Datacord secures agreement with Football South Australia

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Image credit: Football South Australia

Football South Australia has secured Datacord, South Australia’s leading provider of photocopiers, printers, and document solutions, as the new naming rights sponsor of the Collegiate Soccer League (CSL) Division 1.

Initially an inter-college league, the CSL has expanded to include a diverse range of clubs, alongside its established universities, colleges, and schools. The agreement with Datacord highlights a significant business milestone and strengthens community engagement in South Australian football, bolstering the sport’s foundation from the grassroots level.

Datacord’s involvement represents more than a commercial alignment, it’s a shared commitment to supporting grassroots football and strengthening local communities. By aligning with the CSL, Datacord reinforces its reputation not only as a trusted technology provider but also as an engaged local business invested in South Australia’s sporting and social fabric.

Football South Australia believes this collaboration marks a significant step forward in its mission to develop sustainable football pathways and deliver value-driven opportunities for players, clubs, and partners alike.

Datacord Managing Director George Koutsoubis shared his pride in supporting and connecting with a thriving football community.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Football South Australia and support the growth of the game — especially at the grassroots level. Football brings people together, and Datacord is proud to stand alongside Football SA as a true community partner,” he said via press release.

Football South Australia CEO Michael Carter expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Datacord.

“We are pleased to welcome Datacord into the Football South Australia family. Their values and commitment to community align perfectly with our mission to grow and support the game across all levels,” he echoed similar sentiments via press release.

CSL Executive Board Member Kenny Osborne also expressed his excitement about the positive impact this collaboration will have on the league.

“This partnership with Datacord is a fantastic step forward for the CSL. It represents the recognition of the important role community football plays in the sporting landscape of South Australia. We look forward to a vibrant future together, underpinned by shared values and mutual support,” aligning with the views of Carter and Koutsoubis, Osborne highlighted via press release.

This collaboration showcases Datacord’s strong presence and leadership in South Australia, while also underscoring a mutual commitment to fostering the future of football through shared values of teamwork, passion, and purpose.

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Borussia Dortmund & Vodafone launch ‘Fan Mode’ to keep supporter attention on the pitch

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Borussia Dortmund have launched ‘Fan Mode’, a new initiative aimed to incentivise supporters to put their phones away and live in the moment while supporting their side at home matches.

Dortmund have paired with club sponsor Vodafone, with the program in use from Saturday’s 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Under the initiative, fans can activate ‘Fan Mode’ within the Borussia Dortmund app – in a manner similar to flight mode – before locking their phone as the action kicks off. From there, time spent inactive on their phone during play equates to points, which in turn sees fans in the running for prizes – including autographed jerseys and fan shop gift cards.

‘With Vodaphone, we have a partner who not only understands what technology is capable of, but also when it should take a back seat,’ said Dortmund CEO Carsten Cramer.

‘Here, a global technology company is specifically using its innovative strength to protect the experience that no technology can replace.

‘Fan Mode sends a powerful message. Over 81,000 people in the stadium, singing, cheering, and holding their breath together: this here and now is irreplaceable.’

The move comes following a 2023 survey conducted by Vodafone themselves, which showed 63 percent of general football fans regularly use their smartphones during matches but simultaneously, listed an increase in social media, selfies and streaming at the football as an annoyance.

‘Anyone at a soccer game should experience the moment and the emotions – not just a cell phone screen,’ said Marcel de Groot, CEO of Vodafone Germany.

‘Let’s leave our smartphones in our pockets more often at the stadium and instead focus on what’s happening on the field and in the stands.’

Partaking in the initiative is completely voluntary, as is the claiming of any points or prizes.

Dortmund, managed by Niko Kovac and currently second on the Bundesliga table, led the Bundesliga’s average attendance for season 2025/26 with just under 80,000.

Their ‘Yellow Wall’ – the supporters in the Südtribüne, or South End of Westfalenstadion (known commercially as Signal Iduna Park) – are widely considered among one of the iconic sights of global football fandom.

Victorian football clubs eligible for $5,000 anti-racism grants

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Business and Community Sport Flood Recovery Grants
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Football Victoria clubs can now apply for grants of up to $5,000 as part of a new initiative to improve cultural safety, inclusion and anti-racism within their communities.

The Set The Standard Club Grants program has opened applications for eligible Victorian community sporting clubs. Up to 50 grants of $5,000 (excluding GST) are available through the initiative.

The funding is designed to help clubs turn anti-racism education into practical action. It supports projects that make football environments more welcoming and inclusive for players, families, volunteers and supporters.

Potential initiatives include multicultural or First Nations artwork, uniforms that better accommodate cultural and religious requirements, and more representative club marketing materials. Furthermore, clubs can offer additional racial literacy training for players and club leaders.

Before applying, clubs must complete the free Set The Standard anti-racism training delivered by Reflect Forward. The 60-minute program is designed for committee members, coaches, team managers, match-day officials and other club leaders. It provides practical tools to recognise and respond to racism.

Eligibility requirements include affiliation with one of the participating state sporting associations, including Football Victoria, and a valid Australian Business Number, either directly or through an eligible auspice organisation. Metropolitan clubs must have at least five representatives complete the training. However, regional clubs participating in designated collaborative sessions can qualify with at least one trained representative.

An online information session covering eligibility, eligible activities and the application process is scheduled for 29 October 2026, from 7pm to 8pm.

The grants form part of a broader Victorian initiative involving seven state sporting associations and VicHealth. This initiative aims to prevent and reduce racism in community sport.

Football clubs interested in applying can find eligibility requirements, grant guidelines and application details through the Set The Standard Club Grants website.

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