Football Australia and Allianz Australia unveil a multi-year deal

Avatar
Image credit: Brett Costello

Football Australia has confirmed a multi-year partnership with Allianz Australia to be their Official Insurance Partner.

Allianz has a strong history of supporting sports, especially football in Australia, such as having a stadium named after the insurance company in Sydney and showing support through major sporting initiatives such as the ‘Grassroots Champions’ which encourages young athletes to continue playing sport.

This agreed partnership showcases a significant investment in the ongoing growth and development of football in Australia.

CEO of Football Australia, James Johnson, commented on the collaboration with Allianz Australia:

“We are delighted to welcome Allianz to the growing Football Australia family. Their commitment to inclusivity and community empowerment mirrors our own values and vision for football in Australia. This partnership will not only provide crucial support for our national teams but also inspire the next generation of Australian talent. We look forward to a successful and collaborative partnership,” he said in a statement from Football Australia.

“Allianz joins a suite of other commercial partners who have partnered with Football Australia over the last four years. We are delighted to add another global brand to our network of strong partnerships, further enhancing our ability to grow the game and support our teams.”

Managing Director of Allianz Australia, Richard Feledy, has expressed his excitement about the multi-year partnership with Football Australia:

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Football Australia, further highlighting our global commitment to sport and the incredible value it brings to the communities in which we operate. This partnership is a natural fit for us, given Allianz’s global family of stadiums and our commitment to football internationally. We believe sport promotes diversity, supports mental and physical health, and fosters a sense of unity and belonging. Through this partnership with Football Australia, we hope to inspire future generations of footballers,” he said in an Allianz media release.

Football Australia has outlined some other key highlights of their partnership:

  • Major Branded Assets: Allianz Australia will have logo branding on the back of the training and off-field apparel for Socceroos, Matildas, ParaMatildas, and Pararoos teams.
  • Support for Para-athletes: Allianz Australia strengthens its commitment to para-athletes as the Official Partner of the ParaMatildas and Pararoos.
  • Global and Local Presence: The partnership builds on Allianz Australia’s rich history in football globally, which includes collaborations with FC Bayern and Allianz Stadium (Sydney Football Stadium). Since 2021, Football Australia’s National Teams have played 39 nations across 16 countries on four continents.
  • Inclusive, Diverse, and Accessible: According to Cultural Pulse, football represents over 200 cultures, spanning 2,300 grassroots clubs across Australia. This rich cultural diversity enhances the sport and creates a welcoming, supportive environment for players, fans, and communities.
  • Empowering Individuals and Communities: According to Cultural Pulse, football is the top sport for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia.

Furthermore, Allianz Australia will launch a major marketing campaign for Paris 2024 ahead of the Matildas’ opening Olympic match on July 25.

After this announcement, the partnership is bound to bring excitement to the broad Australian football community and will provide benefits to many different cultural and diverse groups to support the growth and development of the beautiful game. 

Previous ArticleNext Article

Soceroos and Matildas sue Football Australia over financial dispute

Avatar
Image Credit: Football Australias

Players of the Socceroos and Matildas have launched legal action against Football Australia over a multi-million dollar dispute relating to their revenue-sharing agreement in the NSW Supreme Court.

According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), are enacting on behalf of the players and are understood to be pursuing a seven figure claim.

The PFA is expected to argue the revenue-sharing agreement between the governing body and national team players is not being fulfilled properly.

The PFA is yet to comment.

But the FA has acknowledged the legal dispute, claiming it is in relation to, “a third party in connection with a separate matter currently being conducted before the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC)”.

‘The Supreme Court’s role is limited to the subpoena process, and its involvement ends once that process is complete,’ an FA spokesperson said.

‘As the NDRC matter is ongoing and subject to confidentiality obligations, Football Australia will not comment further,’ they stated.

In 2023, a collective bargaining agreement was signed between the players’ union and FA. It gave the Socceroos and Matildas stars a portion of the national teams revenue which contributes up to half of FA’s overall earnings.

Additionally, the agreement included incentives for players and FA to work together, allowing both sides the chance to reap even larger rewards.

Registration fees or sponsors for programs that fund grassroots football are strictly prohibited in relation to the players’ cut of revenue. 

However, as long as it relates to the national team the players receive an 18-20 per cent portion of all relevant finances. This could include ticketing, kit sales, broadcast or sponsorship contracts. Through the CBA this money makes its way back to the players.

Matildas icon Lisa De Vanna, who played 150 times for the national team from 2004-19 has already made her opinion heard on there lawsuit via X.

“1 of the best-paid teams in the world, w best elite environments: 40 personal staff,business flights,5 star hotels, private chefs N baristas n still not happy,” she said.

“Instead of knocking game when it’s at its lowest, maybe play for pride n not greed.”

The disagreement comes just before the Socceroos head to the Middle East during the November international break.

With the squad set to be announced later this week, the ill-feeling between players and the governing body will hopefully remain separate from the performances on the pitch.

WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

Avatar
Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend