Football Queensland and McDonald’s unite in a bid to boost quality of grassroots football

Football Queensland

Football Queensland has announced a partnership with McDonald’s as the statewide naming rights sponsor of the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) Men and Women competitions and its Official Quick Service Restaurant and Coffee Partner.

McDonald’s were previously in a partnership with Football Queensland, dating back to 2010, where the aim was to invest into the sport at all levels on the Sunshine Coast.

Football Queensland CEO, Robert Cavallucci expressed his pleasure for what has been a strong long-term partnership with the fast food giant.

“This is an incredible opportunity to partner with such an iconic brand; McDonald’s have been proud supporters of football and Football Queensland is excited to expand the relationship across the state, delivering a range of benefits and opportunities for the football community,” he said in a statement.

“The Football 2020+ reforms have enabled these strong commercial partnerships which underpin Football Queensland’s commitment to delivering growth in the commercial sector to keep putting downward pressure on the cost of football for participants, which is key to achieving critical strategic objectives outlined in our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.”

In their 2023-2026 strategic plan, one of their four major pillars is named ‘Unifying Football’ in which the main ambition is to unite the game and unlock the sports’ true potential in a bid to be more inclusive for people in less fortunate circumstances.

This is a great initiative set by Football Queensland that shows their heart lies where it should, with the grassroots game.

McDonald’s Australia Marketing Manager North East Region, Jessica Altmann, spoke highly of Football Queensland as a partner.

“Maccas are thrilled to be a partner of Football Queensland and are excited to officially support the great game of football,” she added via press release.

“We know that Maccas is already part of the football ritual, whether it’s stopping in on the way home from a game or the early morning McCafé run before taking the kids to their weekend games. It’s great to be taking it to the next level and proudly play an active role in communities across Queensland.”

Football Queensland will also provide marketing support for the McDonald’s annual McHappy Day event, a charity day with funds being raised for the Ronald McDonald House Charities to support families with seriously ill children.

This partnership opens up opportunities for McDonald’s to leverage as well, with a promise to include benefits to participants.

Under this new partnership some regions across the state will have additional opportunities to participate in promotional activations, with more details to be released at a later date.’ it mentions in the article announcing the partnership.

Overall, the collaboration has been a rather successful one for over a decade, providing huge support for the grassroots game in the Sunshine Coast, and the benefits coming out of this new upgraded partnership should provide a huge step forward regarding FQ’s 2023-2026 strategic plan of attracting more participants.

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Optus joins Football Queensland as Telco Partner in the North

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed its collaboration with Optus, naming the leading telecommunication provider as its Official Telecommunications Partner across the Northern, Far North and Gulf regions.

The collaboration will see Optus play an active role in supporting grassroots football throughout the year-long partnership, with a visible presence at FQ precincts in both Cairns and Townsville. This will include branded signage and community-focused activations at key events, further enhancing the matchday experience for players, families, and fans.

FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, said the partnership will be a valuable boost for local communities and reflects FQ’s commitment to growing the game in regional areas.

“Football Queensland is excited to expand its long-standing relationship with Optus as we enter into a thriving partnership in the Northern and Far North & Gulf regions,” he said via press release.

“It is excellent to have a brand as prominent as Optus recognise the importance of grassroots football in regional areas.

“Optus’ year-long support will provide a crucial boost that directly benefits clubs and participants across the region, strengthening communities and actively contributing to FQ’s vision for the future of football.”

Optus General Manager North Queensland, Dave Morrissey, emphasised the importance of the North Queensland football community and Optus’ commitment to supporting the next generation as they develop into future stars of the game.

“It is our absolute pleasure to partner with Football Queensland’s Northern and Far North regions. It is great to get to watch the next generation of young players grow their skills and love for the game, and we appreciate all the support we get in return from the local community,” he said via press release.

Football communities attending events and matches at Paradise Park and Macca’s Park can expect to see Optus actively involved throughout the season, with a strong presence around the grounds that reflects the brand’s commitment to regional engagement and sporting development.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson to step down

Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia, James Johnson has advised the Board of his decision to resign.

Mr Johnson’s decision marks the end of his 5½-year term as CEO of the sport’s governing body, during which he, together with the Board, the Football Australia team, and the wider football community, led one of the most successful eras in Australian football history.

During his tenure, Mr Johnson steered Australian football through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the sport reach record participation levels. Under his leadership, Football Australia launched a 15-year strategic vision, achieved unprecedented revenue growth, implemented significant reforms such as Club Licensing Regulations and updates to the Player Transfer System, and revitalised the Australia Cup by linking it to Asia via the AFC Club Competitions.

Mr Johnson oversaw Football Australia’s successful bid for and hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, a globally acclaimed event that marked a cultural turning point for sport in Australia. During his time as CEO, Football Australia also secured hosting rights for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and elevated both the men’s and women’s national teams into prominent global sporting brands, each achieving their best-ever results at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

In a reflection on his time at the helm, James Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Football Australia over the past 5½ years, highlighting the dedication and talent of the colleagues he worked with throughout his tenure.

“It has been a privilege to lead Football Australia for the past 5½ years, having had the pleasure to work alongside the most talented, committed and dedicated staff, executives and board members,” he said via press release.

“As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down.

“I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.”

The Football Australia Board has appointed current director and former Matilda, Heather Garriock, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

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