EVA Air Queensland Champions Cup Postponed

Despite plans to push ahead with the tournament this coming July, Football Queensland have announced the inevitable postponement of the EVA Air Queensland Champions Cup.

The tournament consists of three teams. Brisbane Roar and two London-based Premier League clubs in West Ham United and Crystal Palace Football Club.

The tournament made international headlines upon the first news surfacing, with many football fans excited to see two strong English clubs travel Down Under for a pre-season tournament.

The excitement was palpable. But unfortunately, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament has been postponed until further notice.

The tournament was going to be a big hit for fans in Queensland, especially those with vested interests in the Premier League.

Football has become a huge attraction in the Sunshine state in recent times and it’s quite saddening to see that this event has been postponed. Although at the same time, we’re thankful that precautions have been taken to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Brisbane Roar head coach Robbie Fowler has made a bold entrance into the A-League this season, taking the Roar into fourth position on the table.

Although Liverpool weren’t scheduled to travel to Australia, it’s a great prospect to see Fowler, in a way, mix it with Premier League teams once again.

West Ham United released a statement on their website on Wednesday:

“West Ham United regret to confirm that, due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the inaugural EVA Air Queensland Champions Cup has been postponed.

The Hammers were scheduled to be travelling to Australia in July to take part in the tournament alongside fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace and A-League outfit, Brisbane Roar.

However, given the social distancing measures in place across the world to prevent the spread of the virus, along with the suspension of the 2019-20 Premier League campaign until further notice, the decision has been taken to cancel the event, with the health and safety of players, officials and supporters an absolute priority.

The Club will continue to work with tour organisers TEG Live and there is a commitment from both sides to try and find a date to reschedule the tournament.

Manager David Moyes said: “It is a real shame that we will no longer be able to make it over to Queensland this summer, however, it is the right decision to postpone given the circumstances. The players and I were really looking forward to seeing our fans and the people of Australia, especially as there was great excitement and support for the tournament.

“This is a situation that has affected the entire world, though, and the only thing that matters at this time is that people stay safe and well. We hope the tournament can be rearranged at a later date once things are back to normal, and we look forward to visiting Australia in the future.”

Existing ticket holders should have already received an email direct from Ticketek, the official ticket operator for the tournament, outlining their options.

West Ham United would like to thank our supporters, particularly those out in Australia, for their understanding in this matter.”

ENDS

Crystal Palace also released a similar statement with chairman Steve Parish describing the decision as “bitterly disappointing”. However, Parish would go on to postface that football was merely secondary when compared to the current situation of the world.

As disappointing as it is that we won’t get to see two of England’s powerhouse clubs play in Australia, the decision was all but made once borders were closed. Depending on how the Premier League reschedules their fixtures and potentially their fixtures next season, it may be more of a cancellation than a postponement.

However, we hope that is not the case as it would be fantastic for the game of football in Queensland if this competition could go ahead.

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New Vodafone & UEFA Partnership Secures Growth for Women’s Football

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Vodafone has announced a partnership to sponsor the UEFA women’s international and club soccer competition, as well as to become an official partner of the UEFA Champions League.

The deal renews a partnership that first started in the late 2000s, where Vodafone was an official partner of the Champions League between 2006 and 2009.

The company will sponsor the UEFA Women’s Champions League, UEFA Women’s Euros, UEFA Women’s Nations League, and some other international competitions until 2030. 

Vodafone has networks in important European soccer markets, such as the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as partnerships in countries including France, Italy and Spain. 

Included in the service will be Wifi hotspot zones and a dedicated customer service deck in selected venues during the competition season. Another feature of the service will be an opportunity to win match tickets. All of these features will provide a beneficial marketing opportunity for Vodafone. 

Guy Laurent Epstein, UEFA’S executive director of marketing spoke about the alignment amonsgt both parties. 

“We are delighted to welcome Vodafone as a sponsor of UEFA Women’s Football and a UEFA Champions League Licensee,” he said in a press release. 

“Vodafone’s strong track record in supporting sport, coupled with their commitment to innovation and inclusion, aligns seamlessly with our ambition to grow the game at every level. Together, we look forward to creating impactful and engaging experiences that bring fans closer to the sport they love.” 

Nadine Kessler, UEFA’s women’s soccer director shared an excited sentiment regarding the new deal.  

“The meteoric rise of the women’s game, highlighted by the record-breaking success of this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro is undeniable, and it continues to attract some of the world’s most recognisable brands eager to be a part of this groundbreaking moment.” Kessler said in a press release. 

This partnership will likely be beneficial for both Vodafone and the UEFA women’s competition, as it will provide ample marketing opportunities and exposure for Vodafone, whereas Vodafone will supply financial backing, improved stadium experiences for fans, and overall elevating the women’s game.

Bentleigh Greens SC Strike Deal with Local Brand Inner Athlete

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Bentleigh Greens SC have announced a partnership with Inner Athlete as the club’s new sponsor after the JGNPL (Junior Girls National Premier League) season has concluded.

Inner Athlete is a gym who specialises in strength & conditioning training, injury rehab, and youth athlete development to help young athletes aged 10-18 years to move better in their respected sprots, as well as perform at their best.

Bentleigh Greens SC President, Abraam Gregoriou stated the reason they partnered with Inner Athlete is their recognition of young female athletes who require a tailored program to improve strength, increase recovery times and above all prevent injury.

“Inner Athlete are a trusted partner already, so it was a no brainer to pursue that relationship in season 2026,” he said to SoccerScene.

“Bentleigh Greens believes the women’s game can thrive but only if we invest in our female football players at all ages and that includes in programs that Inner Athlete provides.”

To celebrate the new sponsorship, Inner Athlete are offering Bentleigh Greens SC members free discovery calls to see what program is right for them.

They are also delivering a special program during the Term 3 school holidays (22 Sept – 4 Oct), JGNPL players can bring a teammate to a free training session at Inner Athlete.

The gym caters to all sportspeople from all levels under pro-leagues, with Inner Athlete training and mentoring young athletes who can later enrol in major sports programs like Football Victoria Academy, which Inner Athlete and Football Victoria are partnered.

Bentleigh Greens SC announced this week an investment of $2.4 million through federal, council and themselves funding to build a brand-new pitch at the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex for the purpose of developing women’s football in the area.

Now with the sponsorship news, it shows Bentleigh Greens SC is wanting to boost women’s sports, including their girls soccer teams, by partnering and engaging with parties who share the same values.

In the middle of the year, Bentleigh Greens U15 Girls head coach, Matt Crawford was interviewed on the Inner Athlete podcast where they shared their experience coaching young women soccer players.

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