Arsenal teams up with NTT DATA for digital transformation

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Image credit: Arsenal FC website

Arsenal Football Club has unveiled a transformative multi-year alliance with NTT DATA, a global frontrunner in digital business and IT services.

NTT DATA acts as the technology partner for prominent global sporting events, such as The Open Championship and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. By utilizing real-time data analysis, AI, digital twin technology, and Private 5G, it enhances fan engagement by bringing them closer to their heroes and key moments whether from home, online, or in future stadiums.

This collaboration will seek to revolutionise the way the club’s estimated 600 million global supporters connect with their team.

As digital engagement transforms the sports industry, football clubs are swiftly adopting technology to improve fan experiences and fuel growth.

The partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for the sports industry, which is swiftly adapting to shifting fan expectations and technological progress. As the global sports market is expected to exceed $996 billion by 2028, clubs are increasingly adopting digital solutions to improve fan engagement, increase revenue, and secure a competitive advantage both on and off the field.

The partnership will enable NTT DATA to offer data analytics tools, machine learning, and real-time integrations, allowing Arsenal FC to develop a richer and more personalised supporter experience with tailored content for their global communities.

Supporters will also benefit from enhanced features across the Arsenal ecosystem, including exclusive insights, promotions, and offers from the club and its partners.

Arsenal FC Chief Commercial Officer, Juliet Slot, expressed her excitement about the deal and strengthening their connection to the supporters.

“We’re excited to welcome NTT DATA as our first Official Digital Transformation Partner. Our ambition is to strengthen our connection with our supporters around the world so that we can serve them better,” she said via press release.

“Enhancing our digital capabilities is an essential part of this journey where through service and connection to supporters we are able to drive forward our performance and our growth.”

CEO of NTT DATA in the UK and Ireland, Niccolo Spatoro, added further comments regarding the deal.

“Arsenal is one of the most recognised football clubs in the world. Its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to supporters is pioneering and its goal of placing people at the heart of innovation aligns with NTT DATA’s core values and approach to business,” she said via press release.

“We look forward to partnering with Arsenal, using our expertise to deliver the digital transformation that helps Arsenal create truly remarkable experiences for its supporters worldwide.”

A-League and NPL clubs have been no strangers to deals similar to this one, and considering the day and age, it wouldn’t be surprising if we were to see more collaborations with technology companies to further advance Australian football in that industry.

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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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