Football for fires event sidelined by global pandemic

Staff Writer

The #FootballForFires fund-raising match that had attracted the support of some of the world’s greatest players of the past decade is unable to proceed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Promoter Lou Sticca, from Tribal Sports Group, who was organising the event in conjunction with Football Federation Australia, said all concerned had accepted the game could not go ahead in the current global state of uncertainty.

Mr Sticca said fans who had purchased tickets for #FootballForFires would receive full refunds.

“While our collective thoughts remain with those devastated by the Australian bushfires last summer, global circumstances have forced us to abandon the Football For Fires game,” Mr Sticca said.

“The health and safety of players and supporters needs to be our priority at this time.

“We were also faced with insurmountable challenges to secure players for international travel and arrival prior to the game, the prospect of mandatory 14-days in isolation, and a reduced stadium capacity for the game.

“We have been left with no alternative but to cancel the event.”

Organizers have thanked those who donated to Red Cross Australia’s fund for Football For Fires, with special mention to donations from Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan), Celtic Football Club (Scotland), Sydney FC, New York Cosmos (USA), Fiorentina (Italy) among others.

Star players from 16 nations, including some of the biggest names in Australian football, had committed to the Football For Fires match that was announced on 28 January after the devastating bushfires of the 2019/20 summer.

The game was originally set down for ANZ Stadium on Saturday 23 May but was re-scheduled for Bankwest Stadium on Saturday 3 October.

All purchased tickets will be fully refunded, with Ticketek to contact all purchasers to advise of the refund process.

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Wests APIA FC Announces New Corporate Partner

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Image Credit: Wests APIA FC

Wests APIA FC officially announced that Bumblebee Rubbish Removal will join the club as a Corporate Partner for the 2025 Australian Championship campaign, marking the beginning of a significant new partnership for the club’s Australian Championship season. The announcement was made by the club via a social media post.

The announcement was made ahead of Wests APIA’s home campaign launch at Leichhardt Oval, as the club prepares for an exciting year competing on the national stage in the Australian Championship. 

The partnership highlights the growing recognition of Wests APIA’s progress both on and off the field, following a strong season in the NPL and the club’s continued investment in its long-term development.

Founded in Sydney, Bumblebee Rubbish Removal has established itself as one of the city’s most trusted waste management providers. 

The company delivers fast, friendly, and reliable rubbish removal services across residential, commercial, and construction sectors, with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.

This new partnership with Wests APIA FC reflects Bumblebee Rubbish Removal’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and fostering strong community connections through sport. 

The collaboration will also contribute to the ongoing growth and sustainability of the club, helping Wests APIA continue to develop talent and strengthen its football programs across all levels.

Wests APIA FC continues to emphasise the importance of partnerships in sustaining the club’s success and supporting its ambitions within the Australian Championship.

At Wests APIA, the support of corporate partners plays a vital role in every aspect of the club’s operations; from developing junior pathways and maintaining facilities to backing senior teams on the national stage.

The partnership with Bumblebee Rubbish Removal represents another step forward for Wests APIA FC as the club enters a new era of growth and competition, continuing its legacy within Australian football.

Perth Glory Relocates With WA State Government Investment

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Image credit: Perth Glory

Western Australian A-League football club, Perth Glory have received a $1.2 million investment by the WA Government as they begin the 2025 season from their new home in the city’s northern suburbs.

The investment will be delivered through upgrades to the playing turf and changerooms, as well as the installation of new fencing at the Mirrabooka Regional Open Space, in a partnership with City of Stirling.

Perth Glory’s relocation to Stirling Leisure in Mirrabooka is a move by the football club to provide a range of social and economic benefits to the local community, along with continuing to have the space open to the public.

City of Stirling Mayor, Mark Irwin celebrated the news of Perth Glory’s relocation and how passionate the multicultural community is for football.

“Making Mirrabooka the home of Perth Glory is an exciting step in the revitalisation of the Mirrabooka Town Centre, which remains a priority for the City and the WA Government,” he said via press release.

“I’d like to acknowledge the WA Government for this investment which will have benefits for elite sport, grassroots sport and the wider community.”

Perth Glory CEO, Anthony Radich expressed the club’s gratitude to the Western Australian State Government and City of Stirling for their support in facilitating the relocation of the club’s training and administration facility to Mirrabooka.

“This development marks a significant milestone in Perth Glory’s ongoing pursuit of excellence, providing a state-of-the-art environment that will enhance our high-performance programs, operational efficiency and overall professionalism,” he said via press release.

“Importantly, the relocation provides our club with a home and the opportunity to belong to and be an important part of Mirrabooka’s rich, vibrant and multicultural community which retains a deep passion for football.

“We look forward to contributing meaningfully to this dynamic and fast-growing region, strengthening community connections and adding long-term value to the local football landscape.”

As a result of the relocation, the football club has ensured they remain as the central part of the football community in Western Australia, and embedded in local sport in the state and when away for matches.

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