Central Coast Mariners extend Masterfoods partnership

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The iconic sauce bottles are set to remain standing alongside the palm trees at Central Coast Stadium, following the announcement that Masterfoods have committed to supporting the Central Coast Mariners for another two seasons as the club’s official Community Partner for the 2021/22 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Masterfoods have supported the Mariners since 2012, and have held the role of Major Sponsor for nine years. Throughout this time, Masterfoods and their sauce bottles have become synonymous with the Central Coast community and football fans alike.

The transition to Official Community Partner of the Central Coast Mariners symbolises the dedicated relationship Masterfoods has with the Central Coast region and its club.

The new role will see Masterfoods continue to support youth development through the Mariners Academy, with their logo featuring across all playing kits. In addition, Masterfoods will help empower School Holiday Clinics and Community Programs that the club provides for the Central Coast region.

Speaking on this new role for Masterfoods, Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp was delighted to see the brand – that has become closely affiliated with the Mariners – choose to stay with the club.

“Once again, Masterfoods have shown exemplary loyalty and support for the Central Coast community in supporting us for a further two years as the official Community Partner,” Mielekamp said.

“After several years as the Major Partner for the club, we now have this excellent opportunity to shift focus towards some more specific outcomes within the community and Academy areas of the club.

“This partnership will allow us to drive more resources and outcomes in our Schools and Community programs, ensuring that there is added support for our most important player pathways within the Academy for not only the boys, but the important girls program that is being built to underpin our upcoming A-League Women’s team which is set to enter the competition next year.”

General Manager of Mars Food Australia Bill Heague emphasised the importance of community as the key reason behind the continuation of their support of the Mariners and the Central Coast region.

“Masterfoods are thrilled to be supporting the Mariners again for the 2021/22 season. This long-term partnership represents a mutual understanding of what’s important to Australians – supporting local communities and spending time with loves ones, whether that be at a football match or around a BBQ,” he said.

“While the last 18 months have been really challenging for the Central Coast and beyond, we look forward to getting back into the stadium with friends and family, and most importantly getting behind the team throughout the whole season.”

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Chelsea FC Partners with Ticketmaster on Digital Ticketing Strategy

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Image Credit: Chelsea FC website

Chelsea FC has secured a multi-year partnership with Ticketmaster, appointing the global ticketing company as its Official Ticketing Partner.

This agreement marks a significant operational shift, with Chelsea set to introduce a digital-first ticketing system for the 2025/26 season, designed to simplify access, enhance security, and combat ticket resale fraud.

This collaboration marks a significant upgrade to Chelsea’s matchday operations, aligning the club with world-class ticketing infrastructure already used by leading sports venues globally.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, digital tickets will replace physical tickets for all fixtures at Stamford Bridge, providing fans with a more efficient and secure access system. This move also aims to tackle ticket touting, a persistent issue in top-tier football, by leveraging Ticketmaster’s secure and traceable digital delivery platform.

Teaming up will grant Chelsea access to Ticketmaster’s suite of tools, including:

  • Seamless mobile ticket delivery
  • Anti-touting features
  • Scalable event ticketing for high-demand matches
  • Real-time ticket validation and fan data insights

Chelsea FC’s Chief Revenue Officer, Casper Stylsvig, reflected on the importance of the club’s new partnership with Ticketmaster.

“Partnering with a leading force in the industry brings significant value to our operations, ensuring we offer our fans a smoother, safer experience with best-in-class products, while continuing to address the issue of ticket touts,” he said via press release.

As one of the most recognised football brands globally, Chelsea’s shift to Ticketmaster’s platform underscores the club’s commitment to modernising fan engagement and match day experiences.

Managing Director at Ticketmaster Sport, Chris Gratton, shared his enthusiasm about the new partnership with Chelsea FC.

“Chelsea FC is one of the biggest clubs in football, and we’re excited to be part of their journey. Our goal is to make ticketing as simple as possible for fans,” he said via press release.

This move reflects a wider trend in the industry towards contactless, mobile-first stadium entry, which has become increasingly common in Premier League and UEFA competitions, especially after the accelerated adoption of digital solutions during the COVID era.

The alliance between Chelsea FC and Ticketmaster signals a new era for the club, introducing leading technology and expertise to elevate the match day experience for fans.

New initiatives advancing girls’ and women’s football participation

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Image credit: Adelaide United FC

A Government program designed to increase female participation in sports will provide almost 50 clubs and organisations with support to upgrade and develop sporting facilities, programs and equipment.

Around $5.4 million has been allocated for the 2024-25 round of The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP), which aims to create more inclusive spaces for girls and women in sports.

The funded projects include things like unisex clubrooms, better lighting and playing surfaces, new uniforms and equipment, and opportunities for professional development.

The South Australian Government led by Peter Malinauskas launched the program to build on the success of the Matildas and the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

To support the growth of girls’ and women’s football, 14 football clubs will receive nearly $2.4 million in funding this round.

Other sports also benefit from the program, such as basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, gymnastics, and Australian Rules Football, providing more chances for girls and women to get involved and succeed in their chosen sports.

For example, Norwood Basketball Club is receiving $14,600 to launch their ‘Rising Flames’ program, helping girls progress to elite senior levels and develop local talent.

Other projects funded through the program include:

  • Metro United Women’s Football Club, Pooraka: $25,000 for new uniforms.
  • Booleroo Centre Tennis Club: $80,000 to resurface three tennis courts, replace fencing, and build a new equipment shed for their drought-affected club.
  • Cove Netball Hub: $392,700 to build four new netball courts in Hallett Cove.
  • Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club: $750,000 (through the council) for a new clubroom, synthetic soccer pitch, and multi-purpose oval at Munno Para Regional Sportsground, Davoren Park.

So far, over $7.6 million has been distributed through the IPP, with the second year providing more than twice the amount of support compared to the first round.

Nearly half of the infrastructure project recipients this round – including Jervois Bluds Netball Club and Murraylands Gymnastics Academy – are located in regional and greater metropolitan areas, showing the broad impact on communities across South Australia.

The State Government has committed $18 million to the IPP over three years, with $10 million specifically set aside for football.

This effort is part of a wider push to eliminate barriers to female participation, including support for clubs with period products and menstrual health training.

South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily MLC Bourke highlighted the importance of supporting women in sport at a grassroots level.

“Our Government recognises the importance of supporting grassroots sports to ensure girls and women have opportunities to thrive in whichever sport they pursue,” she said in a press release.

“Having the right facilities, programs and equipment in place gives girls and women the space and confidence they need to get involved and stay active with their local club.

“As The Power of Her investment continues to grow, it’s inspiring to see clubs and organisations finding new and creative ways to grow female participation and facilitate high performance pathways in their communities.”

For more information, you can find the full list of 2024-2025 IPP grants here.

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