Football South Australia boosts schools with new partnerships

Football South Australia has established a significant development partnership with educational institutions, implementing comprehensive football programs across the state.

The two-year initiative, characterised by consultation between Football SA personnel and educational football coordinators, has delivered substantial outcomes in both sport and educational aspects.

The collaboration has instituted several professional development pathways, including accredited community coaching certification and formal referee education programs for students.

Educational staff have received specialised professional development through structured training days and a specifically designed Foundation of Football Course.

Strategic innovations within the framework include the implementation of Student-Led Football Festivals and the integration of Teqball, an advanced football-based training methodology utilising specialised curved table equipment.

The establishment of the Development Centre at Trinity College, Gawler, represents a significant expansion of the program’s geographical reach, while Rostrevor College has functioned as a demonstration facility for inter-institutional professional development.

Roma Mitchell Secondary College staff member Theo Tsiounis provided his personal assessment on the initiative.

“Collaborating as a network of schools with Football South Australia has been an excellent opportunity to enhance our support for players, helping them progress in their sporting journeys and personal development,” Tsiounis explained via Football SA press release.

Football South Australia Participation Officer Owen Gallas emphasised the program’s momentum.

“With 50 teachers already signed up with the school ambassador program, there is no better time to take part in creating a strong network of like-minded teachers who are actively looking to promote sport within their community and, more specifically, football,” Gallas explained via Football SA press release.

The 2025 strategic plan encompasses further expansion of the organisation’s educational reach. The existing Football in Schools Program, which currently facilitates engagement with approximately 2,000 students per annum, will be augmented through integration with Football Australia’s Sporting Schools Program.

The introduction of the School Ambassador Program represents a strategic initiative to establish sustained one year-round connection between educational institutions and football development. The school ambassadors will handle all football related activities, conversations and news for schools.

Football South Australia continues to seek expansion of institutional participation and welcomes enquiries regarding engagement with any aspect of these initiatives.

The collaboration between football programs and educational institutions has always been an important part of success for the sport within Australia.

Football and sport in a larger sense have been a great avenue to implement educational practices onto young players and similarly educational institutions are perfect places to grow and develop the sport.

This ongoing program is an exciting prospect for the sport and the state, one which will continue to grow more opportunities and development.

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UEFA and Unilever renew partnership

UEFA has embraced Unilever as an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, kicking off in Switzerland on July 2 until July 27, 2025.

Unilever’s deal with UEFA builds off of their 2024 partnership and will see a wide array of Unilever’s Foods and Personal Care brands ignite their own integrated advertising campaigns to connect with fans and consumers in and out of the stadium, including household names like Dove, Rexona, Knorr and Hellmann’s.

UEFA marketing director, Guy-Laurent Epstein expressed UEFA’s excitement to work with Unilever again.

“Building on the success of our collaboration last summer, we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Unilever for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025,” he said in a press release.

The support and interest in women’s football is on a sharp upward trajectory, and with Unilever’s portfolio of Food and Personal Care brands reaching billions of people every day, we look forward to celebrating the power of the game and bringing excitement to fans everywhere.”

General Manager of Unilever Foods Europe, Robbert de Vreede conveyed his enthusiasm for Unilever’s involvement in the upcoming Women’s EURO 2025.

“We are thrilled to partner with the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, enabling our Foods brands to connect with a large audience who come together enjoying the thrill of a football match with friends whilst sharing delicious foods,” he said in a UEFA press release.

“Just as a great BBQ brings people closer, football unites fans in a shared experience of passion and camaraderie. In this partnership we will create memorable moments that highlight the best of summer – good food, great company, and beautiful games.”

General Manager of Unilever Personal Care Europe, Fulvio Guarneri detailed why the collaboration between UEFA and Unilever was a perfect fit.

“This is an exciting opportunity for some of our biggest brands to tap into a big cultural moment and connect with millions of consumers who will be watching the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025,” he said via press release.

“It’s a great time for women’s football and this partnership fits perfectly with our Personal Care products which are all about feeling clean and confident, and taking part in sports. Together with our retail partners, we look forward to building on the success of last year’s men’s tournament, delivering unmissable campaigns across a variety of channels that celebrate the power of women’s football.”

Unilever joins an exciting list of brands for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 tournament, including household names such as adidas, Amazon, AXA, Booking.com, EA, Euronics, Grifols, Heineken, Hublot, Just Eat Takeaway.com, Lay’s, Lidl, PlayStation and Visa.

The Club Development Conference highlights community football

Significant Sporting Events Program 2023-24

On Saturday, February 1st, over 200 attendees came together at Valentine Sports Park for the 2025 Football NSW Club Development Conference.

With registrations for the 2025 season still coming in, over 85 Football NSW clubs from both Sydney Metropolitan and regional areas gathered for a dynamic day of workshops, panels, and special guest speakers, celebrating community football.

Presented by Stephanie Brantz, the Conference included keynote addresses from Karen Jones, Acting CEO of Destination NSW and Chief Executive of the NSW Office of Sport, Dr. Catriona Rose of the Australian Sports Commission, and Matildas cap #167, Ellie Brush.

After the successful second edition of the conference, Trevor Huxley, Football NSW’s Program Manager for Club Development, expressed his excitement over the strong support from the community.

“The Club Development Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together all levels of the game to learn from one another, network and discuss best practice for grassroots football,” said Huxley via press release.

“It has been inspiring to see grassroots clubs across the state in attendance, illustrating a remarkable commitment to supporting their local communities. It’s vital that Football NSW continues to lead in this space, providing support to the volunteers and local administrators who are central to the ongoing growth of our game.”

Along with the keynote speakers, attendees were able to choose sessions tailored to their Club or role, covering topics such as safeguarding, volunteerism, marketing and data analysis, infrastructure and grant funding, player and spectator behaviour, women & girls’ football, diversity and inclusion, and grassroots coach education.

The Football NSW Club Development Conference serves as a pivotal platform for enhancing community football by Empowering Clubs, Facilitating Networking, Offering Targeted Education and Showcasing Leadership.

By focusing on these areas, the conference plays a crucial role in strengthening community football, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring the sport’s sustainable growth.

To gain further details and access Club resources, click here.

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