, and we’re excited to leverage their tools further to help Melbourne Victory grow and engage more deeply with our fans and community.”

Head of Marketing and Brand at RUBIX, Kathryn Smith, also expressed her eagerness for the collaboration.

“This partnership with Melbourne Victory continues to be a fantastic opportunity for us to support one of Melbourne’s most iconic sporting teams with data-driven insights and technology,” she said via press release.

“We look forward to using our innovative solutions to help the Club drive growth, enhance fan engagement, and deliver a richer experience for supporters.”

Together, Melbourne Victory and RUBIX will continue to analyse and adopt new initiatives to improve experiences for fans and drive the club further then ever before.

Through the collaboration, Melbourne Victory will hope to build off of a successful 2023/2024 season, which saw the club reach the A-League Men's Grand Final.

The post Melbourne Victory joins forces with RUBIX appeared first on Soccerscene.

Sydney FC is excited to unveil a new partnership with Cancer Council, Australia’s leading cancer charity, in celebration of their 20th anniversary season.

The collaboration between both organisations is a powerful tool for reaching countless Australians by spreading awareness and donating money to life-saving cancer research. 

With one of the largest fan bases in the A-League, the cancer council's partnership with Sydney FC builds community support and reaches many eyes. 

Cancer Council NSW Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hosking spoke on the exciting partnership with Sydney FC. 

“Partnering with Sydney FC will provide us the opportunity to connect with the Greater Sydney community, empowering Aussies to prevent cancer and support world-class research, reducing the impact of this deadly disease,” she said in a press release.

The cancer statistics for Australians are alarming, by the first kick-off of every A-League season, 51,000 Australians would have lost their life in the past year. Almost 1 in 2 Australians are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. 

Cancer survival rates have increased to 70% for Australians, partnering with a community-based club, donations will continue to drive up higher survival rights.

The collaboration targets the male demographic, who typically lack in getting health checks and keeping on top of health management. Males in Australia are less likely than females to seek out healthcare services and have a shorter life expectancy for these reasons.

Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Mark Aubrey called on the Sydney FC community to support the initiative.

“Together with Cancer Council, we’re inviting our fans and the wider community to stand together against cancer, to make a lasting impact that will save lives and build a healthier future for all,” he said in a press release.

Sydney FC player Harrison Devenish-Meares shared a personal story of his mother, Rossanna, being diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, a cancerous tumour that formed on the kidney back in 2021. Rossanna found out the diagnosis through an unrelated health issue. 

Harrison began to plan a return to Australian football to be closer to his mother and struggled to play overseas while she underwent treatment. The treatment for Harrison’s mother was successful, and her new lease on life has inspired her to raise $4,000 for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. 

Harrison reflected on his family’s experience with cancer and what his takeaway was from the ordeal.

“When it hits close to home, it hits different. Mum was lucky that her cancer was detected early, and her prognosis was excellent. I take inspiration from the fact she’s used it as a springboard to live a more fulfilling life,” he said in a press release.

The objectives are to spread awareness of these alarming statistics, reach a demographic of Australians neglecting their health, communicate how Australians can help donate and build community support across the Greater Sydney community. 

The post Sydney FC and Cancer Council Unite for 20th anniversary alliance appeared first on Soccerscene.

American football club Inter Miami has confirmed Ecuadorian company, Splendor Water, as the club's Official Premium Water.

Through the partnership, Splendor Water will have significant advertising at Inter Miami's home, Chase Stadium. Additionally, the company will become an entitlement partner of Chase Stadium's East Club in 2025 and will initiate fan giveaways at Inter Miami home games.

Inter Miami CF Vice President of Partnerships, Euan Warren, was enthusiastic for the collaboration.

“We welcome Splendor Water with open arms as our club’s Official Premium Water," he said via press release.

“We are proud to have another prominent international brand within our family of partners that will not only enhance the gameday experience at Chase Stadium for our passionate fans, but also shares a strong commitment to offering the best.”

Inter Miami's collaboration with Splendor Water is a move that continues to build the club's list of high-quality brands.

Splendor Water Director of Growth and Operations, Sara Couch, outlined the compatibility of both partners.

“The Splendor team is honored to join the Inter Miami family of partners at a time when both our brand and the Club are seeing increasing excitement and success,” she said via press release.

“We feel Inter Miami’s values and dedication to the growth of their team and athletes align perfectly with our mission and dedication to sharing this incredible water with the world, and providing access to all who seek its superior hydration and replenishment.”

Splendor Water commits itself to authentic, premium and sustainable products. Its water is volcanic artesian mineral water, which flows through the Cotopaxi Volcano before collection in La Maná, a part of the Andes rainforest.

Splendor's water features a rare blend of natural colloidal gold and silver nanoparticles, in addition to electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, providing a mineral rich compound to consumers.

Splendor has earned significant praise for its environmental efforts, becoming a Smart Planet Certified brand and an Official Conservation Ambassador of the Galapagos Islands through the company's work with organisations such as 1% for the Planet.

The post Inter Miami CF partners with Splendor Water appeared first on Soccerscene.

The 2024 Major League Soccer regular season was the most successful for the American-based football competition yet. The regular season wrapped up in October and shattered several records, proving that the competition is in a healthy state and set up for long-term success.

More fans are consuming the MLS product than ever before, and it is experiencing year-over-year growth. Growing soccer in America has proven to be challenging, but the record-setting attendance highlights the breakthrough MLS is achieving.

The attendance average for the MLS season was the highest in the league's history, at 23,234 fans per regular-season game, a +5.1% increase from the 2023 MLS regular season. In total, 11.4 million fans attended matches during the regular season, smashing the 2023 number of 10.9 million.

These figures will grow throughout the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, from October 24th to December 7th. Based on their regular season numbers, MLS has projected that they will be in the top three across all soccer leagues globally in terms of attendance average after the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, alongside the English Premier League and Bundesliga.

Due to the successful season, the league has experienced a 13% sponsorship revenue increase and a 13% club sponsorship revenue increase compared to the 2023 MLS season.

Ten out of the 29 clubs beat or tied their regular season attendance average, this statistic highlights communal growth beyond the Lionel Messi effect and keeps the league in a healthy spot going forward.

MLS social media grew faster in 2024 than the rival major men's North American sports leagues, which consist of the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League.

• MLS TikTok saw a 26% growth in followers
• MLS YouTube saw a 21% growth in subscribers
• MLS Instagram saw a 10% growth in followers

The MLS x Adidas Archive Collection was credited with huge financial success, and on July 16, 2024, the MLS retail store had its most successful day in history.

Beyond the American audience, MLS has been making waves in the European market. Attempts to expand the league overseas were pioneered by opening 800+ MLS retail stores across France, Spain, Germany, and other major European countries in partnership agreements with Primark and Bershka retail stores.

The broadcast deal between MLS and Apple TV, signed in 2022 for 10 years and worth 3.7 billion dollars, has injected valuable funds into the league to improve its overall product from broadcasting and on-field standpoints.

Apple TV, which broadcasts all MLS games, invites fans to easily access the league while airing MLS content beyond the live match broadcast. The investment has shown success since 2023, but fans have criticised the league for its match scheduling, Apple TV broadcasts in 100 countries, so the platform opportunity for MLS is substantial.

The mass financial figure has been credited with being a key reason why the league has been able to sign the likes of Lionel Messi, an 8-time winner of the Ballon d'Or and the captain of the 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning side Argentina.

The bigger picture for the MLS competition will be the continual rise of quality international players choosing to sign into the MLS and improving the match quality. The 2024 MLS season had a very successful summer transfer window, including star players Olivier Giroud, France's all-time leading goal scorer, and Borussia Dortmund and Germany international Marco Reus.

Common fan complaints have been centred around the season's kick-off in February and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs finishing in December. The lengthy season means that the league is miserable to attend during winter from a fan's perspective, the freezing and windy weather hurts the product, while thunderstorm delays have been common for the league in these cold months.

MLS games being played in Canada and Northeast America during the winter months will continue to jeopardise the product and growth of the sport.

Additionally, the gripes come from the lack of pauses throughout the 10-month season, which leads to a mass exodus of players from MLS teams during the international break, again hurting the product.

Given that the competition has 29 teams, broadcasting the matches in the evening on Saturdays and Wednesdays, with rare occasions when matches are played in other time slots, has made it challenging for football enthusiasts to follow the league as a whole.

Hosting games in earlier windows invites a family aspect to the matches, with Saturday/Sunday afternoon games working for the Premier League.

A huge positive of the Apple TV broadcasting deal is MLS 360, which takes fans all around the league with live coverage of the matchday. MLS 360 showcases the best action of every game, from goals to saves, play-by-play and analyst breakdowns of teams.

The analyst and play-by-play team consists of 60 people broadcasting in English and Spanish. Key football minds hosting the MLS 360 are Kevin Egan, Sacha Klejstan, Kaylyn Kyle, and Bradley Wright-Phillips.

As the MLS prepares for the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, a recent change in playoff formatting kicked off in 2023 and proved to be a successful business model. The format was changed to include a best-of-three series with no ties and a mix of single individual knockout matches.

Also, allowing 19/29 MLS teams into the playoffs from a business standpoint meant more matches, more revenue, and more opportunities to grow the league as a whole.

Each MLS team has a fluid salary cap, this is to keep the league fair for all teams and give each team an equal opportunity to win on paper. There are 'designated players', such as Messi, who each team is allowed to sign even if it breaks the salary cap in an attempt to boost the league's big-name talent. 

The absence of a regulation/promotion system and a player draft awarding lower-ranked teams with better talent is a welcome site for struggling teams to rebuild faster. This system improves the quality of the MLS competition and is a tool to prevent lopsided affairs. 

Garber has credited MLS teams' business approach to investing in soccer-specific stadiums with the growth of team evaluations. Investing significant funding into building these stadiums for teams to risk relegating would harm the league and its revenue/team sponsorship. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is gearing up to be a potential takeover opportunity for American soccer. MLS is expecting mass residual effects from this, similar to Australia and New Zealand hosting the 2023 Women's FIFA World Cup.

The MLS' business-savvy approach to running the league and ability to adapt to the sporting landscape surrounding it in an oversaturated sports market has worked in favour of the league. There's a lot to be excited about looking at the future landscape for the MLS.

This league's continual growth and development have fans in the box seat to enjoy some of the best football action in the world.

The post MLS soccer wraps up record season appeared first on Soccerscene.

With so many ways to connect to different communities, it is important to be able to understand and effectively use a range of mediums to reach your members and fans.

Podcasting stands as one of the most personal and intimate of these techniques and can allow your community to gain a deeper insight into and greater connection with your club.

Often thought of as a difficult or expensive form of media to create, podcasting can actually be quite simple.

Here are a number of tips and tricks to help you get started.

Tone and Content

Before diving into equipment or beginning recording, it is crucial to know what type of podcast you wish to create.

As an audio format, podcasts lend themselves well to interviews and conversations. Consider inviting players or coaches on for a chat before or after a game or during the week to discuss how the club is travelling.

Alternatively, you could incorporate members of your club's community such as volunteers, former players and coaches or club historians to highlight special stories from your club's past or present.

If you would prefer to create easily made quickfire content, your club could release match reports in the form of podcasts, which convey what happened to those who may have missed the game.

Similarly, a short club news podcast can update listeners about the upcoming fixture or club events, or important information such as administration or fee changes.

Furthermore, its essential to find ways to make your podcast more interesting and set it apart from others.

Natural sound provides one way to add spark. On gameday, try to get snippets of natural sounds such as crowd noise, or the kick of the ball to weave into your podcast to give it life.

Additionally, you can also choose to incorporate cameras to create an audiovisual podcast.

Above all, your podcast should draw in listeners and attempt to grow the club, so you need to avoid content which could degrade the club's image.

Overly negative analytical podcasts can hurt the confidence of players and fans, while an ill-fitting tone will fail to garner an audience.

It is important when creating your podcast that you capture a tone that sounds authentic. If your audience finds you honest, they are far more likely to connect with your content and potentially listen to more of what you release.

After you have decided on what you wish to create, try to maintain a familiar style. If the form of your podcast frequently changes it can become difficult for your audience to remain attached.

Equipment and Software

Many people dread the costs of the equipment or software they need to begin podcasting but there are range of solutions available.

While professional cameras or microphones will deliver professional quality, it is possible to achieve sufficient results from modern smartphones.

However, your equipment will not matter if you do not set up your recording environment properly.

To get the best audio quality, always attempt to find a place where outside noise will not disrupt you or where your voice won't echo. Noise will bounce off hard and sharp surfaces, so try to find areas with soft surfaces like curtains and carpets to dampen echoes.

If you do not have access to a good place to record, recording in a car or with a blanket over your head can provide makeshift solutions.

There are also a range of accessories available to help make your podcasting journey much smoother:

• Pop filters, to help reduce harsh speech sounds.
• Stands and mounts, to help set up your equipment comfortably.
• Lights, to illuminate your face to your audience.

To record and edit your podcast you will need software programs.

Free options such as Audacity and GarageBand stand as good beginner options, while Adobe Audition, Hindenburg Pro and Descript provide professional alternatives.

For long distance audio visual recording between different parties, Zoom will allow you to record on a free plan.

Marketing Your Podcast

After you have created your podcast, try to release it on as many platforms as you can to reach your audience anywhere.

Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube are among some of the most popular podcast platforms available, but if you have a club website attempt to release your podcast there too.

You do not have to release your podcast frequently, but it should maintain a consistent release schedule, so your listeners know when to listen to it.

A bonus of podcasting is that it can also feed into your regular club media.

In your club newsletters, match reports and social media posts, consider quoting interviews or reposting clips from your podcast to continually build its following.

If you would like to know more, click here.

The post How to use podcasting to boost your football club appeared first on Soccerscene.

Major League Soccer (MLS) confirmed six companies have been chosen for the second edition of the MLS Innovation Lab, an initiative that is shaping the future of sports and supporting the league's ongoing growth.

The initiative seeks to identify and support innovative start-ups and advanced technologies. The new cohort will focus on enhancing the league's priorities in fan engagement, on-field performance, and media technology.

The MLS Innovation Lab was established in the autumn of 2023 to advance the league's leadership in sports technology. After nine months of evaluation, selected companies showcased their innovations at the 2024 MLS All-Star Game in Columbus.

This event featured live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies such as advanced GPS player tracking, AI-driven real-time language dubbing, and augmented reality experiences for fans.

In its second iteration, companies will have the chance to present their ideas in real-world settings within the MLS ecosystem. This includes opportunities at events like December's MLS NEXT Fest in California, the Generation adidas Cup, the MLS NEXT Cup, and the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by All-State.

MLS Senior Vice President of Emerging Ventures, Chris Schlosser, mentioned the excitement of joining forces with scalable businesses from around the world.

“MLS continues to be at the forefront of innovation in global sports, The Innovation lab program provides an unparalleled opportunity for high performing companies to turbo-charge their growth, and to showcase their capabilities to the soccer world,” he said via press release.

“We are very excited to partner with this group of excellent start-ups from around the world to co-create new ideas and push the boundaries in sports.”

The following companies have been selected for the second cohort of the MLS Innovation Lab:

Edge Sound Research

EDGE Sound Research is a US-based leader in multimodal audio technology for live entertainment venues and virtual environments. The company focuses on real-time audio object isolation to create personalised experiences for diverse audiences. This innovation allows users to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favourite athletes, musicians, or characters, making unforgettable moments accessible through advanced sound technology.

OLIVER Sports

Based in Spain, OLIVER Sports is at the forefront of player performance monitoring technology, utilising AI to make elite-level data accessible to all soccer players and clubs. Their GPS trackers gather both athletic and soccer-specific metrics, including ball interactions. By providing actionable insights, OLIVER Sports enables coaches and players to improve performance, minimise injuries, and optimise training.

Soccerment

Soccerment, based in Italy, is a sports technology firm offering AI-driven data analytics tools and scalable tracking solutions to improve performance analysis across all levels of soccer. By focusing on proprietary performance indicators and advanced metrics like Expected Goals, Soccerment provides clubs, academies, and players with valuable insights. Their ecosystem features two key products: XSEED, smart shin guards that gather data, and XVALUE, a soccer analytics platform that delivers advanced metrics for match analysis and scouting.

Sportlight

Sportlight Technology is a UK-based sports tech startup that is transforming athlete tracking, physical performance, and injury risk management through its patented LiDAR and AI technology. Their wearable-free system provides elite sports organisations with exceptional accuracy and insights, enhancing player development, injury risk assessment, and rehabilitation. Installed in major stadiums in both the U.S. and abroad, Sportlight is a trusted partner for elite sports teams and leagues.

Lubu

Lubu Technologies, based in Los Angeles, is developing AI-powered wearable technologies aimed at improving athletic performance and recovery. The company has created a footwear-focused solution that analyses how the force of every step, sprint, and cut impacts performance and health. By tracking force impacts, cleat performance, and foot pressure during critical moments, Lubu offers athletes and coaches valuable insights to help optimise performance and enhance gameplay.

Wicket

Wicket, based in Cambridge, Mass, offers a facial authentication platform that enhances event experiences at over 40 stadiums across the U.S. and internationally. Utilising patented computer vision technology, Wicket partners with industry leaders to provide an exceptional guest experience through facial recognition for ticketing, payments, access control, and credentialing. As a privacy-first company, Wicket’s products are designed for opt-in use only.

For additional information on MLS Innovation Lab, click here.

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The National Second Tier competition is taking on a different approach from the traditionally planned home-and-away format, with Football Australia announcing it will be a 'Champions League' style format starting in October 2025.

With the introduction of this format, Football Australia announced the following in regards to fixturing:

- NPL season will conclude in September before all clubs take three weeks off in preparation.

- In October, they will move in to the nationwide NST format involving the eight foundation clubs.

- There will be a group stage where the final positions will determine the fixtures for the Quarter Finals stage followed by the Semi-finals and Final which will wrap up by December.

- It will be a precursor to a full home-and-away NST.

For historic clubs like Preston Lions, one of the eight foundation clubs getting involved next season, it provides an opportunity to take that next step towards professionalism and bring back the passion that football has been missing in the top flight.

In a conversation with Soccerscene, Preston Lions President David Cvetkovski touched on several important topics surrounding the recent announcement.

He discussed the financial success of the Preston Lions, how the new format is enhancing the development of young talent, the importance of preserving the traditions of clubs founded by migrant communities, and the need to celebrate these historic ethnic clubs by bringing people together as a united football community.

PLFC's Financial success

Preston Lions have emerged as one of Australia’s most successful football clubs, known for drawing massive crowds, strong merchandise sales, and a dedicated membership base. But what’s the secret behind their financial success, and how have they set the blueprint for other clubs moving into the NST?

Club president David Cvetkovski attributes this success to identifying and maximising key revenue streams that go beyond just match-day ticket sales.

"The key pillar of our strategy was to pinpoint the main revenue areas for football clubs—not just ours, but for all clubs," he said.

"The success started by elevating the gameday experience for football fans, who on average might spend $20-25 dollars on a Canadian Club, chips and Kebapi roll so there's a $25 to $55 per head potential there when the product is right.

"We then went to sponsors, we have 120+ sponsors but what’s the value proposition for them? What's the merchandise like? Well the improvement in our merchandise sales in the last four years is incredible. What we've done is provide custom ranges that our merchandise team have designed the T-shirts that people enjoy. We love the fact that every Preston supporter has a Preston garment.”

Cvetkovski emphasised that match-day revenue is only part of the equation. "Every club has loyal supporters, but how can they buy that hoodie or Canadian Club or Kebapi at the right price? Because canteen and gates revenue make clubs but merchandise and sponsors elevate them" he continued.

"It's no secret that we have the biggest attendance figures in Victorian football and with the South game, we had over 6,000 people, and we had an online portal to capture ticket sales so we've been innovative in driving the key revenue streams otherwise without it, you're at risk as a club."

[caption id="attachment_27105" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] David Cvetkovski at the 2024 Preston in Business launch event. (Image credit: Preston Lions Football Club Facebook)[/caption]

NST format improving player development

The introduction of the new NST format is providing clubs with greater flexibility to secure player contracts and create optimal conditions for their development.

While Australia continues to produce top-tier talent, the path to recapturing the golden generation of 2006 lies in ensuring that the NST system allows players to focus on football full-time.

Cvetkovski highlighted how this change will transform clubs like Preston and others, offering younger players more opportunities to shine on the biggest stages.

"From a footballer's perspective, I have to usually contract them for 26 weeks in VPL1, next year in NPL1  would've been 26 weeks + potentially three finals so 29 games, but with the NST I've been able to contract and take better care of both our young and mature footballers," he said.

"They're now being contracted for 40 plus weeks of games but they also need to do 8 weeks of preseason so it's over 40 weeks. This makes football richer, not only financially, but us being able to play younger kids.

"40% of our team is under 23 years of age. The A-League this weekend had heaps of kids involved because of the budget reduction and this  is fantastic for the game. How do we create a platform for kids to play and let these kids find out at 22, 23 or 24 that they are still a baller.

"Look at Jordy Bos who played through the City academy, broke through at 18 almost 19 and played a few years before making a move to Belgium and now he's playing for the Socceroos at 21. We need 17 Jordy Bos' in the Australian team, that's a generation! and Preston are following the same path," he concluded.

Return of cultural heritage

During the transition from the NSL to the creation of the A-League, many of today’s NPL clubs boasted a proud history of players and staff representing their cultural heritage with passion.

These clubs served as symbols of identity, reflecting not just individual families but entire communities, offering a sense of belonging through football.

Cvetkovski is committed to preserving these traditions at Preston, ensuring that the club's strong Macedonian roots remain a core part of its identity as they move forward whilst also encouraging the other NPL clubs to work together to achieve the same goal.

"It is the first time in a while, that we have signed 6 or 7 Macedonian boys to stay true to our heritage, the response from supporters, sponsors and members has been incredible and I'm encouraging other clubs like Avondale, Knights, Heidelberg, South [Melbourne] etc to do the same," he said.

“You can't get away from South's Greek community or Marconi's Italian community and this makes the fabric of the game richer.

"People ask why is Preston so successful? Because we stay true to our community in one sense, yes, we're Australian but how good is the multicultural landscape of Australian football!

"I want to work together with our rivals, who are also our friends, so that when Preston plays away at these grounds, they make money.

"There's no secret to enjoying a game. We go there, have a few drinks and something to eat on a Friday or Sunday night out and watch a good game, it's entertaining. We're in the entertainment business at the end of the day."

[caption id="attachment_27106" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Cvetkovski at Preston vs Pascoe Vale 2023 (Image credit: Preston Lions Football Club Facebook)[/caption]

Uniting the many cultures in Australian football

These historic ethnic clubs, built by migrant communities with a deep love for football, are making a significant return to the mainstream.

They represent the foundation upon which the beautiful game in Australia was built, and the generational loyalty fans have for their local clubs and communities is finally being recognised again.

Cvetkovski passionately spoke about the importance of uniting all cultures in the top flight of football, regardless of background, to celebrate the shared love of the game and foster a sense of community across the sport.

"There's opportunity to respect the cultural backgrounds of the clubs. I think we went too far towards cleansing the game but the migrant story of Australia is something that should be celebrated," he said.

"My best friends are Greek, Italian, Croatian,  Bosnian, I don't care, do I? I'll sit in any coffee shop; I don't care where I sit. Let's bring that friendship to football.

"The new way of thinking is making it about the game, removing any political agendas and making football the star.

"The South [Melbourne] game there was no animosity, there was nothing but celebration of football between two communities who traditionally are rivals.

"They realise now they have a lot more to lose if they get it wrong versus working with each other to make it right,” he concluded.

[caption id="attachment_27109" align="aligncenter" width="739"] David Cvetkovski with Football Australia (Image credit: Preston Lions Football Club Facebook)[/caption]

Football Australia is beginning to recognise that the true beating heart of the game lies with these foundation clubs, which have not only survived but thrived since the dissolution of the NSL.

Their passion, rich history, and deep-rooted respect are unmatched in Australian football and this announcement signals an exciting new era for fans across the country.

If the South Melbourne vs Preston match earlier this year is any indication, the spirit of the game is well and truly alive, bringing back the sense of unity and pride that Australian football has been missing.

More on the details of the newly announced NST here.

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Football Australia has officially announced the launch of the National Second Tier (NST) competition, a key milestone in its commitment to advancing domestic club football in Australia.

Following extensive workshops and consultations with the eight NST Foundation Clubs, Football Australia confirmed the NST will kick off in October 2025, highlighting the best in Australian club football through a modern and sustainable competition model.

Key Aspects of the 2025 NST Competition:

Commitment to Play: Football Australia, the NST Foundation Clubs, and stakeholders are committed to launching the NST in 2025, aligning with the strategic goal of connecting Australia's football pyramid and elevating iconic clubs to a national level.

Competition Structure: The NST will feature 16 teams, starting with group-stage matches and culminating in an elimination Finals Series. This structure is designed to balance sustainability with competitive integrity and commercial appeal.

Team Composition: The eight NST Foundation Clubs will gain automatic entry and be joined by eight invitational clubs, selected from the Member Federation NPL State Premiers, forming a truly national competition.

Season Timeline: The NST season will run annually from October to December, featuring nine match day rounds and concluding with a Championship Final in early December. This timeline aligns with the Domestic Match Calendar, ensuring optimal scheduling for players, fans, and stakeholders.

Brand Launch: Football Australia will unveil the competition’s official name, brand identity, marketing materials, and trophy design in the coming months, setting the stage for a memorable inaugural season.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson shared his excitement about the NST: “The introduction of the National Second Tier is a landmark moment for football in Australia. Following productive discussions with our eight Foundation Clubs and consultation with other stakeholders, we are committed to creating a competition that not only elevates our game but also enriches the football community at all levels. The National Second Tier will provide a new platform for iconic clubs to showcase their talent and connect with fans nationwide.”

Football Australia will continue collaborating with NST Foundation Clubs, Member Federations, and stakeholders to finalise the operational details for the competition.

Over the past year, Football Australia has conducted two detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) processes to select NST clubs. With advisory support from BDO, 14 clubs across six states and territories have met the technical requirements for the NST RFP process.

Of these 14 clubs, six did not meet the financial requirements for a standalone NST home-and-away league before the June 2024 deadline. Football Australia will monitor these clubs as they strengthen their proposals.

[caption id="attachment_27072" align="alignnone" width="565"] Marconi Stallions announced as a founding club of the National Second Tier.[/caption]

Additionally, Football Australia will initiate a third NST RFP selection process, extending eligibility to clubs outside the initial Expression of Interest and focusing on underrepresented regions to identify additional foundation clubs.

The eight clubs announced in November 2023—APIA Leichhardt FC, Avondale FC, Marconi Stallions FC, Preston Lions FC, South Melbourne FC, Sydney Olympic FC, Sydney United 58 FC, and Wollongong Wolves FC—remain central to the NST’s future and will continue as foundation members.

The six additional clubs that have met the NST RFP technical criteria are Adelaide City FC, Caroline Springs-George Cross FC, Gold Coast United FC, Gungahlin United FC, South Hobart FC, and Sunshine Coast FC.

Further updates will be provided as the NST evolves, with a standalone NST home-and-away league remaining a key strategic goal once minimum requirements are met.

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Borussia Dortmund (BVB) has signed a multi-year deal with WSC Sports to utilise its AI-driven sports content technology.

This partnership grants BVB access to WSC Sports' innovative AI-driven platform, which automates video content creation, management, and distribution. This technology will allow the club to engage more consistently with its global fan base through personalised AI-enhanced sports video experiences.

WSC Sports' technology will analyse BVB's live matches in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA club competitions in real-time, automatically generating and sharing content with fans through social media and BVB-TV, the club’s official streaming platform and primary hub for Black and Yellow supporters.

Alongside generating real-time content during games, WSC Sports will also analyse five years of BVB’s archived matches. This enables thousands of memorable moments from the club’s history, previously only seen in a traditional 16:9 format, to be adapted into various aspect ratios for any platform.

Converting these videos into a vertical 9:16 format will help the club engage younger fans, presenting these iconic moments in their preferred style of content consumption.

The collaboration with WSC Sports will enable BVB to provide more high-quality video content, fostering ongoing connections and engagement with fans year-round. Additionally, the WSC Sports platform will help BVB optimise its digital assets, unlocking new revenue opportunities for its digital content and inventory.

Borussia Dortmund Director of Communications, Sascha Fligge, discussed the importance of digital content.

“Our digital content strategy is extremely important as the key way to engage our global fanbase who cannot be with us physically at every match. We are delighted to partner with WSC Sports whose AI-powered technology will propel our ability to produce and share more great content around the games and, importantly, in the period between live matches, keeping up fan engagement throughout the year,” he said via press release.

“The platform’s ability to unlock our video archive means we’re now making full use of this valuable content, providing fans with iconic moments from the past at ease and we can explore fresh opportunities to monetise this content. We know our fans are extremely passionate and we want to ensure they receive more of the content they crave, on the viewing platform of their choice.”

Chief Business Development Officer and Co-Founder of WSC Sports, Aviv Arnon echoed similar sentiments.

“It’s a thrill to partner with a club of BVB’s stature who have one of the most passionate and recognizable fan bases across all sports. WSC Sports is a proven formula for expanding reach, growing fandom, and unlocking revenue opportunities across platforms and we are excited to realize this opportunity with BVB,” he said via press release.

“BVB has seen firsthand the possibilities that our AI-powered video content solutions enable through our collaboration with the Bundesliga. Now the club will bring those same innovative solutions home, to supercharge content production and facilitate more original storytelling, which will ultimately increase engagement levels across all club platforms.”

BVB joins a growing network of football clubs and leagues using WSC Sports' AI-powered platform, including the Bundesliga, LaLiga, Serie A, the Belgian Pro League, and clubs from Europe’s top leagues.

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Football Victoria (FV) confirmed Novotel Melbourne Preston as their Official Accommodation Partner for the 2024-2025 season.

This new partnership will provide high-quality lodging for players, staff, and partners, enhancing FV’s commitment to excellence.

Novotel Melbourne Preston will accommodate FV’s events, from training camps and tournaments to corporate gatherings.

Through this partnership, FV ensures that its players and staff enjoy comfort and convenience throughout the season, reinforcing its dedication to success both on and off the field.

Novotel is a network of modern, well-designed, and efficient hotels, genuinely committed to every kind of traveller.

With over 500 hotels and resorts in 60 countries, Novotel has a 4-star international rating with a goal to provide customers with the same high level of comfort, relaxation and wellbeing throughout the world.

In Melbourne, there are four locations (South Wharf, Melbourne Central, Collins St and Preston).

Football Victoria's Executive Manager for Commercial, Chris Speldewinde, explained the benefits this will have for Football Victoria.

“Novotel’s commitment to quality and hospitality aligns perfectly with the needs of FV. Their ability to provide premium accommodation for our players and staff will help support optimal performance during key competitions," he said in a press release.

Novotel Melbourne Preston General Manager, Dinesh Gandhi expressed his excitement at the collaboration.

"Together, we will elevate experiences for players, fans, and families, creating unforgettable memories on and off the pitch," he said in a press release.

The collaboration will also see Novotel Melbourne Preston offer exclusive accommodation packages for FV teams, staff, and event attendees, providing convenience and quality across all FV events.

Football Victoria add Novotel Melbourne to their growing list of partners, maximising their corporate portfolio which has become a main goal of theirs in strategic plans whilst also focusing on trying to help their players and staff succeed for the near future.

The deal unites Novotel Melbourne's passion for excellence in hospitality with FV's spirit of community and sportsmanship that defines football.

This partnership is a great positive for the players and staff involved in FV events, who will be provided with quality lodging as per FV's mission of delivering excellence both on and off the field.

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The A-League season kicked off last weekend with a rise in viewership watching the penultimate 20th anniversary.

The biggest increase was the Sydney Derby where the number of viewers on 10 Play became the most-viewed regular season fixture in the league's history with a 46% increase from the same match last season as recorded by The 10 Network.

A couple of factors can be associated with this result. Importantly, it was the first game of the season, building on the start-of-the-season excitement.

The Sydney Derby has been one of the most watched and attended fixture in the A-league since the addition of the Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2012/2013 season.

Last season, it was only beaten in attendance and viewership by the top-of-the-table clash of Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory which recorded 33,000 attendees.

However, this isn’t just a sudden rising trend but has been growing from season-to-season. The 2023-2024 season recorded the largest amount of viewership in the league's history with 53 per cent on Paramount+ and 33 percent on 10 Play, while free-to-air TV saw a 16 percent rise on Network 10.

The 2023/24 Final Series had a sell-out attendance every game and The Grand Final averaged 316,000 on 10 and 10 Play (29,000), with a reach of 731,000.

In total, the Grand Final had a reach of around 1.17 million, making it the most-watched finals series since the 2009-2010 finals.

The overall viewership for both the A-League Men’s and Women’s 2023/24 seasons reached 5.72 million Australians across all modes of media.

A key part of last season's success was the increase in viewership of the Women's Liberty League (now the Ninja Women’s A-League). The biggest stat was the 611% increase in club memberships. A big part of the increase in support is credited to the rise of support in women's football following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Another point to argue is the arrival of high-profile players in the league with West Sydney Wanderers’ new marquee signing ex-Manchester United and Chelsea player Juan Mata and Sydney FC’s ex-Juventus and Brazil International Douglas Costa. These players' arrival to the league has gained massive interest from the reflective teams and the league as a whole.

Their debuts in a Sydney Derby pitted against each other was an event that would, of course, gain huge traction and kick off the league with some big ratings. It's still up in the air whether their star status and hopeful exciting impact can maintain viewership throughout the season.

This A-League Season has also introduced a new club with Auckland FC. Their first home game of the season vs Brisbane Roar held 24,400 spectators only a couple thousand shy from the WSW spectators at the derby.

The inclusion of a new team representing New Zealand's most populated area is a promising move towards more A-League spectators from NZ and increasing the overall number of viewers.

From all six A-league games of the first round, the number of spectators from last season (not counting Auckland FC) went up 53%.

Now this is the beginning of the season, and a true measure of success can only be recorded at the end of the season.

To add to this, other than the top 3 most attended games, the rest of the league recorded similar if not more negative results for the first-round attendance and presented a huge gap between the top three watched games and the lower three.

Though with the goal of a year-on-year rise in fan engagement, the success of last season and the obvious steps taken by the clubs and the leagues to further enrich the league (marquee signings, an added NZ derby and more investment) one can be confident that the Isuzu A-league and Ninja Women’s A -League are promising another record-breaking season for the game.

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Football Victoria has presented the local clubs that have been successful in receiving the 2024 FV Club Development Grants.

This grant program was focused on applicants who wanted to foster a new positive sporting environment at clubs. This grant aims to help with infrastructure development, programs and plans that will enhance Female and community participation and inclusivity.

The application round had a huge amount of clubs eager to engage in the wider goals of upgrading the experience of the sport for all age groups and areas, including a great number of metropolitan and regional clubs.

The Club Development grants are part of the wider “Our Football" Strategic Plan, a re-energised campaign to encourage investment and support of the many grassroots clubs that maintain the largest amounts of participants in football.

For many grassroots clubs, grants are the main source of investment and these programs can completely change the environments at clubs and support the growing numbers of participants.

Below are the clubs that have been successful in the application.

For the success of football in Victoria and Australia as a whole, grants such as this are crucial and necessary. Sport always needs investment and for one of Victoria's most played sports the funding helps build the support for the game.

Not only do these grant-worthy recipients receive the investment needed to continue unlocking the rising potential of future players and Australia’s football culture, this funding will importantly also help maintain the strong sense of community and inclusivity these clubs bring to the average Australian.

The Club Development Grants are a positive step for grassroots sport in Australia and one can hope a success story that can be built upon in the future.

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Cosm is a company at the forefront of revolutionising how audiences experience sports and entertainment, leveraging cutting-edge immersive technology to deliver incredible fan experiences.

Through a large portfolio of media solutions, including live immersive production for both Shared Reality and Virtual Reality (VR), advanced broadcast and linear technology, and state-of-the-art hardware, Cosm is reshaping the global fan engagement landscape.

Cosm was established in 2020 when technology companies Spritz, Inc., Evans & Sutherland and LikeLike VR (now Cosm Immersive) all joined forces to create an integrated experience technology solution to power their current Cosm immersive experiences.

Cosm Tech have three different markets: Science & Education, Sports & Entertainment, and Parks & Attractions.

This is how their Sports & Entertainment technological advancements help shape fan experience:

Completely new innovation in Sports and Entertainment

Cosm’s innovative approach, which includes technologies that haven't been utilised to this capacity, help bring fans closer than ever to iconic events in real-time.

By blending immersive hardware with sophisticated software solutions, Cosm allows audiences to experience their favourite sports and entertainment events in dynamic, 8K+ environments.

This unique combination offers fans unparalleled access to live games, concerts, cinematic experiences, and other world-class entertainment in ways never before possible.

One of Cosm’s standout innovations is CX System—an all-encompassing technological solution that integrates top-tier hardware and software for immersive entertainment. This system includes curved LED displays and CX Engine, a groundbreaking software platform for real-time content rendering, blending, and playback.

Enhancing the Fan Experience with Live Immersive Production

Through Cosm Immersive, the company’s content production and distribution division, Cosm collaborates with major leagues, teams, and broadcasters to deliver live events in 8K resolution to global audiences.

The company currently have a deal with NBC Sports in America to bring an expansive offering of live Premier League soccer matches to Shared Reality. This is the first time the Premier League will be available in Shared Reality for audiences.

Cosm's unique production capabilities allow fans to engage with their favourite events using VR headsets, mobile apps, or in dedicated immersive venues located in the United States—blurring the lines between reality and virtual engagement.

As part of its innovation journey, Cosm’s C360 division delivers immersive video solutions that seamlessly integrate with major broadcasting networks and sports media companies.

The C360 division allows broadcasters to use advanced camera systems and computer vision technology to provide fans with cutting-edge viewing experiences.

Key Partnerships and Projects

The NBC Sports partnership is one of many that Cosm have secured over their short time, with many major leagues and broadcasters recognising its excellence.

Other big name partners in the sports world include NBA, UFC, ESPN, and Fox Sports in the US where they provided fans with live immersive 8K events at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Park for the Copa America earlier this year.

Shaping the Future of Fan Engagement

Cosm’s mission is clear: to transform outdated viewing experiences—whether on traditional TV or even mobile streaming—by offering a fresh, innovative approach.

From sports arenas to art exhibitions, Cosm is redefining how we experience live events, whether from the comfort of our own homes or in immersive shared venues.

Conclusion

What sets Cosm apart from other tech companies is its focus on creating shared venue experiences, adding a social dimension to immersive technology.

Unlike the typically individual experience of virtual sports viewing, Cosm's immersive events are designed to bring people together, combining cutting-edge tech with a communal atmosphere for a more interactive and engaging experience.

As immersive, virtual, and shared reality technologies rapidly evolve and increase in popularity, it's evident that the future of sports is shifting beyond traditional TV broadcasts, with the modern era of interactive and dynamic viewing experiences ready to take over in the next generation.

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The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) has unveiled a new collaboration with the leading online management platform revolutioniseSPORT (revSPORT) to enhance fundraising options and simplify operations for grassroots organisations.

This collaboration enables clubs using revSPORT to effortlessly receive tax-deductible donations from members during the registration process, thanks to the introduction of the membership donation add-on.

The ASF and revSPORT membership donation add-on provides significant benefits to sports clubs by offering new revenue opportunities through tax-deductible donations integrated into the registration process.

This streamlined approach allows clubs to easily secure vital funding to cover expenses such as equipment and facilities.

Automating donation management through the membership donation add-on minimises administrative work, freeing up volunteers to concentrate on improving the overall sporting experience.

Starting in December, ASF's fundraising platform will be fully integrated with revolutioniseSPORT’s comprehensive sports management system, allowing members to handle operational data like schedules, payments, and registrations through a single, user-friendly interface.

With an API (Application Programming Interface) integration, ASF and revolutioniseSPORT will join forces to simplify the fundraising process, providing a critical financial boost during tough economic times.

The upgraded tools and resources will enable year-round fundraising, enhance communication and engagement, and leverage technology to reduce the administrative load on community clubs and associations.

ASF's CEO, Sue Hunt AM, explained how this deal will benefit the sports industry.

“As part of our commitment to supporting grassroots sports, the Australian Sports Foundation is excited to announce this collaboration with revSPORT, one that will provide the tools to grow and sustain funding at a critical time for our sports industry,” she said via press release.

“Our investment in technology is a cornerstone of our mission to support Australian sport, and this partnership with revSPORT is a perfect example of how we’re expanding our capabilities for the benefit of our sporting community. By harnessing innovative digital solutions, we can offer streamlined, accessible fundraising opportunities that empower sports organisations, especially at the grassroots level.

“These advancements are making it easier for clubs and teams across the country to secure the funding they need, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: enhancing the participant experience, supporting volunteers, and fostering a thriving sports culture.”

Chief Operations Officer of revSPORT, Nic Watkins, encouraged the 18,000 local clubs and 270 governing bodies currently using the platform to take advantage of the benefits offered by the ASF partnership.

“Australian sports clubs have been in desperate need of a revolutionary solution to funding and fundraising. Coming from club-land ourselves, we understand this challenge all too well – they are under-resourced and underfunded. That is why we built revSPORT, to simplify sport and maximise the impact of grassroots administrators,” he said via press release.

“Our exclusive partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation has the power to change the face of our industry. By providing an innovative solution centred on an exceptional user experience, sporting clubs using revSPORT will be able to leverage the capabilities of our two organisations, and unlock previously untapped revenue opportunities.”

To view more information about the Australian Sports Foundation, click here.

To know more about revolutioniseSPORT, click here.

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At Lenovo’s annual Tech World innovation event, the technology giant was unveiled as the Official FIFA Technology Partner, FIFA’s highest sponsorship category.

This strategic partnership covers the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as well as the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.

Lenovo’s role as FIFA's technology partner will help enhance fan experiences, broadcasts, and football’s global reach by integrating cutting-edge technology across the tournaments.

With these two high-profile events serving as a global platform, Lenovo aims to strengthen its brand presence while contributing to the growth and accessibility of the sport worldwide.

Lenovo's technology portfolio, including innovations powered by artificial intelligence (AI), ThinkPad laptops, tablets, Motorola mobile phones, and servers, will play a key role in elevating the football experience.

These products and solutions will be used to power enhanced fan engagement in stadiums, improve global broadcasts, boost analytics, and democratise data for football-playing nations globally.

This collaboration is expected to have a far-reaching impact, as Lenovo and FIFA plan to leverage AI and other technologies to grow the game internationally and make football more accessible to a broader audience.

Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang discussed the excitement of implementing their technology on the world football stage.

“As one of the world’s leading technology companies, we’re delighted to partner with the world’s most global and popular sport," Yang said at the event.

"Lenovo will be powering the largest sporting and entertainment events in human history – events with more viewers, more nations participating, and an unprecedented global demand for data processing and technology.

“Lenovo is proud to support FIFA’s vision of leveraging technology to elevate the game, enhance the fan experience worldwide, and foster innovation that levels the playing field.

"We’re excited that our cutting-edge technology and AI innovation will take centre stage in the upcoming tournaments, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of smarter technology.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke about the organisations view on utilising tech to improve fan experience.

“At FIFA, we are committed to growing the game globally and making football accessible for all – and we are excited to welcome Lenovo to our journey, and to work with them to implement technologies, innovations and programmes that spread our sport," Infantino said at the event.

"Data and technology combined helps us to know fans better, and we will use it to create unparalleled and unforgettable fan experiences at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

“In Lenovo, we have a partner who will support us as we evolve and innovate, investing in digital technology and artificial intelligence for future generations.”

The primary focus of this partnership is to transform the fan experience, both in stadiums and through broadcasts.

Lenovo's cutting-edge AI technology is just one of the many innovations that will be leveraged to explore new possibilities in the ever-evolving fan engagement landscape.

This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to redefine what the future of broadcasting and fan interaction could look like, offering exciting potential for the next generation of football viewing experiences.

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Football NSW is excited to host the second annual Club Development Conference at Valentine Sports Park on Saturday, 1 February 2025.

The Conference aims to empower community clubs by providing valuable insights, information, and tools to enhance their capabilities and support continuous growth in participation.

The conference will feature workshops, panel discussions, and keynote presentations covering a range of topics, including:

• Club Leadership and Effective Governance
• Ensuring Player and Member Safety
• Strategies for Volunteer Retention and Engagement
• Transforming Club Operations for Success
• Facilities Development and Securing Funding Opportunities
• Leveraging Marketing, Communication, and Data Insights
• Promoting Positive Behaviour Among Players and Spectators
• Enhancing Opportunities for Women and Girls in Football
• Fostering Diversity and Building Inclusive Clubs

Tickets are currently available for purchase, with early bird pricing offered until December 31, 2024.

Click here for tickets.

Club Changer Ticket Offer

It has been confirmed that all Club Changer clubs will receive a complimentary ticket. To redeem the complimentary ticket, individuals should contact trevorh@footballnsw.com.au.

To qualify for a free ticket and progress toward the 1-star Club Changer accreditation before the conference, please fill out the expression of interest form and achieve your 1-star accreditation by December 9, 2024.

For more information about the event or anything else, click here.

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In a significant boost to Melbourne Victory's off-field operations, energy group AGL has renewed its commitment as a major partner of the A-League club till the end of the 2026 season.

The deal sees AGL continue as the Naming Rights and Presenting Partner for several of Victory's flagship programs, including the influential 'Victory in Business' network, the club's A-League Men's Chairman's Functions, and the pioneering Female Forum initiative.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, commented on her excitement for the continued support.

“The unique offers that partners like AGL bring to the table only add to the value of being part of the Melbourne Victory community, and we are excited about some of the heightened benefits AGL offer to the Victory family,” she said via press release.

AGL's General Manager, Customer Growth, Melanie Laing, has pointed out the importance of this collaboration and its plans.

“Our partnership allows us to offer Victory members and fans great energy offers and it also opens the door for us to connect with the business community through the Club’s strong network,” she said via press release.

A key benefit of the renewed partnership is the introduction of the "AGL Blue Zone," an exclusive match-day experience set to elevate the atmosphere at AAMI Park.

AGL customers will have the chance to secure 200 free tickets to six marquee A-League Men's home matches, complete with giveaways and food and beverage vouchers.

The collaboration reach extends beyond the men's game, with AGL continuing its support for the A-League Women's fixtures, underlining the company's commitment to the growth of football across all levels.

AGL is also dedicated to maintaining its popular $150 cashback offer for eligible customers joining their Melbourne Victory energy plan. This initiative helps fans offset their membership costs, while the club potentially sees a boost in its membership numbers.

This partnership is an example of how this investment not only strengthens the football club's position but also provides corporate partners with unique opportunities to engage with a passionate fan base, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of Australian football.

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Launched to mark the International Day of the Girl and aligned with its theme, "Girls’ vision for the future," the five-part "Talia takes on... Play Unstoppable Mentorship" series expands on LEGO’s "PLAY UNSTOPPABLE" campaign, highlighting the endless opportunities for girls when they can play freely.

This digital series, created by the award-winning production company Visual Domain, highlights opportunities for girls in Australian football, narrated through the voice and perspective of 15-year-old Talia Younis, a midfielder for the CommBank Junior Matildas and Western Sydney Wanderers FC.

Released over 15 days, each episode follows Talia as she engages with and receives mentorship from women in various roles within football, including:

• Administration – featuring Alyssar Narey, the only female CEO in the A-Leagues.
• Medical – with insight from CommBank Junior Matildas' physiotherapist, Dr. Stella Veith.
• Media – in partnership with sports and lifestyle photographer Kelsey Zafiridis.
• Coaching – alongside Zainab Jaber, head coach for community girls' football.
• Refereeing – mentored by Football NSW community referee Chloe Gray.

Each mentor shares her personal journey, offering Talia and the audience a deeper understanding of her career path and unique role within the game.

Girls are given the resources to begin their own football journey through online materials available on the OUR GAME website and social media, along with the chance for schools to host visits from the OUR GAME mentors for in-school sessions.

Talia Younis shared that the Play Unstoppable Mentorship provided valuable insight into the work of thousands of women who contribute to football each week, while also exploring her own journey beyond the field.

“As a player, you don’t always get the chance to see first-hand the incredible work so many people do that allows us to play the game we love,” she said via press release.

“Alyssar, Stella, Kelsey, Zainab and Chloe have shown me that there are so many more ways that I can be part of football beyond the pitch.

“From my experience during this Play Unstoppable Mentorship, I want girls to know that anything is possible for us in football. That we can be whatever we want to be with so many strong women leading the way as they make football better every day for girls like me.”

Although the number of women and girls playing football in Australia increased by 20% over the past year, women continue to lag behind in off-field roles within the sports industry, both in Australia and worldwide.

Justine McKenny, Senior Director and Head of Marketing for LEGO Australia and NZ, stated that highlighting these off-field roles is essential for empowering girls and expanding their vision for the future.

"The LEGO Group has been dedicated to inspiring and developing the builders of tomorrow through play for over 90 years and we know that the skills developed through LEGO play are equally relevant to all children,” she said via press release.

“We're excited to partner with Football Australia to help champion and stand up for girls’ creativity. Through the new OUR GAME content series, we hope to inspire and empower girls to explore the transformative impact of their creativity both on and off field.”

It will be widely promoted through digital channels and PR, utilising the strength of the women's sports fanbase. The series will be available on Football Australia’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X accounts, with the first episode launching on October 11 and the final episode airing on October 25, 2024.

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Viewership for Women’s Super League (WSL) matches streamed live on YouTube has more than trebled during the 2024/25 season.

This success is no coincidence. Beyond the clear rise in quality and star power across teams for the 2024/25 season, it’s also the first time in league history that non-televised games are streamed for free on YouTube.

Last season, the main issue with viewership was accessibility, where matches not picked up by domestic broadcasters were only available on the FA Player app or website, requiring users to create an account on a platform that was already unpopular.

In the 2023/24 season, the highest viewership for an online-only WSL game was Arsenal's home fixture against Bristol City, which attracted 78,050 viewers.

However, this season has already shattered records. Over 250,000 fans tuned in on YouTube to watch Leicester face Arsenal in September, setting a new high for a WSL game not televised.

In total, the first three weeks of this season have seen a staggering 1,576,848 live views for WSL matches streamed on YouTube.

Women’s Championship matches have also benefited from the platform, with the season opener between newly promoted Newcastle and London City Lionesses setting a new record for the league, drawing 46,050 live viewers.

This spike in viewership comes at a crucial time for both the WSL and the Championship, as they are holding out for a new broadcasting rights deal set to begin after 2025. Both leagues smartly delayed signing earlier this year to avoid locking into a premature agreement.

The gamble absolutely paid off and the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), now in charge of the top two leagues, will be using these numbers as leverage in discussions over the next major TV rights deal which should include the BBC and Sky Sports amongst other suitors.

Streaming must remain free for A-League Women's growth 

The A-League Women's impressively saw a 114% increase in viewership on 10 Play, where every game is streamed for free, and 125% on Paramount+ for the 2023/24 season.

While a switch to YouTube seems unlikely given Channel 10's monopoly over A-League football, it’s crucial to keep every game available for free on 10 Play if they want viewership to continue rising.

As the WSL and previously the NWSL have demonstrated, offering free streamed games draws in viewers of all ages and ultimately helps turn them into paying fans. The league's primary focus should be on building an audience as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

The impressive figures from this season suggest that the demand for women’s football is only increasing.

The WSL has made a brilliant move that is sure to enhance the upcoming record-breaking broadcast rights deal, helping the league continue to improve both on and off the field.

The next step is to take it mainstream, and the Ninja A-League should look to follow the blueprint set by the WSL, which has demonstrated how to rapidly gain widespread popularity.

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Softseed is a rapidly growing global Software as a service (SaaS) company with a diverse team of top developers - and their goal is to create Virtual Reality (VR) and Immersive Reality (IR) technology for consumers to broadcast events.

The company was established as recently as 2013 by three founders in Berlin who had an academic and media background.

They now have three locations that the company work out of: Berlin (Head Office), Bangkok (Product Development) and Palma de Mallorca (Sales & Distribution).

The Berlin-based start-up have three products (PLAIGROUND®, LOKI® and RE-PLAY®) based off this ever popular technology that allows people around the globe to enjoy their favourite content not as a spectator but to be right in the middle of it.

The company mentions the fact that Immersive Reality is the future of the entertainment industry because of its data processing speed and its sustainability compared to other similar technologies.

Products:

PLAIGROUND®

PLAIGROUND® is a cutting-edge, proprietary software solution designed to deliver live Immersive Reality experiences to the mass market. This patented solution is based on a novel 3DIR codec which execs said was an adaptation of the MV-HEVC codec, a Multiview extension of HEVC, developed by Fraunhofer ISS and for which Softseed is a test partner.

The technology sets the standard in innovation and performance, offering unmatched colour depth, frame rate, motion clarity, noise reduction, and resolution.

With extremely low latency, PLAIGROUND® ensures consistent 10K 3D stereoscopic quality at over 90Hz and a minimum of 30fps at a bitrate of 100mbit and 10-bit colour depth. This advanced technology is ideal for ultra-fast sports and music events that demand flawless live streaming as part of an individualised Immersive Reality experience.

LOKI®

LOKI® is the world’s first cloud-based Virtual-IR-Receiver, using AI-powered computing to process, encrypt, and adapt IR data for personalised playback on any device.

LOKI® can convert 2D video into native 3D in real-time, creating smooth, immersive 360° 3D video in 8K resolution—even from lower-quality input. Additionally, it seamlessly combines two 180° 3D video streams into a single 360° 3D image at 8K or 10K resolution.

RE-PLAY®

RE-PLAY® is an advanced software solution designed to monetise live event replays for a wider audience.

Exclusively on the Apple Vision Pro, RE-PLAY® delivers stunning 11K 3D stereoscopic quality, up to 90fps, with a 500MB/s bitrate and 10-bit colour depth. All of this includes a 360° camera and multiple angles that allows viewers to watch however they would like.

This system works with top tier audio and video devices ensuring a smooth, immersive experience that is perfect for sporting and musical events.

Involvement in 2024 German Supercup

Softseed featured in the 2024 German Supercup between Leverkusen and Stuttgart. Germany's annual curtain-raiser in Leverkusen was the German Football League’s (DFL’s) latest chance to show off its innovative side.

The 30,000-seat BayArena was the scene for the DFL to deliver the world’s first 10K resolution VR live stream of a football match in partnership with Berlin-based tech start-up Softseed.

Fans were able to watch a 360-degree, 10K resolution stream of the SuperCup, with the stream providing a view for users that was as if they were standing in the stadium. Multiple perspectives were offered in the live trial and the Apple Vision Pro was used as the product to showcase this technology.

The 10K live stream had a latency of under 35 seconds, a remarkably short timeframe given one terabyte of data per minute is being processed. It provided a look-in to the potential future of how fans watch a streamed game.

Conclusion

Softseed Technologies have created groundbreaking technology which, even in its infancy, is proving to be a potential game-changer in how sports and music events are viewed using Immersive and Virtual reality.

It is a unique product that is proving successful and the technology is almost certainly going to be licenced by large sporting or music organisations in the near future.

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Auckland's largest real estate firm, Barfoot & Thompson, has collaborated with Auckland Football Club to deliver an exciting season of football entertainment for the people of Auckland.

Barfoot & Thompson live by the motto, 'if our name is on it, our heart is in it,' and this partnership is no exception for the real estate giant.

As the official and exclusive real estate partner of Auckland FC, Barfoot & Thompson’s logo will be prominently displayed on the players’ shorts as part of their kit.

Established in 1923, Barfoot & Thompson has been a privately owned family business for over a century. With over 80 branches and more than 1,800 salespeople, the company serves Auckland, Northland, the Bay of Plenty, and the Waikato.

Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director, Peter Thompson, shares that he has been looking for the perfect sports opportunity to welcome a new generation of passionate and energetic fans.

“We are always looking for the right opportunities for our brand, and we believe football is the future with the fastest growing audience in New Zealand of any sport,” he said via press release.

“It’s exciting for Auckland to have its own football club, it brings a tremendous vigour and energy to the region and we can’t wait for the season to officially start on Saturday 19 October.

“We love being a part of what makes Auckland a great place to live. We are also focussed on breaking new ground in real estate and our partnership with AFC provides a unique opportunity to reach a younger demographic.”

Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, mentioned how the club and the real estate company values aligned together.

“Barfoot & Thompson were a natural fit for us with their entrenched support of all things Auckland. They understand our desire to succeed and to bring another level of entertainment to our audience. We have a similar outlook of creating another reason to be proud to be an Aucklander,” he said via press release.

Partnerships play a vital role in Auckland FC's success, helping to create pathways for boys and girls to access top coaching and playing opportunities, while also representing their city and country. Securing the right partner is essential to achieving this success.

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Adelaide United confirm that Koan Solutions will continue as a partner for the 2024/25 A-League Men’s season, serving as the official ‘back of shirt’ sponsor on the club’s renowned ‘City of Churches’ Home Kit.

The club revealed its 2024/25 home kit in August, receiving widespread acclaim from fans.

Koan Solutions is a privately-owned South Australian company that has operated for 14 years which upholds strong values and high ethical standards.

The company specialises in innovative, vehicle-enhancing equipment for all makes and models, Koan Solutions aims to enrich the lives of clients, employees, and stakeholders.

Koan Solutions also served as the front of shirt sponsor for the club’s Australia Cup campaign and this decision to increase their sponsorship commitment reflects their strong support for the Club.

Last season, Koan Solutions made a significant impact off the pitch by offering James Morrison, an Adelaide United fan battling cancer, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They generously donated their 15-person corporate box and arranged for a pitch-side experience at an A-League Men’s match.

Owner of Koan Solutions, Stephen Mercieca, spoke briefly about renewing the partnership with Adelaide United.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership for the upcoming season and are proud that through the club, we can give back to the community,” Mercieca said in a statement.

Adelaide United’s Head of Commercial, Fabrizio Petrone, expressed his gratitude for Koan Solutions’ continued support.

“We are thrilled to have Koan Solutions on board for the new season,” Petrone said in a club statement.

“Their support extends beyond just sponsorship; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of our fans, and we look forward to working together to create more unforgettable experiences for our supporters.”

Adelaide United have secured two partnership renewals in the past week for both the Men's and Women's teams with local sponsors.

The club are hitting their targets of focusing on financial success, on-field success and importantly youth development with their PSV partnership earlier in the off-season.

It has been a highly impactful preseason and the Reds are a club that others in this league should be following, especially after the APL’s message of the league becoming a ‘development league’ focusing on getting out of the current financial problems that plague many clubs.

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The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Sky Sport have continued their partnership for another 3 years, giving Sky Sport exclusive coverage of A-league games in New Zealand.

Therefore, all matches in the Isuzu UTE A-League and Ninja women’s A-League from the 2024-25 season will be accessible on Sky Sports and streaming on Sky Sport Now and Sky Go.

With a second New Zealand club, Auckland FC, in the A-League, there is now an Aotearoa-based professional derby, this exciting new dynamic could help increase football's fan bases and viewership in New Zealand.

All matches involving the two New Zealand clubs will be broadcast live and one match a week will be free to air on Sky Open.

CEO of Sky, Sophie Maloney, commented on how the growing interest and new team have helped fuel the media groups’ continued platform of the A-League.

“Last year’s season was a breakout success for fan engagement with the A-Leagues in New Zealand, with the success of the Wellington Phoenix capturing the hearts and minds of Kiwi fans. Added to that, the excitement surrounding the addition to the leagues of a new team from Aotearoa in Auckland FC has made the upcoming season guaranteed to be appointment-watching," she said via press release.

“We’re pleased that we will continue to be the broadcast home to a passionate and growing sporting code, spearheaded here in Aotearoa by a couple of energised and ambitious local clubs. We’re excited to see what we can achieve together in terms of innovation around commercial partnerships as part of our home games production, alongside our broadcast coverage of every single minute of action."

A-Leagues Commissioner, Nick Garcia, added further comments on the extension.

"New Zealand is really important for our continued growth, and it’s set to be a landmark year for New Zealand football following Wellington Phoenix’s standout season and the introduction of a new team, Auckland FC, into the Isuzu UTE A-League Men," he said via press release.

Football is the most participated code in Aotearoa, a nation with strong sporting calibre, one cannot look past the success of the All Blacks in Rugby Union to see this. Yet even in this diluted sport environment football's popularity is growing and so to is its support at the professional level involving the A-League and the extensive international footballing scene.

With more games for New Zealand teams and renewed interest in the sport, this could be a prosperous deal for both parties and support fan viewership.

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LALIGA and TikTok have entered into a strategic collaboration, positioning the popular video-sharing platform as a key digital content partner for the Spanish football competition.

This partnership signifies a new era in how fans can engage with football, offering fresh, innovative experiences and exclusive content to TikTok's global user base of over one billion.

Through this agreement, TikTok becomes the primary platform for distributing official LALIGA content, including formats specifically tailored to the app's creative environment.

LALIGA will leverage TikTok’s features to provide behind-the-scenes insights into Spanish football using the hashtag #InsideLALIGA, offering fans a unique perspective on the league.

Fans can also look forward to collaborations with top TikTok creators, who will bring their dynamic style to the sporting world, offering exclusive content that captures everything from on-pitch action to the day-to-day life of the clubs. This partnership promises to enrich the fan experience, bringing them closer to their favourite teams and players.

Additionally, TikTok will act as the priority innovation partner for LALIGA, its clubs, and its players, granting them early access to new functionalities and advanced formats on the platform.

The Spanish top-flight league noted in the official statement that the agreement marks a “milestone on how football fans can enjoy and connect with their favourite sport, offering innovative experiences and exclusive content to TikTok’s global community."

This collaboration will enable LALIGA to deliver exclusive digital activations around significant moments during the season, such as key derbies and finals.

The agreement also includes training sessions for LALIGA clubs and professionals, aimed at enhancing their digital skills and optimising their use of TikTok as a communication tool, ultimately helping them strengthen their connection with fans.

Conclusion

With this partnership, LALIGA continues to prioritise innovation and the exploration of new audiences through digital channels, with the league becoming the first major European competition to have an agreement with TikTok.

TikTok plays its role as a leading entertainment platform, driving digital engagement in the Spanish sports industry and connecting with millions of football enthusiasts worldwide.

It's the perfect way to target the younger demographic of football fans whilst also exploring the short form video space that has the opportunity to redefine the consumption of sports content.

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Arsenal Football Club has unveiled a transformative multi-year alliance with NTT DATA, a global frontrunner in digital business and IT services.

NTT DATA acts as the technology partner for prominent global sporting events, such as The Open Championship and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. By utilizing real-time data analysis, AI, digital twin technology, and Private 5G, it enhances fan engagement by bringing them closer to their heroes and key moments whether from home, online, or in future stadiums.

This collaboration will seek to revolutionise the way the club’s estimated 600 million global supporters connect with their team.

As digital engagement transforms the sports industry, football clubs are swiftly adopting technology to improve fan experiences and fuel growth.

The partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for the sports industry, which is swiftly adapting to shifting fan expectations and technological progress. As the global sports market is expected to exceed $996 billion by 2028, clubs are increasingly adopting digital solutions to improve fan engagement, increase revenue, and secure a competitive advantage both on and off the field.

The partnership will enable NTT DATA to offer data analytics tools, machine learning, and real-time integrations, allowing Arsenal FC to develop a richer and more personalised supporter experience with tailored content for their global communities.

Supporters will also benefit from enhanced features across the Arsenal ecosystem, including exclusive insights, promotions, and offers from the club and its partners.

Arsenal FC Chief Commercial Officer, Juliet Slot, expressed her excitement about the deal and strengthening their connection to the supporters.

“We’re excited to welcome NTT DATA as our first Official Digital Transformation Partner. Our ambition is to strengthen our connection with our supporters around the world so that we can serve them better,” she said via press release.

“Enhancing our digital capabilities is an essential part of this journey where through service and connection to supporters we are able to drive forward our performance and our growth.”

CEO of NTT DATA in the UK and Ireland, Niccolo Spatoro, added further comments regarding the deal.

“Arsenal is one of the most recognised football clubs in the world. Its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to supporters is pioneering and its goal of placing people at the heart of innovation aligns with NTT DATA’s core values and approach to business,” she said via press release.

"We look forward to partnering with Arsenal, using our expertise to deliver the digital transformation that helps Arsenal create truly remarkable experiences for its supporters worldwide."

A-League and NPL clubs have been no strangers to deals similar to this one, and considering the day and age, it wouldn’t be surprising if we were to see more collaborations with technology companies to further advance Australian football in that industry.

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The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has named JAM TV and EMG/Gravity Media as the new production partners for the A-Leagues.

Under the appointment, both companies will produce all Ninja A-League Women and Isuzu UTE A-League Men matches for the next two seasons, airing on Network Ten and Paramount+.

The new collaboration provides the APL, its clubs, and fans with high-quality match production, increased resources for the Ninja A-League Women, and more content for APL and club platforms.

Previously partnered with the APL, JAM TV is one of Australia’s leading live sports producers, handling over 300 live broadcasts annually for the NBL, AFLW, State Leagues AFL, and golf.

EMG/Gravity Media returns to Australian football after serving as the A-Leagues' broadcast provider from 2010 to 2016.

Recently, they supported UEFA by providing advanced workflows for the UEFA European Football Championships in Germany and also handle football production for the EPL, FA Cup, and FIFA.

JAM TV and EMG/Gravity Media also collaborated to deliver the successful Host Broadcast for the AFC Asian Cup when the tournament was held in Australia in 2015. Their joint efforts helped showcase the event to a global audience, contributing to its overall success and setting a high standard for sports broadcasting in the region.

A-Leagues Commissioner, Nick Garcia, commented the excitement of the appointment via press release.

“We are excited to be partnering with JAM TV and EMG/Gravity Media for the next two seasons, to deliver a premium broadcast of our game, and increase the amount of A-Leagues’ content for our fans,” he said.

“This is a highly credentialed combination between one of Australia’s most proven creative sports production enterprises in JAM TV and the global football powerhouse of EMG/Gravity Media.

“Along with the production of over 320 A-Leagues’ games through the seasons, this partnership also gives the league and our clubs more content to engage fans and showcase the great stories of our game.”

JAM TV CEO, Cos Cardone, added further insight by ensuring fans access to more content via press release.

“Our involvement with the APL over the last two seasons gave us great insight into the amazing stories that exist in both men’s and women’s football. This partnership is not only about great match production, but ensuring fans have access to more content than they have had before.”

EMG/Gravity Media Executive Chairman, John Newton, expanded on the topic with further comments.

“At the heart of EMG/Gravity Media is a DNA of delivering high-end content and live production across the full spectrum of world football,” he said via press release.

“We have worked with some of the biggest names in football for decades and are very excited to be providing new broadcast production services to the A-Leagues once again.”

The Isuzu UTE A-League Men will celebrate its 20th anniversary season starting October 18, while the Ninja A-League Women will begin their 2024/25 season on November 1.

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AC Milan and the New York Yankees, two of the most famous sports teams globally, have teamed up to launch an exclusive lifestyle collection called the ACM x New York Yankees. The collection includes outerwear, headwear, youth items, and accessories.

Both teams are globally recognised not just for their sporting achievements but also as cultural symbols of huge cities in Milan and New York.

The collection features the iconic logos of both clubs, with sleek designs showcasing the Yankees' "NY" logo and AC Milan's red-and-black crest. The items blend Milan's elegant style with the street-savvy vibe of New York, appealing to a broad international audience.

Fans can purchase the collection at Yankee Stadium, MLB Flagship Store in Manhattan, San Siro Stadium, AC Milan stores, and both of the clubs online store as well as the MLB website.

This collaboration builds on the connection between AC Milan and the Yankees' ownership group, RedBird Capital Partners, founded by Gerry Cardinale. Yankee Global Enterprises acquired a minority stake in AC Milan in August 2022.

AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani emphasised the significance of the collaboration.

“With the introduction of the ACM x New York Yankees collection, we celebrate a unique moment in the history of our two iconic brands... The entirety of this collaboration is an homage to the transcendent impact that the cities of Milan and New York maintain on fashion and culture around the world, and we are eager to see that cross-cultural spirit reflected as people enjoy the collection,” Furlani said in a joint press release.

Yankees President Randy Levine echoed this sentiment.

“The New York Yankees and AC Milan are each synonymous with their respective sports and cities... Bringing them together for this project made sense on so many levels, especially considering how our brands resonate among fans of both sports and fashion," Levine mentioned in a press release.

"We are also thrilled to deepen the ties between our teams and congratulate those who provided input in the design for making a collection that has style and substance.”

The collection's standout piece is a varsity jacket, along with other items like t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, cardigans, and New Era baseball caps and beanies.

Co-branded items such as baseballs, playing cards, and notebooks are also available for both sets of fans.

This is an extremely smart business decision by RedBird Capital Partners who utilise their partnership connection for the first time in the two years it’s been acquired.

Combining two of sports' most iconic teams and brands from sports that are extremely historic and prestigious is going to be popular amongst not only just the fans of the two clubs but of pop culture where the branding is seen in everyday streetwear.

Being from two iconic cities in the world and New York's very heavy Italian heritage, it capitalises on major markets that will certainly sell these limited edition items in bulk.

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Auckland FC and Rebel Sport have entered into a partnership that will make the renowned Kiwi sports retailer the club’s new sponsor for training kits and the AFC development centre.

As New Zealand’s hub for sports, Rebel Sport is dedicated to motivating all Kiwis to engage in sports, particularly by fostering participation at the grassroots level. This partnership represents one of the ways the company demonstrates its commitment to supporting both professional and community sports.

The Rebel Sport logo will be featured on all Auckland FC training kits worn by players and coaching staff, and Auckland FC players will be featured in Rebel Sport promotions across stores, online platforms, and broadcasts.

This year, Rebel Sport introduced a new Grants program available to grassroots sports clubs. Additionally, the company sponsors three young women through the Tania Dalton Scholarship Programme, including footballer Farina Anchico. These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to encouraging and supporting greater Kiwi participation in sports.

Rebel Sport Managing Director, Rod Duke, expressed his delight about this deal.

“We’re delighted to be there from the start to help launch Auckland FC. We stand behind grass-roots sports as a business and we’re proud to help provide pathways for up-and-coming kiwi football talent through the Rebel Sports AFC Development Centre,” he said via press release.

“This is a partnership that we are excited to be a part of. The momentum and excitement that surrounds Auckland FC, and not just in Auckland, is phenomenal. With so much excitement and so many people playing football it offers a lot of opportunities for both brands.”

Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, expressed pride in joining forces with Rebel Sport for their inaugural season as both the training kit sponsor and talent development partner.

“Rebel Sport are an iconic New Zealand business who are passionate about football and helping to create talent pathways for young footballers. They have been at the forefront of NZ sporting business and have helped to inspire many generations of talented sports stars,” he said via the clubs website.

“Right from the first conversation, Rebel Sport have shown that we both have aligned values and the partnership feels very true to who we are as a club that is embedded in the local football community.

“It is a fantastic partnership, and it is great to see our players training and out in the community wearing their Rebel branded kit.”

Football is rapidly growing in popularity across the country, with over 165,000 registered players. Furthermore, 17% of those aged 5-17 have played football within the past week.

With only over a month remaining until the 20th anniversary of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men commences, Auckland FC are making a strong statement by partnering up with major companies for their first season who want to enhance community involvement through sports.

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SharkNinja has been confirmed as the new multi-season naming rights partner for the Women’s A league, which will be called the Ninja A-league.

SharkNinja is a tech and design company that works on a global scale, they have produced famous household products including the Ninja blenders and Shark cordless vacuum ranges.

It will also, in conjunction with the Ninja A-league, become a major new partner of the Isuzu UTE A-League.

The A-league commissioner Nick Garcia has welcomed the added investment the partnership will have.

“SharkNinja joins the A-Leagues with aligned ambitions; to grow women’s football in Australia and New Zealand, increase the opportunities and pathways for players, and help make the game more visible and accessible for our fans. We can’t wait to see where we take the Ninja A-League Women,” Nick explained in an A-league media release.

One of the future initiatives the partnership has confirmed is a new junior pass for under 16s that will give free entry for the first few rounds of the Ninja A-league to increase stadium-going fans and the family-friendly environment of the games.

This strategy has worked in the A-league before and with the huge numbers of young girls going to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Women's A-league. This could be a necessary boost to increase the passionate youthful support that’s been crucial to the growth of Australian female football.

Furthermore, the agreement outlines media developments that will inject interest in the league including the continuation of the Dub Zone newspaper that details the weekly action of the league and in collaboration with the APL and Network Ten plan to increase the number of free-to-air games on 10 Bold for the 2024-25 season.

The number of games will increase from one to ten in a move to hopefully increase the Ninja A-league's viewership online.

Judy Darling, the VP Commercial of SharkNinja advocates for the company’s excitement at the new partnership.

“Our mission is to positively impact people’s lives every day in every home around the world. This is exactly what our incredible Australian and Kiwi female footballers do – having become such powerful role models for the young and old alike,” Judy explained in an A-league statement.

The A-league's need for investment means this is a welcomed announcement and could produce more cash flow for the A-league to continue developing Australian football both at the top level and down through the youth leagues.

Only time will tell if this partnership can deliver on its promises, for stakeholders and fans, however, this can be viewed as a step in the right direction.

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The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has confirmed a new partnership with TikTok for the 2024/25 season, designating the short video platform as its official digital partner.

This collaboration aims to enhance digital engagement for football enthusiasts both regionally and internationally.

As part of the agreement, TikTok will unveil a dedicated ‘SPL Exclusive Hub,’ offering fans access to a wealth of content from the league’s clubs and partners.

This exclusive content will feature behind-the-scenes footage, in-depth player interviews, and other unique insights into the SPL.

Additionally, TikTok will provide its creators with special opportunities to engage with the league.

This includes access to training sessions, matchday experiences, and interactions with players, allowing for a richer and more immersive fan experience.

The SPL is determined to solidify its position as one of soccer’s premier domestic leagues. While high-profile signings like Cristiano Ronaldo have captured headlines, the TikTok partnership is set to amplify the league’s global visibility.

TikTok’s involvement in football is extensive, with previous partnerships including UEFAfor  Euro 2024 and Women’s Euro 2022, Major League Soccer (MLS), and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The platform is also deeply embedded in other sports, including the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and UFC, and recently extended its multi-year partnership with the National Football League (NFL) to include long-form content.

Saudi Arabia ahead of the game again

Saudi Arabia is leading the way in sports marketing by leveraging apps like TikTok.

Their strategic use of these platforms enhances global visibility and engagement for the Saudi Pro League, showcasing a commitment to innovative digital strategies that connect with a broad, international audience and elevate their brand on a global stage.

It is clear that the SPL's ambition is to be 'bigger than the top European Leagues' per a statement from newly appointed CEO Omar Mugharbel.

Mugharbel mentioned enhancing the product after recent signings Ivan Toney and Joao Cancelo capped off a relatively quiet summer window for the league and hinted at 'advancing the league's brand off the pitch with new deals (TikTok) to create a more attractive proposition for star players and fans abroad.'

Everything the SPL do is for attention and they are close to designing a social media juggernaut that is ready to shake the traditional European football landscape, even if some may find it incredibly unpopular. It is certainly working.

How a deal like this would benefit Australian football

Capitalising on the fantastic viewership and engagement from the younger generation is the key to success for the A-Leagues' future.

According to YouGov Sport in 2023, between the ages of 18-34, the A-League is the second most engaged league in the country, sitting only behind the AFL.

The data showed that 15% of Australian sports fans aged 18-34 regularly streamed the A-League Men whilst 19% of the demographic follow the league on its respective social media channels.

Improving the content on these channels, which is certainly required, has been on the mind of the league for a while and KEEPUP's failure gives them a blueprint on what not to do this time around.

A deal with TikTok would almost certainly benefit all stakeholders given the league's lack of engaging, behind-the-scenes content and lacklustre highlight reels leaving many dissatisfied at the overall product.

Now with international marquee signings like Juan Mata and Douglas Costa, the A-Leagues can try and attempt to do what Saudi Arabia do, albeit on a much smaller scale, in terms of leveraging these big names to draw bigger crowds and engagement on social media.

The ability to nail short, bite-sized content is almost essential with the increasingly shorter attention spans and hunt for easily digestible videos that don't require too much brain power.

In 2024, the A-Leagues must improve in this area and ensure they don't fall behind the 8 ball again with this sport getting back on its feet.

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WSC Sports is an AI-powered content product that creates more personalised content, formats, and viewing channels for sports leagues, broadcasters, clubs and organisations.

Recently, WSC Sports has pledged to revolutionise the creation of sports content to speed up the production of traditional highlight reels.

The goal for any clients dealing with WSC, and there are over 450 sporting organisations from all over the globe, is to help rightsholders create more dynamic and fan-focused content while enabling them to better monetise their rights.

As outlined on the main website, there are five key pieces to the WSC Sports puzzle that make it such a successful and effective product, and these include:

AI-Based Content Analysis

AI-driven algorithms are revolutionising the analysis, indexing, and rating of sports events across a wide range of disciplines.

These context-aware systems are designed to capture pivotal moments both on and off the field, providing deeper insights into the game.

By enriching live broadcasts, archived footage, press conferences, and media libraries with detailed metadata, organizations can ensure that content is optimized for immediate retrieval and usage.

Automated Content Creation

The demand for diverse viewing experiences has led to the need for automated content generation.

AI solutions are capable of producing relevant and engaging content tailored to a variety of formats, from live and on-demand streams to Connected TV (CTV) and vertical formats optimized for mobile applications.

Content Studio

The evolution of sports content creation is being accelerated by AI-powered editing tools specifically designed for the industry.

These solutions offer users advanced creative control, enabling faster and more efficient production workflows while maintaining high-quality output.

AI-Powered Asset Management

Content management systems enhanced by AI are enabling seamless organisation, discovery, and distribution of assets.

These systems not only optimise workflow processes but also help organisations make better use of their entire content libraries, unlocking new possibilities for repurposing indexed assets into innovative formats.

Driving Fan Engagement

Proprietary AI solutions are playing a pivotal role in enhancing fan engagement.

By delivering personalised, immersive content experiences tailored to individual preferences, sporting leagues and clubs can connect with their audiences across a wide range of platforms and viewing formats, ensuring a more dynamic and interactive experience.

LALIGA in particular have focused entirely on capturing the younger audience through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, utilising algorithm-based content to reach more people and appear more relatable to that target audience.

How it can be introduced in Australian football

There can be no arguments about the A-Leagues lack of creativity and the same could be said for posts regarding the Socceroos.

The power of social and digital media in the eye of the average, young consumer is vital as seen by the Matildas team who are just as popular for their random off-field antics as they are for their 4th placed WC finish.

A digital media overhaul in Australia is clearly on the radar, first attempted by KEEPUP which in Jose Mourinho's words; most would prefer not to speak about.

WSC Sports already works with Cricket Australia on producing entertaining content and football is this country's sleeping giant.

There is a lot of potential in this AI-generated product which can start targeting younger audiences and producing media content the sport has not seen locally especially if it wishes to grow to enormous heights.

Conclusion

WSC Sports have become increasingly prominent in the football industry, taking over the digital media strategies of many top leagues including La Liga, NWSL, Bundesliga and the Serie A.

On top of that, they have partnered recently with smaller leagues and clubs with clubs like BSC Young Boys and the Czech First division who will become a part of a 450-strong client roster who employ WSC Sports’ award-winning AI-powered technology.

The company's biggest clients include NBA, YouTube TV and ESPN with the mega success clearly indicating the future lies within AI-powered digital marketing and content creation.

To find out more about WSC Sports click here.

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Auckland FC and Cumulo9 have signed a collaboration that will see the Kiwi digital communications business become an inaugural partner of the club in 2024.

Cumulo9, a leading digital communications company from New Zealand, has become an inaugural partner of Auckland FC, the latest A-League team. This partnership highlights Cumulo9's commitment to supporting local communities and driving positive change, in line with their mission to improve lives and outcomes.

Cumulo9, a certified B Corp business, is part of a global community of organisations that adhere to high standards of social and environmental impact.

They have achieved B Corp certification by demonstrating the dedication to ethical governance, sustainable business practices, and social responsibility.

They greatly value this recognition and are dedicated to using their innovative technologies to revolutionise how organisations communicate, improve workflows, and manage digital assets sustainably.

In early 2022, Cumulo9 began pursuing B Corp certification and initially consulted with various organizations that had experienced both success and failure in the process.

Fortunately, they started with a strong foundation of well-documented processes and procedures, which enabled them to present their social and environmental credentials to B Lab efficiently. As a result, Cumulo9 achieved a commendable score of 84.1 out of 100.

Cumulo9 CEO Chris Hogg shared his excitement about the deal, stating via press release:

“We are thrilled to support Auckland FC, a team that shares our commitment to community engagement and excellence. Football’s unifying power is something we deeply resonate with.”

Auckland FC’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mike Higgins, added via press release:

“Cumulo9’s support is integral to our vision of growing the game and nurturing young talent. Their values align perfectly with ours, making this partnership a natural fit.”

Cumulo9’s approach to partnerships is central to the company's values, highlighting the significance of aligning business practices with community engagement and social responsibility.

This strategy is evident in Cumulo9’s dedication to strengthening local communities through its partnerships. By collaborating with Auckland FC, Cumulo9 seeks to enhance community involvement through sports, offering opportunities for local talent to excel and generating a positive impact across the community.

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A comprehensive study by Nielsen Sports, the world leader in sports data measurement and fan insights, revealed that UEFA EURO 2024 will have an economic impact of €7.44 billion ($12.27 billion AUD) for Germany and the ten host cities.

Over 90% of this amount stems from spending by the 2.7 million ticket holders (with 44% coming from abroad), organisers, and accredited personnel, along with the indirect and induced economic effects.

The largest expenditures included accommodation, travel to and within the host cities, and food and beverages both inside and outside the stadiums.

The study also highlighted that nearly two-thirds of ticket holders used public transport within the host cities.

Furthermore, the event generated a total of €571 million ($941 million AUD) in advertising value for both the host cities and the country, due to their global media presence and visibility.

The conclusions of the study demonstrate the tournament’s positive impact in several areas:

• The 51 matches were attended by 2.7 million spectators. 1.7 million were unique ticket holders, who attended at least one match.
• 22% of the Ticket Holders were female, with the average age of all ticket holders being around 43 years old.
• On average, 23% of ticket holders came from the host cities, 33% from the rest of Germany and 44% from abroad.
• 97% of international ticket holders said they wanted to visit Germany again. On average, 79% of ticket holders said they would recommend visiting the city that had hosted their match.
• 78% of all ticket holders rated UEFA EURO 2024 as positive, implying positive associations with the host cities and host country by extension.
• 85% of host city residents stated that hosting UEFA EURO 2024 gave them a sense of pride
• 73% said that EURO 2024 had made a positive contribution to the common good and cohesion in the host city.
• More than a quarter of residents said that they had been inspired by EURO 2024 and played more than two hours more sport than before.
• Ticket holders stayed for almost two days on average, with 87% staying for up to three nights.

The full report can be found here.

Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association (DFB), said:

“The study provides impressive evidence that UEFA EURO 2024 has had a wide range of positive effects across the ten venues and the country as a whole," Neuendorf said in a statement.

"Not only did it provide us with great matches and a fantastic atmosphere in the stadiums; it was also an economic and social success.

"Thirty-six years after EURO 1988 and 34 years after peaceful reunification, Germany has proven to be a football-loving country, a friendly host and a reliable partner for the organisation of major sporting events.”

How can Australia benefit?

In 2026, Australia will host the AFC Women's Asian Cup with the host cities confirmed to be Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Similarly, the results of the Germany EURO 2024 success compare closely to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in terms of social impact and its effect on participation and attendance rates in women’s football.

Record numbers of viewers and grassroots sign ups suggest that this even and the one upcoming in 2026 stretch far beyond the Matildas’ results on the pitch.

However, it’s worth noting that the Asian Cup in 2026 produces a fantastic opportunity for iconic silverware and to continue the momentum set by the previous World Cup, with women's football setting the foundations nicely to leapfrog into the mainstream.

The event is forecast to also attract thousands of out-of-state visitors, generating millions in visitor spend, while also delivering a cumulative broadcast audience of over 100 million across the event.

Conclusion

EURO 2024 proved to be a resounding success, offering a refreshing return to a popular footballing nation after the controversies surrounding the previous tournaments in Qatar 2022 and Russia 2018.

The Nielsen Sport report highlighted the significant benefits Germany reaped as hosts, both economically and in terms of global visibility.

Looking ahead, the upcoming 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup is poised to further elevate women’s football, shining a spotlight on the sport while generating substantial revenue and exposure through tourism.

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Following a distinguished coaching career that included reaching the heights of the Premier League, Scott Miller is now embracing the next chapter of his professional journey.

No stranger to Australian football, Miller was Head Coach of the Newcastle Jets Men’s team and as an assistant coach for the Socceroos leading up to the 2014 World Cup. With extensive international experience from his time at Fulham FC, where he witnessed everything coaching had to offer, Miller decided in 2023 that a new direction was needed.

Now, as the Chief Commercial Officer at iReel, a Gen AI sports technology company, Miller combines his passion for coaching and sports technology to deliver valuable solutions to sporting organisations. iReel's vision is to become the leading provider of Gen AI in sport, and Miller is at the forefront of this innovative journey.

In this interview with Soccerscene, Miller reflects on his 17 years in coaching, the lessons he’s learned from working overseas compared to Australia, how iReel presented itself as an opportunity, and why sports technology is essential in today’s sporting landscape.

You’ve had experience from the Premier League to the A-League. How has your journey been so far?

Scott Miller: My background originally stems from playing in the Victorian Premier League. I signed with former NSL team the Gippsland Falcons as a youth and came through their youth system, but I didn’t make a senior appearance due to a serious leg injury. This injury gave me clarity about the longevity of a career in sport as an athlete, which led me to pursue a degree in exercise science at ACU in Melbourne.

During that time, my interest in physical performance and its alignment with football grew. I took the initiative to make as many contacts overseas as possible, which was quite a challenge pre-LinkedIn, relying on handwritten letters. I was fortunate to have family in London, which allowed me to explore opportunities there. I landed a role at Fulham FC, starting in their academy system and eventually working with the first team. Within six months, I was offered a full-time contract with the Premier League team, marking the beginning of an exciting 10-year journey.

My time at Fulham was filled with learning opportunities, including earning my UEFA A license and a degree in sports psychology. I worked with top-level managers like Chris Coleman, Roy Hodgson, Mark Hughes, Martin Jol, René Meulensteen, and Felix Magath. These experiences helped shape my career, leading to a role as an assistant coach, where we achieved multiple top-10 finishes and reached the 2010 Europa League final against Atletico Madrid—a highlight of my time at Fulham.

Were you always looking to get into coaching, or did your injury force your hand?

Scott Miller: Coaching wasn’t my initial plan, but it became a natural evolution for me. Roy Hodgson, in particular, inspired me with his methodology and the impact he had on players. With my background in high performance, football knowledge, and a passion for psychology, I naturally transitioned into coaching. By the age of 27, I was delivering sessions to Premier League players, covering various aspects of training outside of tactics.

My journey into coaching continued when Ange Postecoglou invited me to join him as an assistant with the Socceroos, which was a fantastic experience. Later, he recommended me for the head coaching role at Newcastle Jets at just 33 years old. My time working with some of the best players and coaches in the Premier League was invaluable in shaping my approach to coaching.

What insights can you share from your experiences in the UK?

Scott Miller: Football culture in the UK is deeply ingrained—it's more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. The Premier League is a global phenomenon, vastly larger in scale than the A-League, with financial and commercial resources that drive innovation and performance.

Another key difference is the highly competitive environment. The standards are ruthless, and if you’re not up to par, you’re quickly replaced. This applies to everyone, from coaches to players and support staff. I experienced this firsthand, often finding myself as the cultural link between outgoing and incoming managers due to my role as a central figure in the club's operations.

The financial resources available in the Premier League also allow for greater opportunities for coaches to build sustainable careers. The remuneration packages are significantly different compared to the A-League, providing a stable foundation for those working in football.

You are now the Chief Commercial Officer at iReel. How did that transition come about?

Scott Miller: Coaching has been a significant part of my life since I was 24, but after nearly two decades, I felt the need for a new challenge. I wanted to innovate, develop new skills, and contribute to a space that is pioneering and future-focused. The opportunity to join iReel came at the perfect time.

James Doyle, the founder of iReel, reached out to me, and knowing him for some time, I was excited to join the venture. iReel is at the forefront of Gen AI in sports, and the chance to build technology that can transform the sporting industry was too good to pass up. It’s a different kind of challenge but one that’s equally rewarding.

Why would you recommend a career in sports technology for post-playing careers?

Scott Miller: Sports technology offers a unique opportunity for players looking to transition after their playing careers. The skills developed in sports, such as communication, leadership, and performance, are highly transferable to the tech space.

The sports tech industry allows you to stay involved in the sport while also building its future. Unlike coaching or analysis roles that are often dependent on performance results, a career in sports tech lets you create something from the ground up. It's a powerful and fulfilling path that I highly recommend to anyone looking to stay connected to sports in a meaningful way.

For full information on iReel and to contact the team, you can do so here.

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Brisbane Roar have collaborated a new partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), who will join the club as a Platinum Partner for the 2024/25 season.

CSQ, dedicated to training and developing the Queensland building and construction industry, is focused on inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in construction.

By partnering with Brisbane Roar, CSQ aims to engage with passionate young football fans and introduce them to the exciting opportunities within the construction industry.

This collaboration will be highlighted through CSQ’s sponsorship of the half-time heroes activation at both A-League Men’s and A-League Women’s matches.

Brisbane Roar CEO and Chairman, Kaz Patafta expressed his excitement for the future with this partnership.

“Brisbane Roar are delighted to welcome Construction Skills Queensland on board for the upcoming season as an official Platinum Partner," Patafta said in a club statement.

"We’re very thankful to the CSQ team for supporting our club and look forward to growing this partnership over the next year.”

CSQ CEO Geoff Clare emphasised the importance of the partnership in extending the reach of their Construction Pathways campaign, which has primarily targeted high school students.

“We have been busy spreading the word about careers in construction through programs and campaigns targeting high schoolers and their teachers and families,” Clare said in a statement.

“It is exciting for us to broaden the reach of Construction Pathways messaging to include the younger fan base and young families through Brisbane Roar.

“We see great synergies between the dynamic energy of the game and the unparalleled opportunities to progress in a successful construction career.

“There has been a real shift in how construction is viewed by the community, with more smart young people choosing construction as their first choice after school.

“Conversations and opinions about future careers are happening from an early age and we are excited to be able to spark some new thinking about construction in young Roar fans.”

Brisbane Roar are always one of the busiest clubs in the A-Leagues in regards to their business dealings and they have expanded their corporate portfolio yet again.

This partnerships also provides a unique opportunity to engage their younger fanbase, offering them valuable insights into the construction industry while leveraging CSQ's extensive national reach.

The post Brisbane Roar confirm deal with CSQ for 2024/25 season appeared first on Soccerscene.

Macarthur FC confirmed a new two-year partnership with SipEnergy, who will serve as the official front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Macarthur FC as the club continues to build its success both on and off the field.

The alliance between Macarthur FC and SipEnergy, a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions, reflects a shared commitment to innovation, community engagement, and excellence.

Throughout the season, SipEnergy will be offering a variety of promotions and opportunities exclusively to the Bulls' members and fans.

For the 2024/25 season, SipEnergy is offering an exclusive 15% discount on all solar systems to Macarthur FC members and fans, applicable to residential, commercial, and industrial installations.

The Bulls’ dedication to renewable energy, including several major commercial projects completed with SipEnergy, made this partnership a natural fit, promoting solar and battery solutions.

Macarthur FC’s Group CEO, Sam Krslovic expressed his enthusiasm about the new partnership.

“We are thrilled to bring SipEnergy on board for the next two seasons,” Krslovic mentioned in a club statement.

“Having SipEnergy as our front of shirt partner for the upcoming seasons is a testament to the strength and ambition of our club working for and giving back to our community. We look forward to a successful journey together over the next two years.

“Macarthur FC would like to thank SipEnergy for their commitment and investment in the future of the Macarthur Bulls.”

SipEnergy’s branding will be featured on Macarthur FC’s playing kits starting with the 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

SipEnergy Director, Nicholas Sipple spoke about the importance of connecting with the club and local community with the partnership.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Macarthur FC as a proud new sponsor, as SipEnergy is committed to supporting the growth of this incredible Football Club,” said Sipple in a statement.

“At SipEnergy we strongly believe in the power of sport, particularly in how football brings communities together. SipEnergy are excited for the opportunity to educate the club’s members and fans of the benefits of how renewable solar electricity and batteries can bring substantial savings on power bills.

“SipEnergy aims to not only give back to the community but also to protect our environment.

“SipEnergy can’t wait to begin this journey with Macarthur FC and contribute to its success on and off the field.”

This partnership is a major win for the Bulls, securing a top-tier front-of-shirt sponsor while also offering fans valuable discounts on energy solutions.

The alignment of shared values between both parties makes this a perfect match, providing exactly what the club needs to strengthen its corporate portfolio off the pitch.

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