Auckland FC Partners with Tāmaki Health to Champion Community Wellbeing

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Image Credit: New Zealand Herald

Auckland FC have confirmed a partnership with Tāmaki Health  for the upcoming A-League season. 

Tāmaki Health will become the official healthcare partner of Auckland FC under the White Cross GP & Urgent Care, and Bettr 24/7 online healthcare brands.  

The partnership will include Tāmaki Health becoming the sponsor for the number of ball kids seen around the pitch on game day. 

Nick Becker, Auckland FC CEO spoke about the great connection both companies will have in this deal. 

“Tāmaki Health is a future focused business revolutionising the way we think about healthcare,” he said in a press release. 

“They also believe in the power of sport to unite communities as well as the obvious health benefits that come with sport and exercise. They are a perfect partner for us, and we look forward to a fruitful working relationship.” 

Tāmaki Health is one of the largest privately owned healthcare groups in New Zealand, caring for over 4,000 people everyday through their many general practice clinics, and urgent care clinics. 

Tāmaki digital online healthcare forum, Bettr, is an accredited provider of Health New Zealand’s 24/7 online GP solution. 

Dr Lloyd McCann, the CEO of Tāmaki Health (Local Doctors, White Cross & Bettr) says it is an important collaboration, as health is more than just treating symptoms, it’s about prevention.

“We believe good health is about more than treating today’s symptoms. Holistic wellness and prevention are at the heart of what we do – and staying active plays a vital role in boosting wellbeing, reducing stress, and improving our mental health. Supporting sport in our community is a natural fit with this vision,” McCann explained in a press release.  

“Auckland FC is a forward-thinking club with great energy, and we’re excited to stand alongside them in encouraging participation in sport and building healthier communities.”

The collaboration between Auckland FC and Tāmaki Health will be a positive alliance for both organisations, as the promotion of health through sport will encourage people, especially younger children to support and play the sport, and it is a great representation for both organisations to promote healthy living and good wellbeing.

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Inspiring the future of women’s football: The Growing Football Community grant now open

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Image Credit: Football Australia

Grassroots football is where the game grows. It is where players find their first team, coaches develop skills, and clubs function as part of local communities. Football Australia’s Growing Football Community Grant is designed to strengthen those foundations, with a particular focus on creating more opportunities for women and girls to play, coach and stay involved in football. The 2026/27 program is now open, and eligible clubs and associations can apply for grants of up to $5,000.

What is the Growing Football Community Grant?

The grant forms part of Football Australia’s Growing Football Fund, which was established with the support of CommBank following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 hosted in Australia. Its main goal is simple: help clubs and associations attract and retain women and girls in football. Funding can support projects that improve the experience of existing players or create new pathways into the game. It can also help clubs develop coaches and build more inclusive, safer environments.

The program is about more than getting people onto the pitch. It aims to create the conditions that encourage participants to keep coming back.

Who does it support?

The program is aimed at eligible football clubs and associations across Australia. For participants, that can mean new opportunities to play, and for coaches, it can mean better access to education and development. For clubs, it can provide practical support to remove barriers that can make participation harder.

Previous grants have supported a wide range of grassroots projects, and these have included ‘come and try’ programs, female-only football activities, subsidised registration fees, improved playing uniforms, coaching education and leadership programs. The program also has a strong regional and community focus. Football Australia says 93 of the 297 clubs supported across the first three grant rounds were from regional and remote communities.

What is the community benefit?

The biggest impact can extend beyond the individual player. A club that creates a stronger pathway for girls can help build participation across an entire community. Better coaching can improve the experience for players. More women in coaching and leadership can create new role models. Removing financial or practical barriers can also make football more accessible.

That can help clubs build stronger connections with families and their local communities. Football Australia’s stated objectives include providing quality experiences for new and returning participants, developing community coaches and helping clubs create inclusive and safe environments that support the retention of women and girls. Recent recipients show how that can work in practice. Broulee Stingrays Soccer Club is using grant funding to support a female coaching pathway in the Eurobodalla region, including subsidised coaching courses for girls from the age of 14.

How can clubs apply and key dates

Applications for the Growing Football Community grants opened on the 8th of September. The deadline is 10 pm AEDT on Tuesday the 20th of October. Clubs and associations should first review the Growing Football Community Grant guidelines and check their eligibility.

Applicants then need to develop their project and budget before completing the online application. The application asks clubs to explain how their project aligns with the program objectives, the barriers they face and how the funding will help address those barriers. Successful applications are scheduled to be announced in December, with funded projects to be delivered during 2027.

For clubs looking to grow women’s and girls’ football, the grant offers an opportunity to turn a local idea into a practical community project. The impact does not stop with one season. Stronger pathways, better coaching and more welcoming clubs can help build a football community where more women and girls can start playing, stay involved and find their place in the game.

Focus Construct moves to front of shirt as Brisbane Roar partnership grows

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Image Credit: Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar has expanded its relationship with Queensland construction company Focus Construct, with the business moving from sleeve sponsor to major partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.

Focus Construct joined the Roar ahead of the previous campaign as a Platinum Partner, with its branding appearing on the sleeves of the club’s home, away and third kits

The new agreement moves the company into the most prominent commercial position on all three men’s playing jerseys, giving the partnership a significantly larger matchday and broadcast footprint.

Roar CEO and Chairman Kaz Patafta said the expanded partnership reflected Focus Construct’s continued commitment to the club.

“Twelve months later they’ve backed that up by taking the most visible spot we have, and it tells our members and fans a lot about where this club is heading,” Patafta said.

Focus Construct CEO Todd Dunlop said the company were keen to continue supporting a club which that has a strong presence within the Queensland local footballing community.

“We wanted to show our support for a true Queensland sporting club, one with deep community roots and real pathways for local talent to succeed on the world stage,” Dunlop said.

The Bowen Hills-based construction business works across sectors including hospitality, education, sporting venues, government, community facilities and commercial developments.

The partnership also creates a natural connection between the two organisations’ involvement in Queensland infrastructure and sport, with Focus Construct having previously highlighted its interest in supporting the Roar’s development both on and off the field.

The deal gives the Roar another example of a commercial partnership growing in value over time, while providing Focus Construct with a larger platform across the club’s domestic campaign.

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