Croydon’s new $7 million home at Regency Park has come to fruition

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Regency Park
Image provided by Football SA

The Regency Park project, overseen by Football South Australia, the State Government and City of Port Adelaide, has been finalised with the keys handed to Croydon FC.

Back in August 2019, the club moved out of Polonia Reserve on South Road, and have been playing their home matches at Jack Smith Park ever since then, but the training sessions are held in Port Adelaide.

The relocation has been worthwhile and gratifying for the club and its loyal fanbase, with two quality FIFA full-sized synthetic pitches, an area for the community to enjoy, new club rooms having a view of the two pitches, four change rooms and a function room for the community awaiting the club.

Football SA CEO Michael Carter said in a statement:

“Collaboration between Croydon officials, the State Government, Port Adelaide Enfield Council and Football SA resulted in the funding of $7 million.”

“That $7 million has been invested in Regency Oval and created a home for Croydon that will leave a huge legacy for the club and game broadly, the location is second to none and exposure for the game on South Rd is enormous. The result is fantastic and we would like to thank all project partners for their contribution to this great facility.”

Croydon FC Chairperson, Simon Gargaro added via press release:

“As the current custodians of the Croydon Football Club we had a vision just as the Polish Community had over 70 years ago: to create a space where the community gathered and enjoyed football, a new era is now realised and we are proud of the new facilities that will be enjoyed and valued by the community.”

“The new facilities will also ensure the growth of our commitment to Junior and Women’s football.”

Formerly known as the Croydon Kings, even though the club commenced with a Polish base due to the influx of people from diverse multicultural backgrounds and the variety of players signing for the club as well as the supporters from great distances showing their faith in the club, Croydon FC is able to witness people from all walks of life making the club their own.

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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

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Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

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Image Credits: Football Australia

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

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