GIS partners with University of Newcastle to launch stadium campus in Sydney

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) has announced a landmark partnership with the University of Newcastle to launch a state-of-the-art campus in Sydney.

Sydney’s iconic sporting precinct, which is home to the historic Sydney Cricket Ground and the world-class Allianz Stadium, is set to welcome a new wave of students preparing for careers in the sports industry.

With the nation heading into a golden decade of sport in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the new campus is set to play a key role in developing the talent that will drive the industry forward.

This collaboration will offer postgraduate programs at these inspirational sporting venues as well as the University of Newcastle’s Sydney CBD campus, thanks to a partnership with Venues NSW.

The unique ‘stadium-based’ campus model of learning is based on GIS’ success of campuses including Wembley Stadium in London and Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in the USA.

The new Sydney campus will offer two master’s degrees: a Master of International Sports Business and a Master of Sports Analytics, along with a Graduate Certificate of Sports Analytics.

These programs are the first Australian university degrees with teaching from inside stadiums and are open to both domestic Australian and international students from January 2026.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for GIS and reinforces our commitment to providing world-class sports education,” said Sharona Friedman, President and CEO of Global Institute of Sport.

“By combining our global expertise with the academic strength of the University of Newcastle and the unique access to elite venues provided by Venues NSW, we are creating a first-of-its-kind learning experience for Australian students as well as producing the next generation of leaders for the ever-growing Australian sports industry.”

The Master of International Sports Business will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the global sports landscape, covering areas such as sports marketing, sponsorship, economics, sustainability, leadership, integrity and athlete management.

The Master of Sports Analytics and Graduate Certificate of Sports Analytics will focus on the use of data analytics to improve sporting performance, fan engagement, and business decision-making, one of the fastest growing areas within sport.

“We are excited to be partnering with GIS to offer these Australian-first programs which will deliver experiences far beyond the traditional classroom setting,” said Professor James Skinner, Dean of the University of Newcastle’s Business School.

“To further mark the University of Newcastle’s 60th year delivering world class education, this unique collaboration offers our students unparalleled access to international experts, hands-on experience and world-renowned facilities to set them up for successful careers in the dynamic sports sector.”

Sydney-based students will also be able to learn at GIS’ professional sports facilities around the world which in addition to Wembley Stadium and Chase Stadium also includes the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, RSC Anderlecht’s Lotto Park in Brussels, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment’s BMO Field in Toronto, and football academies in Dubai and Jamaica.

This access, facilitated in Sydney by Venues NSW, will provide students with real-world insights into the operations of major sporting venues, events and organisations as well as access to a vast network of sports industry guest speakers that has already included the likes of Socceroo and Liverpool legend Harry Kewell, former Wallabies captain James Horwill, and senior executives from Cricket Australia, Tennis Australia, AFL clubs and A League clubs.

“Venues NSW is delighted to support this partnership and contribute to the development of future sports industry leaders, as well as the sector and the economy more broadly” said Matt Hart, General Manager – Commercial at Venues NSW.

“The Allianz Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground are inspiration venues, and we are excited to provide students with the opportunity to learn in these world-class settings.”

Applications for the Master of International Sports Business, Master of Sports Analytics, and Graduate Certificate of Sports Analytics are open now. For more information about the programs and how to apply, please visit www.gis.sport.

Information session

An open evening and networking event will be held at the Allianz Stadium on Monday 12th May from 5.30pm. Register at www.gis.sport/events.

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Murray United calls Football Victoria review following wave of State League forfeits

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Image Credit: Murray United FC

Murray United has called on Football Victoria to undertake a comprehensive review of State League football after a series of fixture forfeits left the regional club questioning the integrity of the competition and the long-term sustainability of its senior pathway.

In correspondence sent to Football Victoria, Murray United outlined concerns following what it says has been an unprecedented number of forfeited fixtures during the 2026 State League season. According to the club, its senior men’s program has been impacted by five forfeited rounds, equating to 10 matches. This includes the club’s last two fixtures, significantly disrupting competition across both senior and reserve grades.

The club and its chairman Pedro Afonso, argue the consequences extend far beyond missed fixtures, affecting player development, community engagement and confidence in the State League system.

“This is extraordinary, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the integrity and intent of Football Victoria’s State League competition,” Afonso said to Football Victoria.

“This impact extends well beyond lost fixtures. It has damaged player morale, member engagement, volunteer morale, sponsorship and club revenue, and the reputation of the sport and competition itself.”

Located at the club’s $20 million facility in Wodonga, Murray United has invested heavily in creating a regional football pathway. However, repeated forfeits have limited opportunities for players, coaches and supporters to participate in home State League fixtures.

The club has hosted just three home rounds this season despite the significant investment made into facilities and matchday operations.

“Our players, coaches, members, supporters, sponsors and the sport expect a legitimate State League competition, not one regularly disrupted by forfeits,” Afonso said.

“Our confidence must be restored by Football Victoria.”

While the immediate concern centres on this season, Murray United believes the issue reflects broader structural challenges facing regional football within Victoria’s State League system. Between the north-west and south-east competitions, there are 14 divisions of State League football in Victoria.

Among its recommendations, the club has called for Football Victoria and its Football Development Committee to undertake a formal review of the State League Seven North West competition, including club compliance and the frequency of forfeits.

Murray United also questioned whether the current competition structure provides an appropriate development environment for ambitious regional clubs. The club could be promoted to division six due to a large proportion of fixture forfeits. But fearing further cancellations, the club is requesting a review to be placed in an even higher division where clubs are willing to travel to Wodonga.

“We believe we should be sensibly placed in a competition that reflects our playing standard, facilities, player and coach pathways and our ambitions,” Afonso said.

The club has requested that Football Victoria assess its senior program using grading principles similar to those recently applied within senior women’s competitions, with consideration given to placement in a competition more suited to its football program and long-term objectives.

Alongside competition grading, Murray United has proposed stronger penalties for clubs that repeatedly forfeit fixtures. Recommendations include increased financial sanctions to $2,100 for senior teams alongside a three-point deduction per forfeit and compensation for host clubs to offset matchday operating costs.

The submission also encourages Football Victoria to review minimum participation standards across State League clubs, strengthen accountability measures and examine whether the existing league structure adequately supports regional football.

Afonso believes reform is necessary to ensure regional clubs are not disadvantaged within a statewide competition.

“We remain fully committed to providing quality football opportunities for our regional members and community and have heavily invested in facilities, player and coach development and volunteers,” he said.

The club has requested that Football Victoria provide clarity on the actions it intends to take before the commencement of the 2027 season, arguing that restoring confidence in competition integrity will be critical for the continued growth of regional football.

 

Kansas City Current receive financial backing for stadium expansion

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Image credit: CPKC Stadium

The CPKC Stadium, home to NWSL side KC Current, will see a major financial injection transform its capacity from 11,500 to 18,000.

 

Leading by example

Amid the excitement, chaos and attention on the FIFA World Cup this summer, the football industry in the US has, once again, come into the spotlight.

But one story which truly represents the progress and development of football in the US is not within the men’s game, but the women’s.

Kansas City Current – a team who privately funded the world’s first purpose-built football stadium for a women’s professional team – is once again leading by example for women’s football in the US.

Only this time, their stadium plans will have the backing not just of the club, but of the Kansas City Council. A recently approved package of AUD 336 million (USD 235 million) will add 6,500 seats to the venue, an expansion which comes as a welcome development for fans who regularly fill the CPKC Stadium to capacity.

 

Big investment, fast expansion

The CPKC Stadium, however, is little over two years old, having reached its project completion in 2024. But after matches consistently sold out, expansion was always the next step in the inspirational journey of the KC Current.

Co-founders and co-owners, Angie and Chris Long, outlined what the coming investment will mean for both club and community.

“We are proud to continue investing in Kansas City’s future and grateful for the partnership that makes this chapter possible,” the Longs said.

“The success of the Current and the Riverfront benefit our entire community, and we are honoured to help create a lasting legacy for a city that has given so much to us.”

The public funding for the project takes it to AUD 2 billion (USD 1.4 billion). Such financial commitment, of course, reflects the welcome backing from the Kansas City Council.

Yet, more importantly, it shows that women’s football is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the sporting world. In just a few years, the KC Current went from a 3,200 capacity stadium to one which boasts 18,000.

Who knows, in the coming seasons, where this rapid rise will lead to next.

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