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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Adelaide United renews StudyAdelaide partnership for Asian campaign

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Image Credit: AFC

Adelaide United has brought back a familiar commercial partner for its return to continental competition, with StudyAdelaide signing on as front-of-shirt sponsor for the club’s 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two campaign.

The partnership reconnects two South Australian organisations after StudyAdelaide previously featured on Adelaide United’s shirt during their 2010 AFC Champions League campaign.

Adelaide commenced their six-match group-stage campaign on Thursday at Hindmarsh, defeating Hong Kong’s Tai Po 3-0.

For StudyAdelaide, the value of the partnership extends beyond traditional football sponsorship. The organisation, a partnership between the South Australian Government and more than 50 education institutions, is using Adelaide United’s Asian competition to promote South Australia as an international study destination.

The club’s continental schedule provides exposure in several key Asian markets, with Adelaide travelling to face BG Pathum United in Thailand and Lion City Sailors in Singapore during the group stage.

StudyAdelaide chief executive Jane Johnston said the partnership would provide a great opportunity to connect with young people across Asia.

“Having StudyAdelaide featured throughout this international competition is a unique platform to connect with young people across Asia and highlight the many reasons South Australia is their best option to study, live and build a career,” Johnston said.

The deal illustrates how football’s international competitions can provide commercial value beyond traditional brand exposure, particularly for organisations looking to promote to a specific or new region.

The Reds’ ACL Two campaign continues against BG Pathum United in Thailand on October 15.

Arncliffe Aurora’s Riverine Park investment creates a platform for growth

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Image Credits: Arncliffe Aurora

Arncliffe Aurora Football Club has started a new chapter with the launch of Riverine Park, creating a larger platform for football, community engagement and long-term growth in Sydney’s St George region. More than 2,500 people attended the community opening on 8 August, marking the club’s first matches at its new home and showcasing a significant upgrade in its operating capacity.

Riverine Park provides two full-size natural turf football fields, modern player and community amenities, and a new clubhouse. The additional capacity responds to strong growth in Arncliffe Aurora’s football programs, particularly at junior level. The club has also highlighted a $2.5 million investment in facility upgrades. Together with its existing Arncliffe Park base, Riverine Park gives Aurora two homes and a stronger physical platform for its football operations.

More capacity allows the club to accommodate more teams, players and programs, while updated facilities can support stronger member retention and recruitment. They create more opportunities for coaching, development programs, events and community activities. The new site can also strengthen the club’s commercial proposition; a modern facility gives sponsors greater visibility and provides more opportunities to activate partnerships around football and community events. It can also help the club build relationships with schools, community organisations and football bodies. That matters as grassroots clubs increasingly operate as community hubs rather than simply sporting organisations.

Riverine Park also creates opportunities for the wider football ecosystem. Football St George has identified the facility as a platform to grow participation and provide opportunities for players of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. Bayside Council’s project includes upgraded change rooms, toilets, canteen facilities, lighting, seating and solar panels, adding further functionality to the precinct.

For Arncliffe Aurora, the investment is therefore about more than adding fields. It creates infrastructure that can support participation, player development, community programs and commercial activity over the long term. The challenge now shifts from construction to utilisation. The club must maximise the new capacity, maintain the assets and convert greater participation into a sustainable operating model to benefit the community long-term.

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