Burnley FC unveils first-ever VR matchday with Rezzil

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Image Credit: Go My Media / Shutterstock.com

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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Community consultation opens for Ashburton’s Warner Reserve pavilion upgrade

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Image Credit: City of Boroondara

Community consultation has opened on the proposed redevelopment of the Warner Reserve pavilion in Ashburton. Early planning is underway to modernise the facility and improve amenities for local sporting clubs and community users.

The city of Boroondara has received $80,000 in Victorian Government funding to prepare concept designs. They will undertake community consultation as part of planning for the proposed upgrade.

While construction is currently scheduled for the 2032-33 financial year, the project could be brought forward if additional funding is secured.

The proposed redevelopment would see existing pavilion replaced with a modern facility better positioned to service the reserve. Plans include two new changerooms with toilets and showers, a multipurpose community space with a kitchen and canteen, a first aid room, umpire facilities, an externally accessible public toilet and a covered spectator viewing area.

The proposed new look pavilion at Warner Reserve. Image Credit: City of Boroondara

The concept also allows for the future addition of two extra changerooms, should participation levels continue to grow.

As part of the proposal, the existing playground would be relocated to improve visibility and open space within the reserve. Six trees identified for removal would also be replaced with new plantings elsewhere in Warner Reserve.

Residents, sporting clubs and reserve users are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposal before consultation closes on 15 September. Feedback will help refine the concept design before the project progresses to future planning and funding stages.

If delivered, the redevelopment is expected to improve facilities for local sporting clubs and community groups while providing more inclusive amenities to support growing participation across community sport.

SBS confirms exclusive Australian rights to 2030 FIFA World Cup

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Editorial credit: kovop

SBS has officially secured the exclusive Australian broadcast rights to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, meaning Australians will again be able to watch all 104 matches of the tournament live and free. The network will carry the tournament across television, video and radio and, as with 2026, all games will be streamed via SBS On Demand. 

The agreement was confirmed on 1 September, and will see the long-running partnership between the broadcaster and FIFA extend to 44 years. SBS first broadcast the World Cup 1986, when Argentina won the tournament in Mexico.

SBS Managing Director Jane Palfreyman said the World Cup remained central to the broadcaster’s role in Australian football, bringing Australians together across cultures, languages and communities.

The new deal follows a strong 2026 edition. More than 18 million Australians watched the coverage, while SBS also recorded more than 209 million hours of consumption across its World Cup content. Approximately 55 per cent of this consumption came via digital platforms. SBS offered full matches alongside shorter ‘mini match’ recaps through SBS On Demand.

First reporting that SBS and FIFA had extended their partnership emerged in July, although had remained unconfirmed until this point.

The latest announcement confirms that reporting. The earlier report also highlighted the importance of the deal for Australian football fans. SBS would retain a free-to-air pathway to every World Cup match. The deal also gives certainty around one of the biggest sporting properties in the world. This is particularly relevant as FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino come under increased pressure.

The 2022 edition saw FIFA increase its valuation over broadcast rights, with key markets such as China having a price tag of $349 million ($250 million USD) from the governing body. For Australian football, the significance goes beyond the tournament itself.

The World Cup remains one of the sport’s biggest drivers of mainstream attention. Keeping every match live and free gives Australian fans continued access to the competition without a subscription barrier.

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