Gelatissimo Help WanderKid Program Return To Wanderers FC

Avatar

Western Sydney Wanderers FC have announced the return of their WanderKid Program for the 2025/26 season, with the support of ice cream company Gelatissimo.

Gelatissimo is a gelato and cake maker business who make their products by hand, originating from the United States with stores and products in Australian supermarkets.

The WanderKid Program will continue to give grassroots players from 5-12 years old free entry to all Wanderers Isuzu UTE A-League and Ninja A-League home matches excluding the Sydney Derby.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO, Scott Hudson commented on the return of the WanderKid Program for its third season will open the gates for thousands of young players across Western Sydney.

“This program is about more than just a free ticket to a Wanderer match – it’s about creating a connection between grassroots football and the professional game,” he said via press release.

“With Gelatissimo now proudly on board, we’re looking forward to delivering an even more exciting match day experience for families this season.

“Along with our unique fee-free Boy’s and Girl’s Academy programs, this is another sign of our commitment to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to young people across Western Sydney becoming part of the Wanderers family.”

Gelatissimo General Manager of Wholesale, Bede Aquilina stated the partnership was a natural fit for the brand.

“At Gelatissimo, we are passionate about bringing people together for moments that matter, and the WanderKid Program is a wonderful way to exactly do that,” he said via press release.

“We’re proud to join the Wanderers in supporting this initiative and can’t wait to add to the fun and flavour of match days for WanderKids and their families this season.”

Family Zone

Wanderers FC families will be more engage in the club with the Family Zone, enhanced for the new season with various family friendly experiences planned, as well as the club addressing the cost-of-living concerns player’s families may have throughout the season.

Gelatissimo will support the program by assisting in family events to bring more colour and excitement to match days and engage fans and player’s families.

Parents and guardians can purchase memberships or tickets in this section to enjoy the full experience alongside their WanderKids.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Inspiring the future of women’s football: The Growing Football Community grant now open

Avatar
Image Credit: Football Australia

Grassroots football is where the game grows. It is where players find their first team, coaches develop skills, and clubs function as part of local communities. Football Australia’s Growing Football Community Grant is designed to strengthen those foundations, with a particular focus on creating more opportunities for women and girls to play, coach and stay involved in football. The 2026/27 program is now open, and eligible clubs and associations can apply for grants of up to $5,000.

What is the Growing Football Community Grant?

The grant forms part of Football Australia’s Growing Football Fund, which was established with the support of CommBank following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 hosted in Australia. Its main goal is simple: help clubs and associations attract and retain women and girls in football. Funding can support projects that improve the experience of existing players or create new pathways into the game. It can also help clubs develop coaches and build more inclusive, safer environments.

The program is about more than getting people onto the pitch. It aims to create the conditions that encourage participants to keep coming back.

Who does it support?

The program is aimed at eligible football clubs and associations across Australia. For participants, that can mean new opportunities to play, and for coaches, it can mean better access to education and development. For clubs, it can provide practical support to remove barriers that can make participation harder.

Previous grants have supported a wide range of grassroots projects, and these have included ‘come and try’ programs, female-only football activities, subsidised registration fees, improved playing uniforms, coaching education and leadership programs. The program also has a strong regional and community focus. Football Australia says 93 of the 297 clubs supported across the first three grant rounds were from regional and remote communities.

What is the community benefit?

The biggest impact can extend beyond the individual player. A club that creates a stronger pathway for girls can help build participation across an entire community. Better coaching can improve the experience for players. More women in coaching and leadership can create new role models. Removing financial or practical barriers can also make football more accessible.

That can help clubs build stronger connections with families and their local communities. Football Australia’s stated objectives include providing quality experiences for new and returning participants, developing community coaches and helping clubs create inclusive and safe environments that support the retention of women and girls. Recent recipients show how that can work in practice. Broulee Stingrays Soccer Club is using grant funding to support a female coaching pathway in the Eurobodalla region, including subsidised coaching courses for girls from the age of 14.

How can clubs apply and key dates

Applications for the Growing Football Community grants opened on the 8th of September. The deadline is 10 pm AEDT on Tuesday the 20th of October. Clubs and associations should first review the Growing Football Community Grant guidelines and check their eligibility.

Applicants then need to develop their project and budget before completing the online application. The application asks clubs to explain how their project aligns with the program objectives, the barriers they face and how the funding will help address those barriers. Successful applications are scheduled to be announced in December, with funded projects to be delivered during 2027.

For clubs looking to grow women’s and girls’ football, the grant offers an opportunity to turn a local idea into a practical community project. The impact does not stop with one season. Stronger pathways, better coaching and more welcoming clubs can help build a football community where more women and girls can start playing, stay involved and find their place in the game.

Focus Construct moves to front of shirt as Brisbane Roar partnership grows

Avatar
Image Credit: Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar has expanded its relationship with Queensland construction company Focus Construct, with the business moving from sleeve sponsor to major partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.

Focus Construct joined the Roar ahead of the previous campaign as a Platinum Partner, with its branding appearing on the sleeves of the club’s home, away and third kits

The new agreement moves the company into the most prominent commercial position on all three men’s playing jerseys, giving the partnership a significantly larger matchday and broadcast footprint.

Roar CEO and Chairman Kaz Patafta said the expanded partnership reflected Focus Construct’s continued commitment to the club.

“Twelve months later they’ve backed that up by taking the most visible spot we have, and it tells our members and fans a lot about where this club is heading,” Patafta said.

Focus Construct CEO Todd Dunlop said the company were keen to continue supporting a club which that has a strong presence within the Queensland local footballing community.

“We wanted to show our support for a true Queensland sporting club, one with deep community roots and real pathways for local talent to succeed on the world stage,” Dunlop said.

The Bowen Hills-based construction business works across sectors including hospitality, education, sporting venues, government, community facilities and commercial developments.

The partnership also creates a natural connection between the two organisations’ involvement in Queensland infrastructure and sport, with Focus Construct having previously highlighted its interest in supporting the Roar’s development both on and off the field.

The deal gives the Roar another example of a commercial partnership growing in value over time, while providing Focus Construct with a larger platform across the club’s domestic campaign.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend