ANZ Invests in Auckland FC and the Future of Football

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Image credit: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com

ANZ has expanded its support for Auckland FC, stepping in as the club’s major sponsor ahead of its second A-League season.

ANZ has backed Auckland FC from the very beginning, and its increased support shows a shared goal with the club, building pride in Auckland and helping football thrive from grassroots to the elite level.

With the new agreement, ANZ’s logo will be seen on the front of the men’s and women’s kits. More importantly, ANZ will contribute to the growth of women’s football, invest in youth development, support local communities, and create better match-day experiences for families.

ANZ New Zealand Chief Executive, Antonia Watson, highlighted the vision they share with the Club to unify the city through football.

“With Auckland being New Zealand’s most diverse city, the unifying power of football was clear from day one. From hosting tailgate parties that celebrated our many cultures to lifting the Premier’s Plate, AFC’s first season was nothing short of inspiring,” she said via press release.

“At ANZ, we share Auckland FC’s vision of building pride in our city and growing the game from grassroots to elite. We’re proud to stand alongside the club as they continue to inspire the next generation and bring Aucklanders together through football.”

Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, emphasises ANZ’s deeper commitment is the natural progression of a relationship grounded in common purpose.

“From creating our Day 1 jerseys to pressing our record-breaking season onto vinyl, ANZ has been one of our biggest supporters every step of the way. Their support has gone beyond sponsorship, it’s been a true collaboration for the good of Auckland and the game,” he said via press release.

ANZ will take on the role of major sponsor for Auckland FC’s women’s team, planned to launch in 2027 (subject to A-League approval). Ahead of the team’s debut, ANZ is supporting initiatives to fast-track the growth of women’s football in New Zealand, including the opening of a Women’s Talent Development Centre this month, offering high-performance training and clear pathways for young female players.

Auckland FC has taken New Zealand by storm since its first season, driving a 50% rise in A-League viewership on Sky, leading the league in average attendance, and contributing significant economic value to the city.

The strengthened deal with ANZ builds on Auckland FC’s remarkable commercial impact since its debut, including record attendances, rising viewership, and increased economic activity further positioning the club as a key driver of sport and business growth in Auckland.

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FQ Reinstates WinterFest 2026 at the Sunshine Coast

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Image Credit: Football Queensland

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed WinterFest, the state’s premier junior football carnival, will return to the Sunshine Coast from 1 to 5 July 2026; this time at a new home in the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).

Delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast, the five-day carnival will span USC and Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC, hosting Under 9 to Under 11 Boys and Under 11 Girls teams from every corner of the state.

WinterFest is not simply a competition. Within FQ’s development framework, the carnival serves a dual function, to expose elite junior players to FQ Technical staff, whilst providing emerging referees with live matchday experience under the guidance of senior officials.

“The carnival plays an important role in nurturing not only our most promising young players, who can showcase their abilities in front of FQ Technical staff who continue to monitor their ongoing development, but also our cohort of emerging referees from across Queensland,” said Ryan Fett, FQ General Manager- Football, Infrastructure & Club Development.

The shift to USC is deliberate. FQ has signalled an intention to elevate the event experience year-on-year, and a university campus venue, with its infrastructure and capacity, reflects that ambition more than a traditional football ground would.

Beyond the Pitch

The tournament’s footprint, however, extends well beyond the pitch. With thousands of visiting families descending on the region across five days, WinterFest functions as a significant economic activation for the Sunshine Coast during what is otherwise a quieter winter period.

“WinterFest brings enormous energy to the region, the USC and Buderim fields will be buzzing and the talent on show outstanding,” said Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg.

The language- “Resilient Economy”- is worth noting. Landsberg’s portfolio title alone signals how local government now frames junior sport: not as community goodwill, but as economic infrastructure.

His reference to Brisbane 2032 made that explicit. “As we move closer to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, these experiences are invaluable for aspiring athletes and equally important for boosting local tourism and supporting our businesses during the winter period.”

Whether a regional Under 11 carnival genuinely feeds an Olympic pipeline is debatable. What isn’t is that the political incentive to frame it that way, with 2032 drawing every level of government into the orbit of sport, is very real.

Football NSW partners with Deploy for Association Championships

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Image credit: Deploy Football

In an announcement released on Thursday this week, Football NSW revealed Deploy as the Naming Rights Partner of the Football NSW Association Championships.

New competition, new talents

The Association Championships, set to take place in July 2026 at Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex in Mudgee, will replace the former Association Youth League.

Although the tournament has changed name, its purpose remains consistent: giving youth players the platform to showcase their talent on the football pitch.

In a display of unity and collective ambition, 18 Associations across New South Wales will enter representative teams, each one featuring gifted grassroots players looking to prove themselves against their peers.

“The Deploy FNSW Association Championships will provide a fantastic platform for our Associations to come together and celebrate the best of elite community football,” said Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas via official press release.

“This tournament is all about giving young players, coaches, and referees from every corner of the state a chance to shine and develop in a competitive, supportive environment.”

The partnership between Deploy and Football NSW, therefore, is not merely about a name alteration. It is a collaboration which presents future grassroots talents with a platform and opportunity to compete.

 

Built on shared values

No partnership can succeed without both parties sharing a common goal or set of values. In this case, the alliance between Football NSW and Deploy is built on a commitment to supporting grassroots football and supplying players with quality resources and experiences to showcase their talent.

“Deploy is proud to partner with Football NSW as the Naming Rights Partner of the Association Championships. Community sport plays a vital role in bringing people together and building future leaders, both on and off the field,” explained Chief Commercial Officer at Deploy, Kurt Johnson.

“As long-time partners with Football NSW, this aligns perfectly with our strategy of creating balls designed for each age and skill level of the game, ranging from junior training balls to professional match balls perfect for the competitive environment like the Association Championships.”

Furthermore, with hundreds of participants including players, referees, coaches and supporters due to attend the tournament, the partnership’s impact will extend right across the state of New South Wales.

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