Major League Soccer names Campbell Snacks as official sponsor

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Campbell Snacks
Image credit: Campbell Snacks

Campbell Snacks, a division of Campbell Soup Company, has struck a deal with Major League Soccer (MLS) to be the official snack sponsor through to the 2026 campaign.

Through entertaining and interactive advertisements in stadiums across the league, retail displays and community outreach initiatives in a few markets, Campbell Snacks will be able to introduce MLS fans to brands like Goldfish crackers, Pepperidge Farm cookies, Lance sandwich crackers, Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels, Late July chips, Kettle Brand potato chips, Cape Cod potato chips, and Snack Factory pretzel crisps.

MLS EVP, Brand Alliances and Consumer Products, Carter Ladd, stated via press release:

“Campbell Snacks is home to the favourite brands of MLS fans and soccer households across America, and we look forward to collaborating with their passionate team to strengthen the relationship between their storied brands and this country’s burgeoning soccer community,” he said.

The collaboration gives Campbell Snacks brands a presence at Major League Soccer stadiums and on-site activations during popular events including the MLS All-Star game and MLS Cup. In addition, Campbell will launch community initiatives in areas and communities all throughout the league in collaboration with MLS WORKS.

“We are proud to be named official snack sponsors for Major League Soccer, the fastest growing professional soccer league in the U.S.,” Mike Pierson added via press release – Chief Customer Officer of Campbell Snacks.

“We’re thrilled to play a role in elevating the snacking experience for this loyal fan base with our diverse portfolio of brands,” he stated via press release. 

The 2023 Leagues Cup is played between July 21 to August 19 and excitement is continuing to build for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The announcement of the partnership between MLS and Campbell Snacks comes at a time when there is an abundance of momentum for soccer in North America. MLS’ 28th season is currently in progress.

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Football NSW announce price freeze for junior and youth players

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has announced a fee freeze for junior and youth community players in 2027, continuing its pledge to keep the game accessible for everyone across the state. 

In addition, senior players aged 19 and above will see their registration fee increase by just $1.50. Both junior and youth player fees will remain the same at $54.43, whilst senior members will pay $107.50.

The fee freeze highlights Football NSW’s commitment to keeping the game financially convenient for both players and families. 

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, said via Football NSW, “Football is the game of the people, and we recognise the importance of keeping participation accessible for families across our state. By freezing our registration fees for junior and youth players in 2027, we are continuing to support the next generation of footballers and help ensure that cost is not an unnecessary barrier to participation.”

The decision comes following similar price freezes at Football Queensland and Northern NSW Football in 2025. 

Despite the governing bodies acting separately, their unity on maintaining affordability throughout the game is a welcome sign. Managing to keep fees at an fair rate for families is a key component in sustaining grassroots football across the country.

“We have worked hard to manage the pressures facing the game, particularly around insurance, while ensuring Football NSW can continue to deliver the services and support our clubs, associations and participants expect,” said Tsatsimas. 

Despite the cost of living crisis, it is important that the game remains accessible for everyone. Football NSW have identified that even during tougher financial times, they can keep it that way. 

Through diligent financial handling, especially with care surrounding insurance and inflation (more of which can be read here), they are prioritising the game long-term over a short financial gain.

This fee freeze will directly impact the senior players and the families of younger members, too. The decision makes football not only more accessible, but provides more opportunities for players to strive for the highest levels of the game. 

Football Victoria demands more Victorian Government support amid grassroots boom

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Marlborough Street Reserve. Credit Football Victoria

Football Victoria is targeting Victorian Government funding for Glen Eira FC, in order to improve the club’s facilities and accommodate a recent surge in participation.

The interest and demand in football across Melbourne is ever growing, and Glen Eira FC is one such example.

Located in Melbourne’s inner south-east, the club has more than 1,100 players with nearly 95% of them aged 18 or under. In the suburb of Bentleigh alone, football participation has increased 18% alongside female engagement growing 76% in recent years.

However, at Marlborough Street Reserve, the conditions of the pitch – specifically during winter – can curb accessibility. Wet weather, non-stop usage and limited capacity make it difficult to accommodate all club members. This results in restricted training and playing opportunities.

Lachlan Cole, Football Victoria’s Head of Government Relations & Facilities, said via Football Victoria: “The story at Glen Eira FC is one we are seeing right across Victoria and specifically in Metropolitan Melbourne. Participation is growing, particularly among juniors, women and girls, but the infrastructure needed to support that growth is buckling under the weight of demand.”

To tackle this, both Football Victoria and Glen Eira FC want to convert the existing pitch to a synthetic surface and provide improved lighting for the ground. This would create a more reliable environment for players and support the growing demand for football in that community.

Speaking to Football Victoria, Glen Eira FC President Odilia Wijburg said, “A new sporting precinct with a synthetic pitch would be a game changer, providing year-round access, supporting participation growth and creating a lasting community asset that will benefit local families for generations.”

These issues are not exclusive to just Victoria, but are instead seen nation-wide. Football NSW recently pledged over AUD 200,000 to three amateur clubs to help upgrade their facilities and support the local communities.

Despite the increased interest in the game, the lack of reliable infrastructure, especially in grassroots football, leaves not only local areas without proper facilities, but creates a complicated road for young players hoping to navigate to the top of the game. 

Without the support of the Victorian Government, grassroots football could suffer an underwhelming fate. If the game is not supported from the bottom, the top might not reap the rewards of the next generation. And if that happens, alongside local communities, both the domestic leagues and the international team may suffer.

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