Football Victoria recognised at Pride in Sport Awards

Liam Watson

Football Victoria (FV) has been recognised as a Bronze tier organisation at the recent 2021 Australian Pride in Sport Awards.

The awards were able to present the results of the Australian Pride in Sport Index, a national benchmarking tool used to assess LGBTQ inclusion within Australian sport. The Pride in Sport Awards, held on the 13th of April at the Hyatt Regency Sydney, was hosted by ABC journalist and Twenty10 Board Member Mon Schafter.

Pride in Sport is Australia’s first and only sporting acceptance program specifically designed to assist sporting organisations with LGBTI inclusion.

FV’s recognition is a result of the member federation’s continued efforts to promote inclusion and equality within football and the wider community. This announcement of FV as a Bronze tier level organisation marks the highest honour that they have received from Pride in Sport to date.

Executive Manager Growth and Inclusion Karen Pearce shared her delight with the outcome, outlining how FV will strive to build on this achievement heading into the future.

“This recognition is a testament to FV’s dedication to truly make football for all. As an organisation we have continuously worked hard to ensure that we are championing inclusion and are at the forefront of diversity,” she said.

“Everyone at FV is immensely proud of this achievement and we will use this as inspiration to continue to develop and set a strong example for the future.”

As part of the 2021 Pride in Sport Recipients, they marked a milestone with five organisations reaching gold status – the highest benchmark level. They were BlocHaus Port Melbourne, Cricket Australia, MQ Sport, RMIT University Sport and Tennis Australia.

The Australian Pride in Sport Awards delved into multiple areas of sporting organisations and beyond, where they also acknowledged other achievements made by coaches, role models, media outlets and others. For anyone mentioned, their contribution has lead towards greater inclusion of people with diverse sexualities and genders.

FV’s commitment to inclusion was strengthened further when the 2021 Pride Football Victoria Cup took place in Melbourne on April 20. The two competing teams were Melbourne Rovers and Victoria Police who battled it out for a 5th title.

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GIS Sydney connects students with Australia’s sporting industry

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is giving students new opportunities to build careers in Australia’s growing sports industry. Combining academic study with direct access to sporting organisations, venues and industry professionals. Based at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, GIS Sydney places students at the heart of Australia’s sporting landscape. The campus gives students the chance to study while surrounded by major sporting organisations and events, creating a direct connection between education and the industry they hope to join.

Students also benefit from regular access to experienced sports professionals. More than 50 guest speakers have shared their expertise with GIS students, including representatives from FIFA, Red Bull, Cricket Australia and the AFL. These sessions give students a valuable insight into the different roles and career pathways available across the sports sector. GIS Sydney delivers programs including Sports Analytics and International Sports Business in partnership with the University of Newcastle. The courses combine academic learning with opportunities for students to develop practical skills that they can take into the workplace.

Industry experience forms another important part of the student journey. GIS provides students with 140 hours of relevant work experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge in professional settings. Students have secured placements with organisations including the Professional Football Scouts Association, Football Coaches Australia and Basketball NSW.

GIS also works with Yakka Sport to create paid employment opportunities for students while they study. This allows students to gain workplace experience while developing professional networks within the sporting community. The opportunities extend internationally, with GIS Global Sports Summits giving students access to sporting organisations and venues in destinations including London and Miami.

For students pursuing careers in sport, GIS Sydney is creating a pathway that combines education, practical experience and industry connections. By bringing students closer to the people and organisations shaping the sector, GIS is helping the next generation turn their interest in sport into professional opportunities.

Manchester City Charges Put Financial Governance Under Spotlight

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Image Credit: Shutterstock

Manchester City’s reported guilty verdict on 114 of 115 Premier League financial charges has created a major business and administration challenge for the club. An independent commission reportedly reached its findings after a lengthy hearing into alleged financial-rule breaches between 2009 and 2018 last week.

The Premier League has not confirmed the verdict publicly, while City says the process remains ongoing and is expected to appeal. The next decision could have significant financial consequences.

No punishment has been announced; however, potential sanctions include a points deduction, financial penalties and/or expulsion from the Premier League, all of which would have significant and varied financial impact. The club must continue operating while it awaits the commission’s full decision and any appeal process, which could affect recruitment, player contracts, budgets and long-term investment decisions.

City generates substantial income through broadcasting, commercial partnerships and matchday operations – as of 2026, Manchester City’s revenue sits at $1.56 billion (894 million pounds). A significant change to the club’s Premier League status could therefore affect several revenue streams at once.

Commercial partners will also be watching the next weeks closely, and must assess how any sanction could affect their association with the club. City’s global commercial operation has become an important part of its business model during its period of sustained success. Other Premier League clubs have discussed potential compensation claims linked to the alleged breaches. Any successful claims would create another financial liability for City beyond a league sanction.

City has consistently denied wrongdoing and says it has respected due process, and its expected appeal means the forthcoming sanctions may not represent the final outcome. That leaves the club managing two priorities at once: defending its position through the regulatory process, and protecting its commercial and operational stability.

For the Premier League, the case also tests the strength of its financial regulations. The final sanction, and any appeal that follows, will shape the financial and administrative consequences for Manchester City and could influence how clubs approach financial compliance in the future.

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