Adelaide United Extend Deal with McDonald’s Until 2028

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Adelaide United has confirmed the extension of McDonald’s Australia Ltd Platinum collaboration until the end of the 2027/28 season.

The renewed deal continues McDonald’s Australia investment in the community football scene, remaining the club’s Community Foundation Partner across the Community Clinics, Development Programs, and School Holiday curriculums.

The fast food chain will also remain as the football Club’s Supporting Partner of the United Clubs Program which supports grassroots football across South Australia.

The strategic collaboration adds to the near decade of alliance between Adelaide United and McDonald’s Australia which began in 2016.

This extended partnership is a significant milestone in Adelaide United’s commercial journey, making McDonald’s Australia one of the club’s most successful partners.

McDonald’s Australia will keep its branding on the sleeves of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s and Ninja A-League Women’s home and away kits, as well as supporting fan engagement with McDonald’s Partnership Match Days per season and family-friendly events planned for Coopers Stadium.

McDonald’s Australia Senior Marketing Director, Mary Vrancic stated how incredibly proud they were to have the partnership extended for another three seasons.

“Since 2016, we’ve worked together to build meaningful community programs that inspire young players and bring families together through football,” he said via press release.

“We’re excited to continue supporting the next generation through our clinics, development programs, and United Clubs, and we can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for this longstanding partnership.”

Adelaide United Commercial Manager, Gianluca Girolamo commented on the longstanding partnership and how the commitment of McDonald’s to stay with the club to 2028 is a fantastic endorsement.

“McDonald’s shares our vision of growing the game at every level, from grassroots to the elite. This partnership extension allows us to build on that legacy and continue delivering meaningful experiences to our community, players, and fans,” he said via press release.

MacDonald’s Australia Ltd. has joined forces with professional and local football clubs around the country, including Melbourne City FC, as well as with the A-Leagues and the Australian Professional Leagues.

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Football NSW calls on clubs to Make It Red for Heart Health Round

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Football NSW is calling on clubs and associations across the state to register for the 2026 Make It Red campaign, joining a national awareness movement aimed at reducing heart-related deaths on sporting grounds ahead of Heart Health Round on the weekend of June 5 to 7.

The campaign, developed by the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, asks sporting clubs to wear red, raise funds and build awareness around heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading single cause of disease burden and death in Australia for both men and women, and one that health authorities say is largely preventable through modifiable risk factors.

The call to action comes as the Foundation continues its work to map and register Automated External Defibrillators across NSW sporting facilities, a project that has already engaged twelve football associations and fed data into both the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM registry and NSW Health’s public AED map. The availability of a functioning, registered AED on site is among the most significant determinants of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates declining sharply for every minute without defibrillation.

Football NSW is encouraging clubs to engage with the campaign across three areas. Clubs can register for the Make It Red campaign to help fund research, education and prevention programs. Participants, particularly those aged over 35, are encouraged to seek a free heart health screening test from their local GP or enquire about hosting a Heartbeat of Football testing day. Clubs are also urged to ensure their grounds have active, accessible AEDs in place, with guidance available through Football NSW’s Rescue Ready Guide.

The Make It Red campaign runs from June 5 to July 12, with Heart Health Round taking place across the opening weekend. Clubs can register and access participation resources at makeitred.org.

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

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This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

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