Western Sydney Wanderers lock in foundation development committee

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Western Sydney Wanderers
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Western Sydney Wanderers FC have confirmed their inaugural Wanderers Foundation Development Committee.

The Western Sydney Wanderers FC’s charitable arm, the Wanderers Foundation, has established the Development Committee to support the expansion and public awareness of the club’s efforts in the Western Sydney neighbourhood.

The Wanderers Foundation was created in 2020 as a way for the team to contribute to causes that will benefit the local community, such as youth development, healthy active lifestyles, female football, multicultural engagement, supporting indigenous communities, and advocating for people of all abilities.

The Development Committee, which has members with experience in finance, insurance, and business, is tasked with upholding the governance standards of the Foundation and Australian Sports Foundation, contributing to the development of the program’s strategy and expanding upon the donor base already in place.

The committee members are:

  • David Harding: Executive Director of Business NSW
  • Lisa Vasic: Managing Director of Transaction Banking at ANZ Banking Group
  • David Borger: Executive Director of Business Western Sydney
  • Andy Cornish: Co-Founder of Larapinta Connect
  • Leigh Birtles: LGT Crestone Senior Partner

The group set to lead the committee are a suitable choice by the Western Sydney Wanderers as they cover a variety of different areas which are important in giving back to the community, as well as each individual having great experience in their position. The Wanderers are setting the foundation to be as successful as possible.

Western Sydney Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer praised the appointments of the Wanderers first Foundation Development Committee.

“It is incredible to have the support of such industry leaders on the Wanderers Foundation’s very first Development Committee,” Lederer said via press release.

“Each Committee member is of high calibre and brings a range of experience with them to help guide the future of the club’s charitable arm, we thank them for their eagerness and openness in being part of our ongoing work in the Western Sydney community.”

The Wanderers new committee will look to make an instant impact and benefit the community as much as possible.

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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

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Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier
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Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

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Image Credits: Football Australia

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

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