Football Australia and Nike invest for new decade

Liam Watson
Football Australia and Nike partnership extension 2023
Image credit: Rachal Bach

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.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Inter Academy expands operations into two major Australian cities

Avatar
Image Credit: Inter Academy

FC Internazionale Milano announced last week that their academy network has expanded into Sydney and Adelaide. The projects will be implemented alongside Christian Brothers High School (CBHS) in Lewisham, NSW and with semi-professional club, Adelaide Blue Eagles. 

 

A milestone for all parties

The announcement marks another impressive development for Inter Academy, which continues to expand its global network of elite training academies across the globe. 

With bases already established in Canada, Chile, Turkey, Italy and more, the club has now extended its operations and expertise to Australia. With activities set to commence in April in Sydney and Adelaide, the new partnerships will seek to embolden and progress football development across New South Wales and South Australia.

 The organisation expressed their pride at the newly-forged partnerships, outlining several factors which the project will bring. 

“FC Internazionale Milano is pleased to announce the opening of Inter Academy Sydney and Inter Academy Adelaide, extending the Nerrazzuri project to Australia,” the club said via social media announcement. 

“The two new Inter Academies in Australia will offer a football development programme based on Inter Academy’s training methodology, while also focusing on the personal growth of the players.” 

The alliance indicates an exciting future for the rising stars looking to link up with the academy programmes, as well as for the coaches and local clubs eager to gain insight into how this European powerhouse operates. 

It is an immense milestone for all involved. On one hand, Inter can help develop a nation of passionate and eager young footballers looking for a quality football education. On the other, coaches and professionals across Sydney and Adelaide now have access to the expertise and training methods of the most decorated football academy in Italy. 

 

Who will partner with Inter Academy? 

Inter Academy Sydney and Inter Academy Adelaide will both collaborate with local organisations, with whom their values and passion for the game are shared. 

Christian Brothers High School Lewisham

Inter Academy Sydney will receive the backing of Christian Brothers High School (CBHS) Lewisham, an educational institution with over 100 years of history in Sydney’s western suburbs.

While academic excellence is highly valued, the school strives to provide its students with an experience built on meaningful relationships, discovering passions, and building confidence. 

Adelaide Blue Eagles

On the other hand, Inter Academy Adelaide will work in conjunction with semi-professional club, Adelaide Blue Eagles (Azzurri Sports Club). 

Founded in 1958 (with inaugural members hailing from Italy), the club has grown into both a successful sporting organisation and a cornerstone of the community. The club is committed to nurturing talented boys and girls in the area through the Elite Eagles Academy. 

 

Balancing the player and the person

It is evident why Inter Milan wanted to strike up partnerships with CBHS and the Adelaide Blue Eagles. Whether on the pitch or in the classroom, these institutions dedicate themselves to achieving excellence. 

All three parties refuse to compromise on providing an environment in which players and students can develop as people. Brand and Marketing Director of Inter Milan, Luca Adornato, also emphasised the importance of building such partnerships on common values. 

“Opening these two academies in Australia represents an important step in the global growth of our project,” Adornato said via official press release.

“There is huge potential in collaboration with CBHS Lewisham in Sydney and Adelaide Blue Eagles in Adelaide. Both partners share our commitment to the development of youth sports and we are pleased to embark on this journey together.”

Although Inter Academy holds an outstanding reputation in the football world for its elite sporting standards and achievements, it refuses to compromise on developing the person behind the player. This holistic approach, in which footballing excellence comes hand-in-hand with personal growth, will be of immense value to the future generations across Sydney and Adeliade seeking to join the programmes. 

 

Connecting Australian talent with European pathways

Inter Academy joins an extensive list of European clubs including Juventus, Olympiacos and CF Villarreal who have established academies and football programs in Australia. Primarily operating in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, these programs help connect coaches and young players in Australia with the expertise and training methods of Europe’s elite.

By forging partnerships of this nature and bringing their expertise into local communities, we can bridge the gap between Australian talent and the world stage.

When given the opportunities to perform, Aussies continue to receive the plaudits. Whether we look at Antonio Arena scoring on his debut for AS Roma at just 16 years-old, or Mo Touré scoring a hatrick on his first start for Norwich City FC in the English Championship, Australia is clearly able to produce players of the highest quality.

Therefore, as Inter Milan begins to implement academy programs in Sydney and Adelaide, the future looks bright for players and coaches seeking elite footballing educations.

The passion and talent is here in abundance. All it needs is the leadership and environment to grow.

 

 

Clifton Hill FC Set for New Era as Pavilion Upgrade Nears Completion

Avatar
Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Community football in Melbourne’s inner north is set for a major boost, with Clifton Hill FC preparing to usher in a new chapter following the redevelopment of its pavilion at Quarries Park.

The upgraded facility, delivered with support from Yarra City Council, is expected to significantly enhance the matchday and training experience for players, families, and volunteers while supporting the club’s continued growth.

A long awaited upgrade for Clifton Hill FC

Club President Michael Tyrikos said the redevelopment represents a long-awaited milestone for the grassroots club.

“We’ve been waiting close to 10 years for this,” Tyrikos told SoccerScene. “I’ve been involved with the club for over two decades and improving the facilities has always been a major goal for us.”

The new pavilion replaces previously limited amenities, with the club formerly operating with just two change rooms and minimal communal space. The upgraded facility will provide modern change rooms, social areas, and improved spectator amenities.

Supporting growth in participation

Tyrikos explained the redevelopment will be particularly significant in supporting participation growth, including the club’s expanding girls’ program.

“Previously, we only had two change rooms, which made it difficult as our girls’ program continued to grow,” he said. “Now players can feel comfortable using proper facilities with access to showers and dedicated spaces, which is something we simply didn’t have before.”

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Beyond player development, the pavilion is also expected to strengthen the club’s role as a community hub. The addition of indoor social spaces will allow families to engage more closely with the club environment, particularly during Melbourne’s winter months.

“Parents can now sit inside and watch games, and we can finally host club events, kids’ parties, and social gatherings,” Tyrikos said. “Before, we just didn’t have the capacity to bring people together like that.”

A new era at Quarries Park

Tyrikos also acknowledged the broader infrastructure improvements delivered alongside the pavilion redevelopment, including new lighting towers and an upgraded playing surface, highlighting the importance of council support in driving the project forward.

Clifton Hill FC is hopeful the new pavilion will be operational in time for its anticipated first home fixture scheduled for mid-May, marking the beginning of a new era for the community-focused club.

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend