Football SA teams up with Bleasdale Wines to improve grassroots

Avatar
Image Credit: Football SA

Football South Australia has announced Bleasdale Wines as its Official Wine Partner, signalling the start of a bold and values-driven collaboration between two iconic South Australian brands.

The partnership goes beyond a traditional commercial arrangement, celebrating shared values, a commitment to community engagement, and a united vision to strengthen grassroots football across the state.

Founded in 1850, Bleasdale is one of South Australia’s oldest and most respected wineries, renowned for its heritage of excellence and innovation in winemaking.

This rich legacy, combined with a progressive approach, makes Bleasdale an ideal partner for Football SA’s growing and diverse football community.

Michael Carter, CEO of Football SA, said the partnership will bring direct benefits to clubs and members.

“This is a truly exciting alignment between two proudly South Australian institutions. Bleasdale’s commitment to community and sport mirrors our own,” Carter said in a press release.

Through this partnership, our members and clubs will enjoy access to exclusive offers and pricing, and we’ll see tangible investment flow back into club land—where it matters most.”

Leigh Warren, General Manager of Bleasdale Vineyards, expressed excitement for how this partnership would impact football in South Australia.

“We are thrilled to partner with Football SA. We know that football (soccer) remains one of the fastest growing sports and as a longstanding supporter of Australian sport, including the Melbourne Football Club and the South Australian Cricket Association whilst recently partnering with the Adelaide 36ers, Bleasdale is committed to backing grassroots sporting communities,” Warren said in a press release.

“Football SA’s reach and impact align strongly with our values, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead to contribute meaningfully to football across our wonderful state.”

The collaboration is seen as a strong alignment for Football SA, building connections with a local business that shares its focus on community, tradition, and supporting the next generation.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Victorian Government Renews $10,000 Sporting Club Grants to Power Grassroots Sport in 2025-26

Avatar
Victorian grassroots football club training session

The Victorian State Government has announced the renewal of the Sporting Club Grants Program for 2025-26, delivering another boost for local players, coaches, and volunteers across the state. The program offers up to $10,000 in funding for eligible non-profit clubs to strengthen participation, upgrade equipment, and enhance community engagement.

Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has invested more than $19.5 million into Victorian sport, empowering clubs to stay active and connected. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence praised the program for driving a “healthier, more connected Victoria,” highlighting its success in supporting grassroots development across all levels.

This year’s round places stronger focus on regional communities, following an additional $60 million investment in the Regional Community Sport Development Fund. The renewed focus ensures rural clubs—often the backbone of local communities—can access the same resources, skills, and opportunities as metropolitan teams.

Partnering with Active Victoria, the initiative aligns with the state’s 2022–26 roadmap, which champions inclusivity and representation across all sporting levels. The roadmap prioritises increased participation for women, queer, and underrepresented groups, reflecting the program’s role in building a fairer, more accessible sporting environment.

Beyond participation, the program also delivers significant economic benefits for regional areas, generating jobs and local investment through grassroots sport. By funding local initiatives, the government aims to create positive ripple effects that extend well beyond the playing field.

Applications for Round One open on October 23, 2025, and close on November 26, 2025. Clubs can apply across five categories: Uniform and Equipment, Volunteers and Officials, Access and Events, Travel, and Governance and Engagement. Round Two opens in early February 2026, closing mid-March.

For Victoria’s sporting communities, the renewed program marks another vital step in sustaining grassroots sport and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of connection, health, and community pride.

Football Queensland Launches Upgraded Club Support Hub to Boost Volunteer and Administrator Support

Avatar
Volunteer using Football Queensland Customer Service Booking Portal

Football Queensland has unveiled its redesigned Club Support Hub, providing enhanced resources and a new Customer Service Booking Portal to assist club administrators and volunteers ahead of the 2026 season. The upgraded hub is designed to streamline support and ensure clubs have the tools they need to operate efficiently.

The Club Support Hub now offers a comprehensive suite of practical resources, covering every stage of the football season – from pre-season planning to post-season wrap-ups. Administrators and volunteers can also book dedicated support directly with FQ’s Customer Service team, making guidance more accessible than ever.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said, “Football Queensland acknowledges that the success of club operations is fuelled by the hard work and dedication of volunteers across the state. We are proud to continue to bolster the support available to them with more resources and more access to FQ Customer Support.”

Building on the original Hub launched in 2021 and FQ’s Future Club+ initiative, the upgrade aims to make volunteer workflows more efficient. Checklists, guides, and direct triaging options ensure clubs receive the right support at the right time, allowing administrators to focus on value-adding activities that enhance the football experience.

To support the rollout, FQ will deliver a series of webinars in the coming months, guiding administrators through the extensive new resources available. “We are excited to continue strengthening the support available to our clubs and volunteers as we reinforce our commitment to improving the experience for every member of our football community,” Cavallucci added.

The upgraded Club Support Hub marks a significant step in Football Queensland’s ongoing efforts to provide a more efficient, club-focused service model, ensuring administrators and volunteers have the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend