South Australian Government to contribute $1 million for FIFA Women’s World Cup legacy

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The FIFA Women’s World Cup is getting a boost from the Malinauskas Government over the next two years to build and develop the legacy of this global event.

The South Australian Government has announced a figure of $1 million, enabling FIFA and the South Australian community to embrace the opportunities to grow grassroots football and make the most of this unique generational event. The State Government along with Football South Australia (FSA), have kickstarted initiatives such as organising an international standard Women in Leadership symposium which is going to be held during the world cup next year as well as, introducing football participation programs in the state.

The funding will be essential in tackling issues revolving creating environments targeted towards preventing violence against women in football along with developing and delivering participation pathways in clubs and the community.  Education programs along with public awareness campaigns regarding violence against women will be a key highlight of the funding towards improving women’s football in the state. The $1 million funding is an addition to the $350,000 quoted for upgrades of changerooms at the Marden Sports Complex, which is one of two training sites in South Australia for visiting teams during the World Cup.

Katrine Hildyard, Minister for Sport and Racing, discussed the legacy of the World Cup via press release:

“Hosting next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup will be brilliant and will provide our State with a once in a generation opportunity to ensure an enduring legacy to advance gender equality; the Malinauskas Government is proudly committing this funding to help seize that unprecedented opportunity.”

Football South Australia CEO Michael Carter added via press release:

“On behalf of the entire football community in South Australia, we thank and congratulate the State Government for their support of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Partnering with us to deliver great outcomes for the community will have a positive impact for women and girls. Funding will enable our regional footprint to grow with participation officers in the Limestone Coast, Riverland and The Iron Triangle. The impact of this will be profound.”

The funding by the South Australia government for next year’s FIFA Women’s world cup will certainly create opportunities to build and develop a lasting legacy for the women’s game and its impact on the Australian footballing landscape will be huge.

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New Vodafone & UEFA Partnership Secures Growth for Women’s Football

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Vodafone has announced a partnership to sponsor the UEFA women’s international and club soccer competition, as well as to become an official partner of the UEFA Champions League.

The deal renews a partnership that first started in the late 2000s, where Vodafone was an official partner of the Champions League between 2006 and 2009.

The company will sponsor the UEFA Women’s Champions League, UEFA Women’s Euros, UEFA Women’s Nations League, and some other international competitions until 2030. 

Vodafone has networks in important European soccer markets, such as the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as partnerships in countries including France, Italy and Spain. 

Included in the service will be Wifi hotspot zones and a dedicated customer service deck in selected venues during the competition season. Another feature of the service will be an opportunity to win match tickets. All of these features will provide a beneficial marketing opportunity for Vodafone. 

Guy Laurent Epstein, UEFA’S executive director of marketing spoke about the alignment amonsgt both parties. 

“We are delighted to welcome Vodafone as a sponsor of UEFA Women’s Football and a UEFA Champions League Licensee,” he said in a press release. 

“Vodafone’s strong track record in supporting sport, coupled with their commitment to innovation and inclusion, aligns seamlessly with our ambition to grow the game at every level. Together, we look forward to creating impactful and engaging experiences that bring fans closer to the sport they love.” 

Nadine Kessler, UEFA’s women’s soccer director shared an excited sentiment regarding the new deal.  

“The meteoric rise of the women’s game, highlighted by the record-breaking success of this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro is undeniable, and it continues to attract some of the world’s most recognisable brands eager to be a part of this groundbreaking moment.” Kessler said in a press release. 

This partnership will likely be beneficial for both Vodafone and the UEFA women’s competition, as it will provide ample marketing opportunities and exposure for Vodafone, whereas Vodafone will supply financial backing, improved stadium experiences for fans, and overall elevating the women’s game.

Bentleigh Greens SC Strike Deal with Local Brand Inner Athlete

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Bentleigh Greens SC have announced a partnership with Inner Athlete as the club’s new sponsor after the JGNPL (Junior Girls National Premier League) season has concluded.

Inner Athlete is a gym who specialises in strength & conditioning training, injury rehab, and youth athlete development to help young athletes aged 10-18 years to move better in their respected sprots, as well as perform at their best.

Bentleigh Greens SC President, Abraam Gregoriou stated the reason they partnered with Inner Athlete is their recognition of young female athletes who require a tailored program to improve strength, increase recovery times and above all prevent injury.

“Inner Athlete are a trusted partner already, so it was a no brainer to pursue that relationship in season 2026,” he said to SoccerScene.

“Bentleigh Greens believes the women’s game can thrive but only if we invest in our female football players at all ages and that includes in programs that Inner Athlete provides.”

To celebrate the new sponsorship, Inner Athlete are offering Bentleigh Greens SC members free discovery calls to see what program is right for them.

They are also delivering a special program during the Term 3 school holidays (22 Sept – 4 Oct), JGNPL players can bring a teammate to a free training session at Inner Athlete.

The gym caters to all sportspeople from all levels under pro-leagues, with Inner Athlete training and mentoring young athletes who can later enrol in major sports programs like Football Victoria Academy, which Inner Athlete and Football Victoria are partnered.

Bentleigh Greens SC announced this week an investment of $2.4 million through federal, council and themselves funding to build a brand-new pitch at the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex for the purpose of developing women’s football in the area.

Now with the sponsorship news, it shows Bentleigh Greens SC is wanting to boost women’s sports, including their girls soccer teams, by partnering and engaging with parties who share the same values.

In the middle of the year, Bentleigh Greens U15 Girls head coach, Matt Crawford was interviewed on the Inner Athlete podcast where they shared their experience coaching young women soccer players.

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