Football NSW strengthens board with two new appointments

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Football NSW has confirmed the appointment of two new Directors to its Board, welcoming Strebre Delovski and Dr. Neil Gibson to the organisation.

Strebre Delovski, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most accomplished referees, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Having officiated at international, national, and state levels, Delovski’s contributions to football extend beyond refereeing. He has previously served as National Director of Referees at Football Australia and was Chief Executive Officer of Wollongong Wolves Football Club until April this year. Currently, Delovski holds the position of Deputy Executive Director at the Master Builders Association of NSW, and his leadership experience in both football and business is expected to be a significant asset to Football NSW.

Dr. Neil Gibson also joins the Board with extensive leadership and academic experience across the professional sports, higher education, and government sectors.

Known for his ability to develop successful business strategies and lead teams to achieve shared goals, Gibson is currently Project Director for the redevelopment of an Olympic Legacy site for Blacktown City Council.

His previous roles include Head of Performance for Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian FC, as well as consultancy work with the Scottish Football Association, the English FA, and other sporting organisations.

Football NSW Chair, Gilbert Lorquet, discussed the importance of these two appointments for the future of NSW Football.

“To have the high calibre of both Strebre Delovski and Dr. Neil Gibson added to our current Football NSW Board only further strengthens our position in various areas to help continue developing our sport across the state,” Lorquet said in a statement.

“Both bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organisation that can only bode well in assisting with the well-being and growth of Football NSW.”

These appointments are expected to strengthen the leadership team at Football NSW as the organisation continues to grow and develop the sport across the state.

According to their 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, the main targets by NSW Football would certainly be participation rates in grassroots football and improving academies to produce top level talent for the national teams (Aim to average 45% selection for national teams of all ages). These appointments will attempt to turn these into reality.

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New Vodafone & UEFA Partnership Secures Growth for Women’s Football

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Vodafone has announced a partnership to sponsor the UEFA women’s international and club soccer competition, as well as to become an official partner of the UEFA Champions League.

The deal renews a partnership that first started in the late 2000s, where Vodafone was an official partner of the Champions League between 2006 and 2009.

The company will sponsor the UEFA Women’s Champions League, UEFA Women’s Euros, UEFA Women’s Nations League, and some other international competitions until 2030. 

Vodafone has networks in important European soccer markets, such as the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as partnerships in countries including France, Italy and Spain. 

Included in the service will be Wifi hotspot zones and a dedicated customer service deck in selected venues during the competition season. Another feature of the service will be an opportunity to win match tickets. All of these features will provide a beneficial marketing opportunity for Vodafone. 

Guy Laurent Epstein, UEFA’S executive director of marketing spoke about the alignment amonsgt both parties. 

“We are delighted to welcome Vodafone as a sponsor of UEFA Women’s Football and a UEFA Champions League Licensee,” he said in a press release. 

“Vodafone’s strong track record in supporting sport, coupled with their commitment to innovation and inclusion, aligns seamlessly with our ambition to grow the game at every level. Together, we look forward to creating impactful and engaging experiences that bring fans closer to the sport they love.” 

Nadine Kessler, UEFA’s women’s soccer director shared an excited sentiment regarding the new deal.  

“The meteoric rise of the women’s game, highlighted by the record-breaking success of this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro is undeniable, and it continues to attract some of the world’s most recognisable brands eager to be a part of this groundbreaking moment.” Kessler said in a press release. 

This partnership will likely be beneficial for both Vodafone and the UEFA women’s competition, as it will provide ample marketing opportunities and exposure for Vodafone, whereas Vodafone will supply financial backing, improved stadium experiences for fans, and overall elevating the women’s game.

Bentleigh Greens SC Strike Deal with Local Brand Inner Athlete

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Bentleigh Greens SC have announced a partnership with Inner Athlete as the club’s new sponsor after the JGNPL (Junior Girls National Premier League) season has concluded.

Inner Athlete is a gym who specialises in strength & conditioning training, injury rehab, and youth athlete development to help young athletes aged 10-18 years to move better in their respected sprots, as well as perform at their best.

Bentleigh Greens SC President, Abraam Gregoriou stated the reason they partnered with Inner Athlete is their recognition of young female athletes who require a tailored program to improve strength, increase recovery times and above all prevent injury.

“Inner Athlete are a trusted partner already, so it was a no brainer to pursue that relationship in season 2026,” he said to SoccerScene.

“Bentleigh Greens believes the women’s game can thrive but only if we invest in our female football players at all ages and that includes in programs that Inner Athlete provides.”

To celebrate the new sponsorship, Inner Athlete are offering Bentleigh Greens SC members free discovery calls to see what program is right for them.

They are also delivering a special program during the Term 3 school holidays (22 Sept – 4 Oct), JGNPL players can bring a teammate to a free training session at Inner Athlete.

The gym caters to all sportspeople from all levels under pro-leagues, with Inner Athlete training and mentoring young athletes who can later enrol in major sports programs like Football Victoria Academy, which Inner Athlete and Football Victoria are partnered.

Bentleigh Greens SC announced this week an investment of $2.4 million through federal, council and themselves funding to build a brand-new pitch at the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex for the purpose of developing women’s football in the area.

Now with the sponsorship news, it shows Bentleigh Greens SC is wanting to boost women’s sports, including their girls soccer teams, by partnering and engaging with parties who share the same values.

In the middle of the year, Bentleigh Greens U15 Girls head coach, Matt Crawford was interviewed on the Inner Athlete podcast where they shared their experience coaching young women soccer players.

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