AFC approves Asian Qualifiers dates

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The AFC has confirmed new competition dates for the rest of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The second round of the Asian Qualifiers is intended to be completed by June 15, 2021. Match Days 7 and 8 will take place in March 2021 while Match Days 9 and 10 will be played in June. The final round of qualifiers will then begin in September 2021.

Both the AFC and FIFA agreed that the final round of Asian Qualifiers should be finished by the end of March 2022. The Asian and Inter-Continental Play-offs are then slated for May/June 2022.

The new dates were approved by the AFC Competitions Committee.

A bidding process for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 was also agreed upon. The hosting rights will be open to member associations in the West region of the AFC.

China was set to be the host for AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022, however the Chinese Football Association has told the AFC that it will be unable to stage the tournament. China is also due to host the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

The AFC said that it intends for the AFC U23 Asian Cup (in non-Olympic years) to be hosted by the country staging the next AFC Asian Cup. The AFC U23 Asian Cup will act as a preparatory competition for the host nation.

During the meeting the Chair of the AFC Competitions Committee, Dr. Tran Quoc Tuan thanked Qatar and the Qatar FA for successfully hosting the recent AFC Champions League (West) and for its preparations for the upcoming AFC Champions League (East).

“We have successfully completed the AFC Champions League in the West and in just a few days, we will kick-off the competition for the East region clubs. Our sincere thanks go to the Qatar Football Association and the Qatar Government as well as our congratulations to the AFC Administration,”.

“They have done an excellent job. I am sure they will build on their expertise to stage an outstanding tournament, including the Final on December 19. At all times the safety and health of all the players, teams and officials have been and remain our priority.”

The AFC Competitions Committee also confirmed that the AFC U-19 Championship, which was due to take place in Uzbekistan in October 2020 will now be played from March 3 to 20, 2021.

 

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Scalzo and Wilks Join Marconi Stallions as Back of Shorts Sponsor

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Image Credit: Marconi Stallions FC

The Marconi Stallions FC have confirmed that Scalzo & Wilks Group will be their back of shorts sponsor for their Australian Championship campaign. 

The announcement was posted on Facebook on the 10th of October, ahead of their inaugural Australian Championship match on the 12th of October against Heidelberg United FC. 

This is yet another exciting collaboration from the club ahead of the Australian Championship season, with the Marconi Stallions also posting on their Facebook a partnership with Bialetti as their front of shorts sponsor. 

“With a strong reputation built on trust, quality and innovation, Scalzo & Wilks Group joins us at a defining moment in our club’s history as we continue to build toward a new era of Australian football excellence, “ said the Marconi Stallions via social media post. 

“We’re grateful to the team at Scalzo & Wilks Group for their partnership and commitment.”

Scalzo & Wilks Group is a company based in New South Wales, who provide various concreting solutions, and have done so since 2018. 

Scalzo & Wilks Group are involved in many projects across New South Wales, ranging from residential, commercial, aged care facilities, educational, and industrial projects. 

“At Scalzo and Wilks Group, we collaborate closely with clients to achieve high-quality concrete finishes using modern equipment and expert techniques,” can be found on their website. 

Scalzo and Wilks have yet to release a statement about their partnership with the Marconi Stallions, but have previously spoken about their view on collaboration.

“We believe in building lasting relationships and creating strong foundations both on-site and with the people we work with,” therefore explaining their mindset in terms of collaboration. 

With Scalzo & Wilks and Marconi Stadium only being 30 minutes from each other, this alliance also creates a sense of community around the area, as it is a local sponsorship. 

This collaboration being so local will boost both organisations amongst the community they are located, and will therefore be a beneficial agreement to both Marconi Stallions FC and the Scalzo & Wilks Group. 

Newcastle Jets Women Secure Major Backing from nib

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Image credit: Newcastle Jets FC

The Newcastle Jets have announced nib as the new principal partner of the Club’s A-League Women’s team for the next two seasons.

The partnership marks a milestone in the promotion of women’s sport in the region by sponsoring elite female athletes and promoting active lifestyles to improve health outcomes for women.

Newcastle Jets CEO, Tain Drinkwater, expressed enthusiasm and admiration toward nib’s newfound support for women’s football.

“This is nib’s first direct investment into women’s football, and it speaks volumes about their commitment to building a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community,” she said in a press release.

“With women’s football continuing to grow across our region and the nation, this partnership is a major step forward for our club and the sport.”

Through this partnership, nib’s logo will feature across the front of our A-League women’s kits and become the official health care provider for the Newcastle Jets.

Northern NSW, including Newcastle and the Hunter Region, boasts the highest football participation per capita in Australia, with nib aiming to support community initiatives that encourage participation, inclusion, and wellbeing from the ground up.

Nib Group CEO and Managing Director, Ed Close, also spoke on how much the partnership will mean for the development of women’s sport.

“Our partnership is about investing in the future of women’s sport, supporting grassroots football, and championing better health and wellbeing for all,” he said in a press release.

“At nib, we’re proud to stand alongside these talented players as they inspire the next generation and elevate the game.

“These athletes are exceptional on the pitch; they’re role models in our community.”

Since 2022, nib has partnered with the Minerva Network to support elite female athletes through mentoring and leadership development, helping to empower them on and off the field.

Northern NSW, including Newcastle and the Hunter Region, boasts the highest football participation per capita in Australia, with nib aiming to support community initiatives that encourage participation, inclusion, and wellbeing.

The partnership between the two parties is exciting for the women’s side who get the benefit of a decent size Australian company backing the team with promotion and resources to improve them both on and off the pitch. It’s strategic from the Newcastle Jets who need to find ways to improve from their 11th place finish in 2024/25.

 

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