AFC sign a deal with Earthlink for AFC Asian Qualifiers

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Image credit: AFC website

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed Earthlink, a telecommunications provider, as an Official Regional Partner for the AFC Asian Qualifiers Road to 26.

This sponsorship covers key AFC Asian Qualifiers Road to 26 matches in Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, and Kuwait.

As part of the collaboration, Earthlink will work closely with the AFC to deliver unique fan activations during home matches in Iraq, as the Lions of Mesopotamia strive to secure their place at the global stage.

The partnership was confirmed during a meeting held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where representatives from Earthlink, including CEO Dr. Alaa Jasim, met with AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John.

Both parties emphasised their shared commitment to utilising the partnership to achieve mutual objectives and enhance the fan experience across the MENA region.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John expressed his excitement about the collaboration.

“The AFC is delighted to welcome Earthlink as an Official Regional Partner of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26, which is a clear reflection of the world-class appeal and stature of the AFC’s national team competitions,” John explained in an AFC statement.

“The expanded and revamped format has undoubtedly paved the way for greater engagement in more territories than ever before and we thank Earthlink for sharing our belief in Asian football, and we look forward to strengthening our ties to create more lasting memories for the passionate fans across the MENA region.”

Earthlink CEO Dr. Alaa Jasim also shared his thoughts on the new partnership.

“We are happy with this partnership, and we are looking forward to continue supporting the Iraqi national team for what it represents for us as Iraqis, which is an icon and symbol that we all rally around and a source of joy in the hearts of the people,” Jasim said in a statement.

“Our link-up with the AFC is part of Earthlink’s strategy that aims to support and empower youth in related sectors, including sports. The sponsorship with the AFC complements Earthlink’s initiatives in supporting Iraqi sports, and we have confidence in the team that will continue to represent Iraq in the best way and honour Iraqi football all the way to the World Cup Finals.

“We thank the AFC for being one of our international partners, and I express my gratitude for the warm reception at this great establishment.”

It is always a positive to see a large company partner with a football federation to innovate fan activations and improve the experience during matchdays.

This is certainly a first for the AFC, the Iraq National Team and the MENA region, and the success with Earthlink could spark a new way to connect to fans in stadiums.

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Queensland Government grants boosts growth and affordability

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Image credit: PxHere website

Queensland’s sporting community will benefit from comprehensive state government grants, which will help kids join local clubs, support elite athletes, and upgrade facilities.

For children

  • Access up to $200 in FairPlay vouchers per eligible child to assist with sport and recreation club membership costs.
  • Support of up to $800 is available through Emerging Athlete Pathways for athletes and officials under 18 attending state, national and international competitions.

For clubs and organisations

  • Become a registered organisation to accept FairPlay vouchers, allowing eligible children to use up to $200 towards membership, registration or participation fees.
  • Register your organisation’s competitions at state, national and international levels through Emerging Athlete Pathways to enable athlete and official funding eligibility.
  • Apply for the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund to create accessible, safe and inclusive community sport and recreation spaces.
  • Not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations can access Active Clubs funding to support volunteers and deliver flexible, safe physical activities to boost participation.

Disaster recovery

  • Eligible not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations affected by significant weather events can apply for up to $5,000 through the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program to restart operations.

Other Sports and Recreation funding sources

  • Explore funding opportunities for not-for-profit organisations through your local council.
  • Contact your state sport and recreation organisation for information about activity-specific funding options.
  • Access various funding programs for individuals and sporting organisations through Sport Australia.

Sporting clubs have always been vocal about the importance that government backing has in the upkeep of the sporting industry.

Though it will take time to see the full effect of these grants, this comprehensive list of grants shows that Queensland’s government is dedicated to supporting its sporting industry.

It’s a positive sign and hopefully, it will help increase the sporting output and relieve the financial stress for the people of Queensland. A strong sporting Queensland is a benefit for sport in the country as a whole.

Learn more here.

Major grant boost for women’s football in NSW

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NSW Government - Level the Playing Fund
Image credit: Football NSW

In a major win for women’s football growth in NSW, a $654,000 grant from the Federal Government has been awarded to support the ‘Play Our Way’ initiative for women and girls.

Football NSW’s ‘Empower Her’ project, focused on leadership, education, and inclusion for women in football, was among 120 grants awarded as part of the Federal Government’s $55 million scheme.

The grant will focus on three key areas—leadership, education, and inclusion—to attract, retain, and develop women in football. It will also support intersectional communities through initiatives like the NAIDOC Cup for First Nations youth and community sustainability efforts for priority groups via Football4All and the State Parafootball team.

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, mentioned the crucial role that the funding will have for Football NSW.

“The generous funding from the Federal Government will play a pivotal role in supporting Football NSW’s mission to expand and elevate female participation in football across the state, ensuring that more women and girls can thrive in the sport at every level,” he said via press release.

“Female football continues to soar following the incredible success of last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.

“Over the past 12 months, female participation has surged by an impressive 23%, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and opportunities for women and girls in the sport.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Federal Government for their invaluable support. This funding will help us grow and create more opportunities for women and girls to participate in all facets of football across NSW.”

Sport Minister, Anika Wells, added her comments about the Play Our Way initiative.

“Play Our way is the single biggest package for women’s sport participation and facilities ever and these 120 projects will create greater opportunities for women and girls to enjoy being physically active,” she said via press release.

“The huge response to this grant opportunity, and the range of great project ideas, show that Australian communities want to be more supportive of women and girls.”

The grants are part of the participation stream, the first funding confirmed under the Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program.

A second phase of the Play Our Way program, focused on facility grants, will be confirmed soon.

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