Adelaide United introduces Girls Only Junior Development Program

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Image credit: Adelaide United FC Instagram

Adelaide United confirm the launch of their Girls Only Junior Development Program which enhances the clubs commitment to nurturing young female football talent.

This new initiative is an expansion of their existing Junior Development Program and is specifically tailored to support the next generation of female players.

The program will take place at Jubilee Reserve in West Lakes and is scheduled to run from Friday, 23 August to Friday, 20 September. Over the course of five sessions, girls aged 9 to 14 will have the opportunity to develop their fundamental football skills in a dedicated and supportive environment.

The focus of the program is not just on football techniques but also on fostering personal growth, confidence, and empowerment.

Top youth development coaches from the A-League club will guide young players to excel both on and off the field, ensuring they build the skills and mindset necessary for success in both football and in life.

By expanding on its already successful Girls Only program, Adelaide United is reinforcing its dedication to providing clear pathways for young female athletes, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to reach their full potential.

Marcelo Carrusca​​​​, Adelaide United’s Head of Junior Development discussed the big potential this program has to create a simple pathway for young girls in the state.

“We are thrilled to launch this Girls Only Junior Development Program, which marks a significant step forward in our commitment to nurturing female talent,” Carrusca said in a club statement.

“This program is not just about football; it’s about giving young girls the confidence and skills they need to succeed in all areas of life. We want to create an environment where they feel empowered to reach their full potential.”

This is a fantastic initiative and has been a goal of the club for many years. With the incredible growth of the women’s game in Australia, they are focused on trying to create the best development environment in the country for local girls, similar to their extensive success with the boys program.

Registrations for the Girls Only Junior Development Program are now open through the club’s official website.

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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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