Aston Villa announces redevelopment plan for Villa Park’s North Stand

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North Stand Villa Park
Image credit: Aston Villa

English Premier League side Aston Villa has unveiled plans for the redevelopment of its home ground’s North Stand.

The plans will feature a modernising of the entire precinct surrounding the North Stand and will allow the local community to enjoy the space even outside the football season.

The plan will modernise the suburban ground, boosting the stadiums total capacity to over 50,000. Outside of football the plan will also see the stadium developed into a world class entertainment venue capable of playing host to international sports tournaments and other varied events.

Alongside the redevelopment of North Stand the club announced that they are working closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority, West Midlands Rail Executive, and Birmingham City Council to deliver a new rail station near the North entrance for fans and the wider local community.

“A fundamental part of our redevelopment plans involves the successful implementation of a modern, integrated transport strategy which substantially improves how our fans and visitors arrive and depart Villa Park,” the club said via press release.

The upgrades have come as the stadium was recently selected as a venue for the UK and Ireland’s bid to host the 2028 UEFA Euro Championship.

If the bid is successful, this would be the first time the Euros has been held in the British Isles since 1996.

Announcements and upgrades such as this are therefore going to be vital in helping Villa’s home country secure this prestigious tournament. The results of the Euro bids will be announced in October.

It is apparent that the planned upgrades to Villa Park will be of huge benefit to multiple community stakeholders not just football fans.

The upgrades will clearly be of tangible benefit to Villa supporters on game day with their match experience expected to be heightened as a result of the planned changes but if the development helps to secure the 2028 Euros the whole nation could benefit too.

Following a successful bid, the UK government has predicted that the tournament will produce £2.6bn ($5.1 billion AUD) for the nations involved with 80% of supporters expected to arrive by public transport.

This upgrade is a great example of how the development of football infrastructure can have wider community outcomes beyond the field of play. It shows that in building and improving the game, clubs are able to benefit their communities offering multipurpose facilities and greater public transport access.

Therefore, this announcement bodes well with much excitement and should be met with applause from across the community.

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Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program to aid NSW sport and clubs

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Image credit: NSW Government

The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program aims to supply Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and related equipment to sports and recreation facilities and clubs across New South Wales.

An AED is a device used alongside Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) that delivers a controlled shock to someone in cardiac arrest, enhancing their chances of survival.

About the program

The NSW Government is allocating up to $500,000 in funding for the 2024/25 Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, offering grants of up to $3,000 to eligible sports clubs and facility owners.

In 2024/25, funding will be available to applicants from the bottom five Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), as ranked by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, or those demonstrating financial hardship. This approach aims to prioritize funding for those who need it most.

Important dates

  • Program opened: 9:00am Tuesday 17 September 2024.
  • Program closing: Upon funding allocation being exhausted or by 1:00 pm on 27 November 2024 whichever is earlier.

Key objectives

The main goals of the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program for 2024/25 are:

  • To assist local sports and recreational clubs or related incorporated organisations in the most disadvantaged areas of NSW in acquiring an AED package.
  • To enhance access to these devices throughout NSW.

Funding availability

The grant amount will cover the cost of an approved AED package, up to $3,000. Applicants can apply for one AED package and are allowed only one application per financial year.

Please note that applicants who have previously received funding from the Local Sport Defibrillator Program can apply again, but they will only be funded if the program’s budget has not been fully allocated by the closing date.

Eligible applicants

Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, which can be demonstrated in one of two ways.

Option 1: Applicants can show that their primary clubhouse or facilities, or the majority of their sporting or recreational activities, are situated in an eligible postcode, defined as being within the lowest five deciles of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Socio-Economic Indexes for Australia (SEIFA). This can be demonstrated by:

  • The registered address of the applicant organisation must be within an eligible postcode.
  • Applicants must provide clear evidence that their sporting or recreational activities primarily occur at facilities located in an eligible postcode.
  • Applicants should demonstrate that the majority of their participants live in eligible postcodes.

Option 2: Applicants can present evidence of experiencing financial hardship, which can be demonstrated by:

  • providing clear evidence that they cannot meet essential club expenses or other financial obligations as they become due.

Details regarding the types of evidence required will be included in the application form and can also be found in the frequently asked questions section.

More information can be found here.

Newcastle Jets confirmed Brydens Lawyers as major partner

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Image credit: Newcastle Jets website

The Newcastle Jets have confirmed Brydens Lawyers as their 2024/25 Major Partner and Official Legal Partner.

Brydens Lawyers will be showcased on the front of the Jets’ Men’s Home, Away, and alternate jerseys, as well as on the back of the Women’s Home, Away, and alternate jerseys during the club’s 20th anniversary season in the A-League.

A top law firm in NSW known for offering Free* Legal Advice in the communities they serve, Brydens Lawyers, have been long-time supporters of local sports in the Newcastle and Hunter region for many years.

Newcastle Jets fans and members got their first glimpse of the 2024/25 season playing kits two weeks ago, as the club revealed the Men’s and Women’s Home and Away uniforms.

Principal of Brydens Lawyers Lee Hagipantelis said via press release.

“Brydens Lawyers is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Newcastle Jets as the Major Partner, affirming its commitment to supporting sport and the community in the Newcastle and Hunter region,” he said.

“The Newcastle Jets are a cornerstone of the local sporting landscape, and this sponsorship is a natural extension of Brydens Lawyers’ mission to give back to the community and encourage engagement in sport at all levels.

“We believe that investing in local sports not only promotes healthy lifestyles but also fosters a sense of unity and pride within the community. We are excited to be part of the Newcastle Jets’ journey and to contribute to their success.

“The sponsorship will provide the Newcastle Jets with essential resources to enhance their pathway and elite programs, and the supporters of the Jets, together with the broader community, will continue to avail themselves of the expert legal advice and representation that Brydens Lawyers has provided for over 50 years.”

Newcastle Jets CEO, Shane Mattiske, said via press release.

“The Club is very excited to have the support of such a preeminent Australian business and importantly an organisation that makes a significant contribution to this region here in Newcastle,” he said.

“We appreciate Lee’s and Brydens Lawyers’ support of both our Men’s and Women’s A-League teams as we enter an exciting new era at the club.

“We call on all Novocastrians to get behind the Jets with our Men’s opening game at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 19 October against Melbourne City and our Women’s home opener on November 3 at No. 2 Sportsground against the Wanderers.”

The Jets plan to unveil their 2024/25 alternate kit at a future date.

Brydens Lawyers will offer several Free Legal Advice Consultations at local Wests Club throughout the year.

For more information about the law firm, click here.

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