Barrow AFC invest in ground renovations

Daniel Sedlarevic04/07/2023 5:55 am03/07/2023

Image credit: Barrow AFC

EFL League Two side Barrow AFC is undergoing renovations in the UK summer on their home ground, The SO Legal Stadium.

The Club is excited to finally be able to discuss ideas for the extra seats that will be added to the SO Legal Stadium before the 2023–24 season begins.

With the assistance of Gadsden Consulting and Tape Design Ltd., the work schedule has been established with the contractors GL Events and HBP Ltd.

For more than 30 years, the family-owned consulting engineering company of Gadsden Consulting has served its customers. They are based in Barrow-in-Furness and provide a wide range of expert design solutions for various project kinds and sectors.

Choosing a local business was a wise decision by the club as it supports their own community and the operation would be run smoothly with easy access and communication from both parties.

Due to the addition of 522 additional covered seats in the stadium’s north-east corner, the away end’s capacity will rise to just under 1000 spectators.

More upgrades include installing 371 covered seats on the West Terrace for the use of home supporters, allowing more supports to attend matches.

The renovation of the stadium will increase excitement within the Barrow community, driving fans to continue supporting the club and renewing their memberships for next season. As the stadium will hold more seats, it allows the club to grow their supporter base and attract a new groups of fans.

Finally, the Steelworks End will reopen for the 2023–24 season thanks to the installation of 196 seats this summer. Elevated wheelchair bays will also be a part of these upgrades as part of Barrow’s commitment to upgrading the SO Legal Stadium’s amenities for all fans.

Barrow’s opening game of the season takes place away at Tranmere Rovers on August 6.

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

Oliver Van Bronswijk23/09/2026 6:00 pm23/09/2026

Image Credit: Shutterstock

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

Oliver Van Bronswijk23/09/2026 9:01 am23/09/2026

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.