FIFA and Xero to empower women and change footballing landscape across the globe

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Image credit: FIFA

FIFA’s redesigned commercial structure for the women’s game to grow and thrive has resulted in a partnership with Xero to enhance opportunities supporting the expansion of the women’s game.

Xero, a cloud-based accounting software company, will focus on growing participation through this collaboration – ensuring women have easy access to sporting communities, in addition to enabling commercial success and encouraging leadership.

Through Xero’s technological services, they are able to facilitate two FIFA women’s football development programs: Capacity Building for administrators and Coach Education Scholarships, assisting in creating easier pathways for women coaching qualifications and holistic footballing development in local communities.

Under the redesigned commercial structure, Xero is one of only two FIFA Women’s Football official partners, with their long-term partnership including coverage of the FIFA Women’s Word Cup 2023, as well as the 2024 and 2026 editions of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and also the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Over several years, footballing opportunities for women have been significantly different compared to men – thus FIFA, along with Xero – share the same value-based approach and commitment to support the women’s game, not just on the field but also off the field to provide performance and financial viability to community clubs to promote, develop and attract talented young individuals.

Speaking about the partnership, Xero Chief Customer Officer Rachael Powell said via press release:

“Xero and FIFA share many goals and important values, driven by belief in women and what they can achieve in the beautiful game of football and in business. To realise this vision, we’ll work together in pursuit of better numbers off the field and better numbers on it.”

FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer Sarai Bareman added via press release:

“This is a partnership that will help accelerate the growing momentum behind the development of women’s football. Having a brand who is so passionate about empowering women is wonderful to see.”

Xero along with FIFA has opened up opportunities, to have a positive impact on the future of women’s football from the grassroots right up to the elite level of the game on and off the pitch.

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Launceston City Launches Inclusive Facility Upgrade

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Image Credit: Our Game

Launceston City FC has announced that work has commenced on a new refurbishment for the club’s change room endorsed by the Play Our Way program.

Built in 1979 by the club’s volunteers, the facility’s new refurbishment will include a new roof, a multipurpose and education room, a parent room, renovated changerooms, an undercover walkway, and a new entry.

Launceston City FC Director and lead strategic lead for the project, Jesse Woodroffe, spoke to Soccerscene about what the refurbishment will do for inclusivity and equality around the community.

“What it does is shows that we are a club for everyone, and having a standalone designated facility that’s prioritised for women and girls, sends a signal that sport is for everybody and gone are the days where there isn’t equal access,” she said.

“We are seeing a great shift nationwide in equitable access to facilities, grounds and change rooms; certainly, it wasn’t that way a few decades ago.

“Our hope is that we can offer this room and these facilities out to other groups or NGO’s as well.”

Launceston City aims to complete the refurbishment by April next year in order to have the new change rooms available for the upcoming season.

The project is supported under Stream 1 of the Australian Government’s $200 million Play Our Way Program and aims to deliver modern, inclusive changerooms for women and girls in Launceston’s community.

The Play Our Way Program

The Play Our Way Program is designed to remove barriers to participation, reduce discrimination, and promote equality in sport by funding local initiatives and ideas.

An input of experts across the sport sector and key Australian government agencies helped design the program, including an expert advisory panel of women with experience in community and professional sport.

“Play our Way is an opportunity for local governments, community organisations, the not-for-profit sector and sporting organisations to seek funding for localised solutions and improvements,” said Minister for Communications and Sport, Anika Wells, in a press release about the program.

“The program will be available for all sports, but it is anticipated soccer, as the highest participation sport in Australia, will need significant resourcing in the wake of the greatest Women’s World Cup ever.”

Sydney FC Announces New Strategic Partnership With Trip.com for 2025/26 Season

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Credit: Sydney FC Facebook

Sydney FC have confirmed a partnership with Trip.com for the A-League 2025/26 season. 

Trip.com is one of the world’s leading online travel platforms, and the collaboration will give Sydney FC members access to exclusive travel discounts and other special offers. 

Matt Pound, Sydney FC General Manager of Commercial and Marketing, said the partnership directly correlates to the club’s future goals. 

“We’re delighted to team up with Trip.com, a global leader in travel technology and innovation,” said Pound.

“Our members love to travel, whether following the Sky Blues around Australia or exploring new destinations, and we are thrilled to be able to offer them discounts thanks to Trip.com, making their journey simpler, smart and more rewarding.”

Kevin Lu, Territory Manager for Trip.com Oceania also commented on the partnership, 

“We are thrilled to partner with Sydney FC, a club that embodies passion and global ambition, as we bring exclusive travel opportunities to their dedicated fans.

“This collaboration perfectly aligns with Trip.com’s mission to make travel seamless and exciting, and we look forward to helping Sky Blues supporters explore the world with the same energy they bring to every match.”

Trip.com’s local and international advertisements will also be featured across Sydney FC’s digital channels through the season. 

With the partnership spanning the full 2025/26 campaign, the initiative reinforces Sydney FC’s commitment to enhancing the supporter experience both on and off the pitch.

By connecting fans with a trusted global travel provider, Sydney FC aims to add greater value to its membership program while strengthening its ties to the community. 

The collaboration also reflects a growing trend in world football of integrating lifestyle-focused partners into club ecosystems, highlighting the broader vision to serve fans beyond match day. 

With exclusive offers, integrated digital activations and shared ambitions around innovation and growth, both Sydney FC and Trip.com are confident the partnership will deliver meaningful benefits throughout the season ahead.

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