Football Victoria secures exclusive referee apparel deal before 2024 season

Avatar
Football Victoria and Macron
Image via Football Victoria

Football Victoria’s (FV) referees will wear Macron branded apparel for the 2024 season and beyond, after a partnership between FV and the Italian sportswear company was agreed.

Macron are a globally recognised football brand that currently supplies kits for UEFA and several high-profile football federations globally. It maintains a strong reputation for producing top-quality sports apparel that is both environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

The sportswear company will provide FV’s referees with three high-quality match kits, as well as an entire range of sports apparel – including warm-up jackets, pants, compression tops and shorts, plus accessories.

FV acting CEO Karen Pearce believes the new deal is an extremely valuable one to its referees.

“Referees are a vital part of the football community and we’re committed to them on and off the pitch. We’re thrilled to partner with an international brand who has such a strong footprint on football from the community to the professional level,” she stated via media release.

Key to the deal, though, was Macron’s provision of ‘women’s cut’ apparel, which will provide female referees with a more comfortable refereeing experience. This has been recognised by acting CEO Pearce as a hugely symbolic moment.

“Macron produces quality apparel, but also aligns strongly with Football Victoria’s values, including a commitment to a more equitable football landscape,” she added.

“Gender equity is at the forefront of everything we do. Our women, girls and gender diverse referees will now have the option of wearing uniforms that are designed specifically for them.”

Macron CEO Gianluca Pavanello also spoke glowingly of the new partnership.

“Our logo, the Macron Hero, already features on UEFA match officials’ jerseys and on those of many other Federations all over the world. Now, it will also appear on the kits of one of the most prestigious Australian Football Federations,” he stated.

“Elegance, style and attention to detail are the characteristics of the garments that we are proud to make available to Football Victoria’s men’s and women’s refereeing sector.”

The deal between FV and Macron provides a huge boost for referees, who as an integral part of the game, require access to the highest quality apparel to ensure they can officiate efficiently and effectively.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Clifton Hill FC Set for New Era as Pavilion Upgrade Nears Completion

Avatar
Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Community football in Melbourne’s inner north is set for a major boost, with Clifton Hill FC preparing to usher in a new chapter following the redevelopment of its pavilion at Quarries Park.

The upgraded facility, delivered with support from Yarra City Council, is expected to significantly enhance the matchday and training experience for players, families, and volunteers while supporting the club’s continued growth.

A long awaited upgrade for Clifton Hill FC

Club President Michael Tyrikos said the redevelopment represents a long-awaited milestone for the grassroots club.

“We’ve been waiting close to 10 years for this,” Tyrikos told SoccerScene. “I’ve been involved with the club for over two decades and improving the facilities has always been a major goal for us.”

The new pavilion replaces previously limited amenities, with the club formerly operating with just two change rooms and minimal communal space. The upgraded facility will provide modern change rooms, social areas, and improved spectator amenities.

Supporting growth in participation

Tyrikos explained the redevelopment will be particularly significant in supporting participation growth, including the club’s expanding girls’ program.

“Previously, we only had two change rooms, which made it difficult as our girls’ program continued to grow,” he said. “Now players can feel comfortable using proper facilities with access to showers and dedicated spaces, which is something we simply didn’t have before.”

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Beyond player development, the pavilion is also expected to strengthen the club’s role as a community hub. The addition of indoor social spaces will allow families to engage more closely with the club environment, particularly during Melbourne’s winter months.

“Parents can now sit inside and watch games, and we can finally host club events, kids’ parties, and social gatherings,” Tyrikos said. “Before, we just didn’t have the capacity to bring people together like that.”

A new era at Quarries Park

Tyrikos also acknowledged the broader infrastructure improvements delivered alongside the pavilion redevelopment, including new lighting towers and an upgraded playing surface, highlighting the importance of council support in driving the project forward.

Clifton Hill FC is hopeful the new pavilion will be operational in time for its anticipated first home fixture scheduled for mid-May, marking the beginning of a new era for the community-focused club.

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Mastering Influence: FVBL’s Networking Event Set to Empower Football Leaders

Avatar
Image Credit: FV Business League Launch

Football Victoria (FV) Business League powered by Sharp EIT Solutions opens its 2026 calendar with an event that addresses a core driver of success in sport and business: “The Power of Persuasion & Influence.” FV convenes a distinguished panel of leaders for an evening dedicated to real-world leadership, advanced negotiation tactics, and practical perspectives directly informed by top-level experience.

The Speakers

David Stevenson, CEO of the National Basketball League and “The Dealmaker,” brings more than twenty-five years of executive leadership to the discussion. His track record includes transformative commercial and operational roles at Nike, where he served as Vice President across multiple global business units, and at the AFL, where he led industry-defining initiatives such as Gather Round and AFL Finals. As CEO of the Western Bulldogs, Stevenson oversaw a landmark premiership year and drove record membership and revenue growth. Most recently, he has positioned the NBL as the fastest growing sports league in Australia, securing major broadcast partnerships and expanding fan engagement across the region.

Belinda Neil, “The Behavioural Expert,” offers unparalleled expertise in communication and crisis management. With eighteen years serving in the NSW Police, including roles as Hostage Negotiator, Undercover Operative, and Homicide Detective, she has cultivated advanced skills in behavioural analysis, conflict resolution and team leadership under pressure. Her post-policing career as an acclaimed author and sought-after corporate trainer further extends her impact, equipping organisations to manage critical negotiations and complex stakeholder interactions.

 

The panel will soon add “The Communicator,” a leader renowned in elite sports coaching, with an announcement forthcoming from Football Victoria.

FV Business League continues to provide a platform for senior decision-makers and professionals to access actionable strategies and genuine insight from proven leaders. Attendees will benefit from practical knowledge to elevate negotiation, leadership, and organisational influence across all commercial and sporting domains. Tickets are out now for April 24th at The Edge, Melbourne CBD.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend