Burnley FC unveils first-ever VR matchday with Rezzil

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Burnley FC, in collaboration with Rezzil, the global leader in VR sports innovation, will provide fans with a groundbreaking virtual reality experience. The partnership will allow fans around the world to replicate the in-stadium atmosphere of Turf Moor from the comfort of their home during Burnley’s pre-season fixture against Lazio on August 10 2025. 

The immersive experience will give fans a virtual seat within the Turf Moor stadium. In addition, fans can expect a full panoramic pitch view, live commentary, real-time visuals, and uninterrupted viewing. This innovative platform for fan engagement will be completely free via the Premier League app on the Meta Quest VR headset. 

Supporters of the newly promoted Burnley side will be the first in history to watch their team in action using this technology. In turn, pre-season engagement will have a new benchmark going forward. 

Burnley Chairman, Alan Pace has highlighted the club’s commitment to innovation and global fan engagement through a new virtual reality initiative. 

“This partnership with Rezzil and Premier League Player allows us to share the magic of Turf Moor in a truly immersive way,” he said via Club statement.

“It reflects our forward-thinking approach to fan engagement and our commitment to global supporters. Our mission is to provide the best experiences to fans, and by entering into the world of Virtual Reality, they can get closer to the game than ever before.”

Since 2017, Rezzil has provided world-class athletes across several disciplines with elite VR training tools. With the four-year partnership agreement between Rezzil and the Premier League, the technology will extend beyond athletic training and increase global fan engagement levels.

Rezzil co-founder, Andy Etches says the collaboration marks a turning point in how fans experience the game, blending elite-level technology with immersive fan engagement.

“Our technology has long been trusted by elite athletes to sharpen performance, and now we’re using that same technology to bring it to supporters. It’s a new way to watch football; it’s like having a seat in the stands,” he said via press release.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Burnley FC and the Premier League Player to bring fans a truly next-generation football experience.”

As football continues to evolve off the pitch, innovative deals like this are the future of the sport. By combining the traditional element of spectating matches from the stands with cutting-edge technology, this collaboration marks a new era in how football is experienced.

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

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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

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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.

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