Western Sydney Wanderers strike deal with MKJ Projects who will sponsor Pre-Academy program

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Image credit: Western Sydney Wanderers FC

Western Sydney Wanderers announced a partnership with MKJ Projects to sponsor the Club’s Pre-Academy Development Program at Wanderers Football Park.

MKJ Projects will be presented on the front-of-shirt, in a program designed to advance the skills of 6 to 12 year old players, with the program open to both boys and girls wanting to develop their football skills under the guidance of the Western Sydney Wanderers Academy coaches.

The program aims to build on the skills that players already possess, while teaching them new skills and techniques to improve their game based on the Club’s highly regarded coaching curriculum.

MKJ Projects are a building and renovation company based in Sydney, that specialise in ensuring quality and affordable building options are available.

The company sponsors the Penrith Panthers in the NRL and are now moving towards football with the vision to improve the grassroots game in Western Sydney by helping out this program.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson thanked MKJ Projects for their support of the expanding program.

“We would like to thank Michael and his team for their support of our ever-expanding Pre-Academy Development Program which has gone from strength to strength since launching,” Hudson said in a statement.

“It the opportunity for youngsters from all over Western Sydney to train in a safe and enjoyable environment, as well as being mentored from highly qualified Academy coaches.”

MKJ Projects Managing Director & Founder Michael Jones discussed the company’s goal to help support and improve the pathway program for the Wanderers.

“MKJ Projects are thrilled to be part of the Western Sydney Wanderers community,” Jones added via media release.

“MKJ Projects are passionate around grassroots football and are excited to be a part of developing the next generation of Socceroos and Matildas.”

The Wanderers are a leader in academy programs in the country, with all ages, socio-economic groups and genders accompanied in a bid to follow in the footsteps of Adelaide United and the Mariners who have made a big profit off academy players.

Both companies have visions of excellence and quality which will help them develop an academy system that is currently producing fantastic talent.

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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
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

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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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