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FFA launches Skills Hub for its #PlayatHomeChallenge
Philip Panas is a sports journalist with Soccerscene.
He reports widely on football policy and industry matters, drawing on his knowledge and passion of the game.
Football Australia and Nike have confirmed a 10-year contract extension that will carry their partnership forward into a third decade.
This deal is already the longest of Nike’s federation club partnerships in Australia, with the well-known brand a staple of Football Australia’s desire for male and female football support at all levels of the game.
Football Australia’s elite national teams, grassroots participation, inclusivity programs, and its Legacy ’23 strategy will also continue to be strengthened.
Nike’s investment will contribute towards Football Australia’s Legacy ’23 initiative – harnessing the growth of women’s football to deliver enduring benefits for Australia’s largest community sport beyond 2023, including becoming the first community sport to reach gender parity in participation.
“This is a pivotal moment for Australian football. This extended partnership with Nike not only solidifies their commitment to our national teams, but it also provides significant resources for the growth of grassroots football, our ambitious Legacy ’23 plan and the strategic building of our national iconic brands,”Football Australia CEO James Johnson stated via media release.
“Our partnership with Nike has been transformative, and this extension represents a strong endorsement for Football Australia and the growth of football at all levels across the nation.
“We are proud to be part of Nike’s Global Football strategy, and this partnership extension signifies the strength and continued elevation of Australian football on the international stage.”
Nike also remains as the official apparel partner for all Australian national teams, including the Subway Socceroos, CommBank Matildas, Junior, and Youth men’s and women’s squads, as well as the CommBank Pararoos, and CommBank ParaMatildas.
“In the past two decades we’ve seen football in Australia grow to incredible heights and this year achieve sold out stadiums and record-breaking jersey sales,” Nike Pacific Vice President and General Manager, Ashley Reade, added in a statement:
“Nike is incredibly proud of the partnership with Football Australia to drive these outcomes.
“This year’s major tournament was a generational tipping point and, on every level, Nike continues to find ways to innovate, inspire and enable the future of athletes through football.
“This announcement represents our local commitment to the world game, to foster even stronger opportunities for gender equity from grassroots to the elite game. We believe in the vision of Football Australia and look forward to playing our part in the sport’s continued growth.”
Steph Catley is hugely involved with both organisations, not only as Nike athlete but as vice-captain of the Matildas.
“Not only does Nike’s innovative high-performance gear allow us to perform our best on the field, but their unwavering commitment to build the game, invest in us as athletes and broaden access for the next generation of players and fans plays a pivotal role in driving the sport forward,” she added via media release.
“We are thrilled to continue working with them and look forward to the exciting journey ahead.”
Football Australia and Nike will unite everyone at grassroots, before the heights of a global stage.
Football West have launched the Kick Off the Conversation mental health program with Healthway, ahead of the 2024 rollout.
Kick Off the Conversation focuses on raising awareness of improved mental health practices within clubs. This is done by developing tailored resources and taking part in workshops run by local mental health providers.Im
It also educates the football community about Healthway’s Think Mental Health campaign and importantly as part of the program, participating clubs will be eligible to win a share of $15,000 in cash prizes.
Football West and Healthway renewed their partnership for a third year in 2023 and will continue to create club environments that promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
The local football clubs with this program will gain a better understanding of the role they play in supporting and educating all their members on the importance of mental health.
This will help when their members face complex issues and problems with the club hopefully becoming a safe outlet for anyone struggling.
Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell outlined that the program plans to help improve mental health within the sport in the local community.
“The Kick Off the Conversation program will make a positive impact on the lives of many people involved in our sport and will help create a legacy of support and understanding. Harnwell mentioned in a Football West press release.
“Football West is committed to working with Healthway to continue to create supportive club environments that prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of footballers, coaches, officials, and supporters.”
Lotterywest and Healthway CEO Ralph Addis added how the program was going to be rolled out to the local clubs.
“Through the launch of the new program we can directly engage with clubs on prioritising their mental health and wellbeing, and provide them access to relevant support, education, and training,” Addis stated via press release.
There is no denying the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the football space, and educating coaches on how to handle different situations with their players will educate everyone involves and build a solid foundation of learning for the future.
