Aston Villa signs kit agreement with Adidas for 2024-25 season

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Aston Villa have signed a lucrative new kit agreement with Adidas, taking over from Castore next season.

Villa are now in their second season with British company Castore, having signed a multi-year contract in 2022, but will switch to the heavyweight German manufacturer in 2024/25 after reaching a long-term agreement.

Adidas will provide uniforms for Villa’s men’s and women’s teams, as well as academy sides, under the terms of the agreement.

Villa, whose Egyptian co-owner Nassef Sawiris controls around 7% of Adidas, has been considering ending their relationship with Castore since early in the 2023-24 season.

The manufacture swap, arranged by the club’s head of commercial operations, Chris Heck, follows reservations from the players over this season’s ‘wet-look’ Castore jersey.

Members of Villa’s men’s and women’s teams complained that the jerseys had gotten too heavy during matches, weighting them down and potentially affecting performance.

The shirt controversy began in pre-season, when players complained that the jersey, which was comprised of 90% polyester and 10% elastane, was “saturated” and incapable of absorbing perspiration effectively. Last month, Villa took delivery of new shirts from Castore which the manufacturer hoped would not have the same saturation issue. It has been less prevalent as the weather has grown colder.

It is unclear whether the contract was originally supposed to expire at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, or if Villa used a get-out option in the contract, as rival Premier League side Newcastle United did earlier this season.

Newcastle have said they will return to Adidas for the 2024-25 season, having previously collaborated with Castore since the start of the 2021-22 season.

Aston Villa currently sit third in the Premier League with two points behind leaders Liverpool, their next game will be a home game against Newcastle and will wear the Castore kits for the remainder of the season.

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Football SA commits to quality with TigerTurf partnership

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An industry leader in synthetic pitches and sports surface technology, TigerTurf will now team up with Football SA as a Preferred Supplier of Synthetic Pitches.

Supporting growth on and off the pitch

A key issue facing many clubs and districts across Australia’s football landscape is facility access.

Sharing venues and pitches with other winter sports restricts not just playing time, but pitch quality when access becomes available.

But with TigerTurf’s expertise, built over the course of 40 years in the industry, footballers in South Australia will now see the installation of quality and durable synthetic pitches designed to support their footballing journey.

“Football continues to experience strong and sustained growth across South Australia, and with that growth comes an increasing need for high-quality, sustainable and accessible facilities,” explained Football SA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Carter.

“Our role at Football SA is to support clubs not only on the field, but also in ensuring they have the infrastructure required to grow their communities and deliver football for generations to come.”

Furthermore, TigerTurf Australia General Manager, Travis Knight, also commented on the organisation’s mission to players and people across communities in South Australia.

“At TigerTurf, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy safe, reliable and high-quality spaces to play,” Knight said via press release.

“This partnership allows us to work alongside Football SA to create inclusive facilities that encourage more people to participate, stay active and feel part of the football community.”

 

Responding to participation

Football continues to be Australia’s most participated team sport. According to Football Australia, roughly 1.93 million people enjoy the beautiful game within clubs, schools, social settings and futsal.

In South Australia alone, 2024 saw total participation reach 126,934, emphasising the need for widespread facility access.

Thus, TigerTurf’s role in the industry goes far beyond pitch installation. Through its partnership with South Australia, they are ensuring current players can continue to develop as players, while also building strong foundations for future generations.

All-year-round access, reductions in weather cancellations, and long-term planning opportunities mean that synthetic pitches are a valuable investment.

And, partnered with the industry knowledge of TigerTurf, Football SA can expect this investment to return ten-fold in the form of participation, growth and community spirit.

Football NSW celebrates volunteers across football community

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As National Volunteer Week gets underway from 18-24 May, Football NSW are championing the people who dedicate their time and efforts to supporting all across the football landscape.

Essential to sports

According to the Federal Government’s Australian Sports Commission, there are roughly 2.9 million Australians per year who give their free time and energy to sports across the country.

They are critical to the continued growth and culture of sports nationwide, especially within the football community.

Which is why, during National Volunteer Week, it is so important to recognise the contributions made by the people who uphold the game we love week-in week-out.

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, commended volunteers in New South Wales and highlighted the vital role they play in the sport across the state.

“Football in New South Wales simply does not exist without volunteers,” Tstatsimas stated via press release.

“They are the heartbeat of our clubs and competitions, and their contribution is felt in every match played across the state each weekend.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the time, passion and dedication they bring to the game.”

 

Supporting operations behind-the-scenes

Volunteers, despite their fundamental role in the grassroots game, often go unseen in the chaos and excitement of a matchday.

But, as Football NSW emphasises, their responsibilities and contributions are wide-ranging leading up to fixtures to ensure players and supporters alike experience the best of grassroots football.

“Week in, week out, these dedicated individuals ensure football continues to thrive across the state, coaching junior teams, refereeing matches, managing squads, running canteens, preparing fields, coordinating fixtures and supporting clubs in countless behind-the-scenes roles,” Football NSW said via press release.

So this week serves as an important period to recognise the backbone of local football communities not only in New South Wales, but all states across the nation.

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