GIOCA and Avondale FC partner to honour club’s Italian heritage

In an announcement made via social media this week, GIOCA revealed Avondale FC as its latest club partner.

Shared heritage, common goals

Both GIOCA and Avondale share Italian identity and heritage, with the NPL Victoria side embracing its Italian roots since its beginnings in 1984.

Founded by Italian immigrants, Avondale FC (then known as “Keilor I.C.K.A.”) became a cornerstone of the Avondale community following a relocation in 1999.

And now, over 40 years since its founding, Avondale will honour its past with a partnership built for the future.

Teaming up with GIOCA – a brand established by footballers, for footballers – kicks off an alliance which combines a respect for history while bringing clubs and kits into the modern game.

“We’re excited to partner with Avondale FC to design, develop and deliver their Teamwear as they prepare for the upcoming Australian Championship and the 2027 NPL Victoria season,” GIOCA said via social media.

“A powerhouse club with a proud Italian heritage, this partnership hits close to home.”

“It was only fitting that we launched it surrounded by people, culture and traditions that connects us to our heritage.”

 

Announcing a special type of Teamwear

The shirts which represent the clubs we love all hold a deep history. They connect us to a team’s beginnings and the values which brought them to where they are today.

Therefore, establishing a kit designed and developed by both GIOCA and Avondale demands respect for the shared Italian culture underpinning both organisations.

In a unique photoshoot to promote the new kit release, players from both the men’s and women’s team were captured not in the glitz and glamour of the pitch, but in the ordinary settings which mean the most to the community.

Photos showed players in a garden enjoying a game of ‘scopa’, as well as in a bar alongside coffees and special editions of La Gazzetta dello Sport.

It is partnerships such as this which truly capture the attention of fans and players alike. The creative announcement reflects an important part of the club’s culture, and demonstrates that history and the future are not so distant after all.

Click here to see the official announcement on GIOCA’s social media.

Previous ArticleNext Article

GIS Sydney connects students with Australia’s sporting industry

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.

Sydney FC bolsters business strategy with third-year ABCC partnership

Sydney FC is extending its partnership with the Australian British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) for a third year, strengthening the connection between the club’s corporate network and the wider business community.

The partnership will give ABCC members access to Sydney FC’s Business Club, it’s new The Collective networking platform and a range of events throughout the 2026/27 season.

ABCC members had already been attending Sydney FC matches and networking through hospitality, and last season the organisations built on that connection by collaborating on a pre‑World Cup business event featuring former players and football industry figures.

ABCC Chief Commercial Officer Paul Wright said the partnership had provided members with opportunities to engage with the club and its business community.

“We are delighted to continue the strong partnership between the Australian British Chamber of Commerce and Sydney FC for the third consecutive year,” Wright said.

Sydney FC Commercial and Marketing General Manager Matt Pound said the relationship was creating opportunities beyond traditional matchday hospitality.

“There’s a large appetite for collaboration between the Sydney FC business club and those within the ABCC, with numerous partnership opportunities being developed through this collaboration,” Pound said.

The continued partnership will also see Sydney FC benefit from member introductions through the ABCC, while the club will contribute speakers to selected Chamber events and feature in its quarterly magazine.

For Sydney FC, the partnership provides another established business network through which to develop its broader commercial strategy, following the recent launch of The Collective.

The club is increasingly positioning its corporate relationships around networking and business development, using football and its existing commercial community as a platform for connections beyond sponsorship and matchday hospitality.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend