Central Coast Mariners re-commit with MATE in major sponsorship

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Central Coast Mariners
Image credit: IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

The Central Coast Mariners confirmed that they have extended their relationship with MATE, who will remain as a major sponsor for the club over the next two seasons.

For the 2021/22 season, MATE assumed the status of the club’s full-time major sponsor after joining the Mariners as a co-major partner in 2019.

Since the start of the 2019–20 A-League season, the MATE trademark has been on the front of Mariners jerseys. It also had pride of position on the Mariners’ A-League Championship-winning jersey.

MATE is a 100% Australian owned award-winning customer service centre and provides internet and mobile data plans, all while staff are employed locally with a passion for providing phenomenal customer service.

MATE and the Central Coast Mariners have been able to bring to life multiple ‘Bring a MATE through the gate’ initiatives over the partnership, while also helping with the MATE cashback membership offer for the past season.

The collaboration used this initiative for the last game of the season where any members of the club were able to bring additional people to the game with them for free. The Mariners purpose was to achieve a vibrant atmosphere with as many seats filled as possible, giving back to the community that has supported them as an A-league club outside one of the major Australian cities.

MATE would also benefit from the initiative as many new fans walked through the gates on the final match day and were exposed to a plethora of Mate signage and advertisement, increasing MATE’s brand awareness.

Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp was pleased with the deal, stating via club press release:

“This is an exciting announcement for the club and is a clear sign of the continued commitment to the Mariners, football and the Central Coast community by our great friends at MATE. Since initially partnering with MATE, together we have been on a great journey which has seen the club grow and develop into what we are today.”

The partnership will see MATE and the Mariners continue to incorporate initiatives to benefit both parties over the next two seasons.

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

‘We Can Do So Much More’: Players Take Control of the A-League Women’s Future

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Image Credit: One Nil

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has launched Ready For Takeoff – The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women, a player-led roadmap outlining the future direction of the domestic women’s competition.

Unveiled on Wednesday at Ultra Football in Melbourne, the initiative places current A-League Women players at the centre of discussion. Elevating the debate around professionalism, sustainability and long-term growth of the league.

The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women – Image Credit: One Nil

The vision, developed through consultation with players across the competition, calls for improved professional standards, greater investment and governance structures that reflect the specific needs of the women’s game. It comes amid ongoing conversations about contract security, season length and the transition toward full-time professionalism.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch – Image Credit: One Nil

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said players had been clear about the sacrifices required to continue competing in the league.

“We’ve heard from players about the struggle and sacrifices they continue to make to play the game they love, but we can do so much more than this,” Busch said. “A fully professional game here in Australia is crucial to creating the next generation of Matildas, but also to ensure we reach our potential and win a FIFA World Cup.”

PFA Deputy Chair Elise Kellond-Knight and A-League Women players Grace Maher and Dylan Holmes also addressed media, reinforcing the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the competition.

The PFA said Ready For Takeoff provides a clear, achievable framework for the continued evolution of the A-League Women. The initiative urges stakeholders to work collaboratively with players to ensure the league’s growth matches the talent, ambition and momentum of women’s football in Australia.

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