Brisbane Roar Renews Deal with Carina Leagues Club

Avatar
Image credit: IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Brisbane Roar have confirmed their renewed their collaboration with Carina Leagues Club this month ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Carina Leagues Club, located in Carina, Queensland, is a prominent sports bar and bistro recognised for its longstanding commitment to community sport. The club has a proven track record of supporting soccer and other local sporting organisations, reinforcing its role as a valued partner in the growth and sustainability of grassroots sport in the region.

Since starting as a junior football club in 1958, the club have fundraised and participated in community sports and events, advertising on their website having 130 clubs and partnerships in 2024, many of whom are local women’s sports clubs in different levels and age groups.

In 2023, Carina Leagues Club donated $1.5 million to community groups, charities and athletes as an investment into local sport.

Brisbane Roar CEO, Kaz Patafta mentioned he is grateful for the continuation of the club’s partnership.

“They are extremely passionate about their work in the community and support of female football, making this the perfect partnership for both,” he said via press release.

“With several exciting players set to join the women’s program this season and the continued leadership of head coach, Alex Smith we look forward to having Carina Leagues Club journey with us through the 25/26 season.”

Carina Leagues Club Chairman, Wade Core emphasised on building on its dedication to supporting the women’s game.

“Carina Leagues Club is proud to renew its sponsorship of the Brisbane Roar women’s team for the 2025/26 season. This continues the club’s, long standing support of female athletes in pursuit of their dreams,” he said via press release.

Research from the University of South Australia found cities and communities who host major women’s sporting event have an uptick in tourism and economic growth.

The researchers analysed Australian host cities during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, recording a generated economic impact of $1.32 billion. The semi-final between Australia and England had the largest view audience with approximately 11.2 million viewers.

The partnership began October last year with Carina Leagues Club placing in the Silver Partner tier alongside Brisbane Airport and Elite Supplements.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Football NSW calls on clubs to Make It Red for Heart Health Round

Avatar
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Football NSW is calling on clubs and associations across the state to register for the 2026 Make It Red campaign, joining a national awareness movement aimed at reducing heart-related deaths on sporting grounds ahead of Heart Health Round on the weekend of June 5 to 7.

The campaign, developed by the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, asks sporting clubs to wear red, raise funds and build awareness around heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading single cause of disease burden and death in Australia for both men and women, and one that health authorities say is largely preventable through modifiable risk factors.

The call to action comes as the Foundation continues its work to map and register Automated External Defibrillators across NSW sporting facilities, a project that has already engaged twelve football associations and fed data into both the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM registry and NSW Health’s public AED map. The availability of a functioning, registered AED on site is among the most significant determinants of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates declining sharply for every minute without defibrillation.

Football NSW is encouraging clubs to engage with the campaign across three areas. Clubs can register for the Make It Red campaign to help fund research, education and prevention programs. Participants, particularly those aged over 35, are encouraged to seek a free heart health screening test from their local GP or enquire about hosting a Heartbeat of Football testing day. Clubs are also urged to ensure their grounds have active, accessible AEDs in place, with guidance available through Football NSW’s Rescue Ready Guide.

The Make It Red campaign runs from June 5 to July 12, with Heart Health Round taking place across the opening weekend. Clubs can register and access participation resources at makeitred.org.

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

Avatar
Image credit: Football Australia

This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend