Premier League club to build purpose-built women’s stadium

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Image credit: Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion announced yesterday plans to construct the first purpose-built women’s stadium in the UK and Europe, aiming for opening in the 2030/31 season.

A landmark moment

Part of a ‘built for her’ drive, the stadium will join the CPKC Stadium (home to the Kansas City Current) and Denver Summit’s planned stadium as one of three purpose-built stadiums across the globe.

Furthermore, the venue, located next to the Amex Stadium, will provide a variety of bespoke facilities designed to support female athletes, staff and supporters within the club. From pitch standards to performance preparation and recovery, facilities will fit around the athletes – not the other way around.

Women’s Managing Director, Zoe Johnson, commented on the importance of the planned development.

“The prospect of a bespoke stadium, built exclusively for women’s players, staff and supporters, is incredibly exciting,” Johnson said via official media release.

“It will help us push forward our ambitions to compete consistently both domestically in the Women’s Super League, and also in European club competition, while helping us to attract key staff and grow a passionate fan base.”

A step forward for Brighton’s women’s team, but also an exciting vision of the future of the women’s game across the world.

 

‘Built for her’

The stadium plans reflect an important distinction that the women’s game in the UK is not just ‘in development’, but a powerful, valuable and successful asset in its own right.

By constructing a home specifically designed not only to host football matches, but to welcome female athletes, staff and supporters, Bright & Hove Albion will hopefully encourage many more across the UK, Europe and beyond to do the same.

This is a stadium built on ambition and commitment to the women’s game.

“A stadium ‘built for her’ is an ambitious statement of intent – it’s an exciting commitment and will establish Brighton & Hove Albion  on the global map as a genuine home for the women’s game,” outlined Chair of Albion Women, Michelle Walder.

“Delivering these plans is central to accelerating the long-term growth of our women’s team and the future of the wider game.”

Moreover, as the 10,000 capacity stadium will link with the existing Amex Stadium through a new bridge link, both venues will grow more connected in operations and on matchdays, while still maintaining unique identities and fan demographics.

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Soceroos and Matildas sue Football Australia over financial dispute

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Image Credit: Football Australias

Players of the Socceroos and Matildas have launched legal action against Football Australia over a multi-million dollar dispute relating to their revenue-sharing agreement in the NSW Supreme Court.

According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), are enacting on behalf of the players and are understood to be pursuing a seven figure claim.

The PFA is expected to argue the revenue-sharing agreement between the governing body and national team players is not being fulfilled properly.

The PFA is yet to comment.

But the FA has acknowledged the legal dispute, claiming it is in relation to, “a third party in connection with a separate matter currently being conducted before the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC)”.

‘The Supreme Court’s role is limited to the subpoena process, and its involvement ends once that process is complete,’ an FA spokesperson said.

‘As the NDRC matter is ongoing and subject to confidentiality obligations, Football Australia will not comment further,’ they stated.

In 2023, a collective bargaining agreement was signed between the players’ union and FA. It gave the Socceroos and Matildas stars a portion of the national teams revenue which contributes up to half of FA’s overall earnings.

Additionally, the agreement included incentives for players and FA to work together, allowing both sides the chance to reap even larger rewards.

Registration fees or sponsors for programs that fund grassroots football are strictly prohibited in relation to the players’ cut of revenue. 

However, as long as it relates to the national team the players receive an 18-20 per cent portion of all relevant finances. This could include ticketing, kit sales, broadcast or sponsorship contracts. Through the CBA this money makes its way back to the players.

Matildas icon Lisa De Vanna, who played 150 times for the national team from 2004-19 has already made her opinion heard on there lawsuit via X.

“1 of the best-paid teams in the world, w best elite environments: 40 personal staff,business flights,5 star hotels, private chefs N baristas n still not happy,” she said.

“Instead of knocking game when it’s at its lowest, maybe play for pride n not greed.”

The disagreement comes just before the Socceroos head to the Middle East during the November international break.

With the squad set to be announced later this week, the ill-feeling between players and the governing body will hopefully remain separate from the performances on the pitch.

WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

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Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

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