Football Queensland launches Be23Ready to facilitate greater inclusion in club environments

Image provided by Football Queensland

Football Queensland has announced the launch of Be23Ready to coincide with the July 20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 One Year to Go milestone.

The initiative is designed to help Queensland clubs create more inclusive and welcoming environments for female participants.

The milestone was celebrated at Brisbane Stadium with representatives from Football Queensland and Football Australia, Queensland Government, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 team and young Queensland players.

“The biggest global women’s sporting event coming to our shores in 2023 represents a huge opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for our game,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said in a statement via Football Queensland.

“Football Queensland has recorded significant growth in female participation over the last two years, and with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ on the horizon there has never been a more crucial time to develop pathways and opportunities for even more women and girls to join our game.

“With participation numbers continuing to surge in the lead-up to the tournament, the Be23Ready initiative has been designed to equip clubs across the state with the tools to build more positive, welcoming and inclusive environments for female participants across all areas.”

Football Queensland Manager – Participation Women and Girls Kate Lawson added via Football Queensland:

“Football Queensland is committed to supporting our clubs at all levels of the game to not only prepare for an increase in female participation, but also to deliver high quality experiences for all club members to ensure we keep women and girls engaged in our game.

“As part of Be23Ready, we’re providing all clubs in Queensland with a Club Assessment Resource designed to help them identify areas for improvement and create an environment for female participants to thrive.

“To assist clubs in the completion of the resource, we will be delivering a series of Be23Ready webinars and are planning an FQ Club Road Trip to provide further on-the-ground support to clubs including tailored gender equity training.

“Football Queensland is also urging every club across the state to nominate a passionate club member to be their Women & Girls Ambassador to drive the club’s progress and work closely with FQ in the lead-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

“We’re excited to support our club members through this process as we work together to help our clubs across Queensland Be23Ready.”

Find out more about Be23Ready here.

Image credit: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

UEFA has confirmed that Coca-Cola will once again serve as an official global sponsor for UEFA EURO 2028, marking the company’s 11th consecutive tournament. This partnership, which began in 1988, celebrates a 40-year milestone in one of European football’s longest-standing commercial relationships.

Under the renewed agreement, Coca-Cola will serve as the official non-alcoholic beverage sponsor of UEFA EURO 2028, set to take place across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The deal grants Coca-Cola exclusive pouring rights at all nine host stadiums, visibility in official fan zones and villages, LED pitch-side branding, as well as global digital rights and fan engagement initiatives.

40 Years Strong: Coca-Cola and UEFA Unite Fans Worldwide

UEFA’s Executive Director of Marketing, Guy-Laurent Epstein, highlighted the impact and longevity of the collaboration.

“Since 1988, Coca-Cola has been a proud supporter of the UEFA European Football Championship. Together, we have created lasting memories across generations. As we embark on our 11th consecutive tournament together, we look forward to delivering even more memorable experiences for supporters,” he said via press release.

Javier Meza, Marketing President for Coca-Cola Europe, described the renewed deal as a key element of the brand’s wider experience-focused marketing strategy.

“UEFA EURO 2028 will mark 40 years of Coca-Cola’s collaboration with UEFA. We will proudly refresh and inspire fans in stadiums, fan zones, and at home. This partnership supports our mission to bring people together, and we look forward to creating uplifting experiences that bring fans even closer to the action,” he said via press release.

Attendees will have access to a range of Coca-Cola beverages, including Coca-Cola, Powerade, water, and ready-to-drink coffee and fruit-based drinks, with options available in low-sugar and sugar-free varieties.

Coca-Cola has played a part in many of the tournament’s most memorable moments, from the 1988 finals in West Germany to recent editions featuring advanced digital activations.

The company will leverage its rights across retail, live events, digital platforms, and in-venue experiences, advancing from traditional stadium advertising to a multi-channel approach to engage consumers.

Image credit: Macarthur Bulls FC

Macarthur Bulls FC has confirmed a colloboration with DLK Advisory, who will come on board as a corporate partner backing the Club’s business and networking events for the coming two seasons.

DLK Advisory, known for its accounting and tax services across family groups, SMEs, government, not-for-profits, and major corporations, will support the Bulls’ expanding business network by enhancing the Club’s corporate events that connect sponsors, partners, and stakeholders throughout South West Sydney and beyond.

As a key element of the affiliation, DLK Advisory will team up with the Bulls’ commercial department to create quality networking experiences that reinforce relationships within the Club’s corporate network and spotlight the energetic, forward-thinking business community linked to the A-League.

Reflecting on the new alliance, David Lilja, Director of DLK Advisory, shared his excitement about the collaboration and the values both organisations bring to the deal.

“We are proud to partner with the Macarthur Bulls as they continue to inspire their supporters and the wider community,” he said via press release.

“This partnership provides a wonderful platform to introduce our refreshed brand, DLK Advisory – a firm built on trust and driven by excellence.

“We provide strategic accounting and tax solutions to a diverse range of clients, and like the Bulls, we are committed to performance, teamwork, and achieving outstanding results. We look forward to supporting the club’s success this season.”

Mark Jensen, Chief Commercial Officer of Macarthur Bulls FC, highlighted the value DLK Advisory will bring to the club’s growing corporate network.

“DLK Advisory are a fantastic addition to the Bulls family, their expertise will add real value to our corporate events program, ensuring our partners and stakeholders have meaningful opportunities to connect, share ideas, and grow together,” he said via press release.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering a first-class experience on and off the field.”

The accord with DLK Advisory opens new opportunities for the Bulls to connect with the business community, fostering innovation, growth, and shared success throughout the region.