Global Institute of Sport and former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor launch ‘study and play’ academy in Dubai

Global Institute of Sport (GIS) has announced an expansion into the Middle East by partnering with leading football performance specialists The Player, co-founded by former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor.

Aspiring footballers from across the globe can now study a GIS university degree and immerse themselves in an elite football environment with the stunning surroundings of Dubai.

The new ‘Study & Play: Dubai’ initiative provides footballers of all levels with an unprecedented opportunity to train and play in state-of-the-art facilities under the guidance of UEFA A licenced coaches. Alongside their football, students studying a specialist GIS online sports degree will receive local academic support, as well as be part of a global cohort of GIS students studying the same degree course.

Open to students from across the world to move to Dubai, successful applicants will be able to immerse themselves in the Middle East’s emerging football market, gain cutting-edge skills and apply for sports work placements that will shape their future both on and off the field.

The Player Co-Founder and former Newcastle United player Steven Taylor commented:

“This partnership with GIS offers a fantastic opportunity for young athletes. Education is one of our four main focuses at The Player, and we’re able to offer high level performance training alongside this education.”

Fellow The Player Co-Founder and UEFA A licenced coach Sam White added:

“We’re really proud to be introducing this partnership with Global Institute of Sport, and being able to offer young professionals and talented young athletes the opportunity to study a degree and play or work within the world of football in Dubai at the same time.”

GIS President and CEO Sharona Friedman stated:

“GIS was founded with the intention of bringing the best learning and education from the world of sport together so that students are able to graduate with a holistic understanding of best practice from around the globe.

“We are delighted to partner with The Player to provide an additional immersive opportunity for students to study and train in an elite football environment, whilst also bringing our education model to a new region, which will be at the forefront of sports business and performance for the decades to come.”

The GIS degrees available to study as part of this opportunity are:

All programmes are delivered entirely online with the exception of MSc Football Coaching & Analysis, which is largely online plus two residential weeks in either London, Miami or Melbourne.

For more information on Study & Play: Dubai, you can visit the link here: www.GIS.sport/dubai.

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Australian Sports Group unveiled as new owners of Canberra United

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has confirmed Canberra United’s new owners will be the Australian Sports Group (ASG), securing the future of the A-League Women’s side with the potential for an A-League men’s team to be introduced for the 2028/2029 season.

The announcement marks a significant milestone for football in the nation’s capital, ending a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding Canberra United’s future in the Ninja A-League Women competition.

Beyond ensuring the club’s ongoing participation in Australia’s premier women’s domestic league, the acquisition provides a pathway towards the potential introduction of an A-League Men club in Canberra, subject to the completion of regulatory requirements; the club could exercise an exclusive licence agreement in the Australian Capital Territory.

Australian Sports Group has outlined an ambitious vision centred on strengthening football throughout the ACT, with plans to invest in player development pathways, community engagement and football infrastructure while working alongside key stakeholders across the region.

The ownership transition has been welcomed by the Australian Professional Leagues, which described the outcome as an important step in expanding the game’s footprint in Canberra and reinforcing the long-term sustainability of professional football in the region.

Canberra United has long been regarded as one of Australia’s most successful and respected women’s clubs, playing a pivotal role in developing elite players and contributing to the growth of women’s football nationally. The confirmation of new ownership provides greater certainty for players, staff, supporters and commercial partners ahead of the upcoming season.

The licence transfer will continue through Football Australia’s regulatory processes, including the required fit and proper persons assessment, while operational planning for the 2026-27 campaign is already underway with support from both the APL and Capital Football.

 

AC Milan and Puma Unveil New 2026/27 Away Kit

AC Milan and Puma have officially unveiled the clubs the new 2026/27 away kit, a timeless white kit that celebrates resilience, heritage and the winning mentality that has defined the Rossoneri for generations.

Inspired by the phrase “after Istanbul, there is always Athens” the kit pays tribute to AC Milan’s triumph in the 2007 Champions League Final in Athens following their defeat in Istanbul in 2005. The message printed on the back of the collar, reflects the club’s enduring spirit and serves as a reminder that every setback can become the foundation for future success.

Leading the campaign is club legend Filipo Inzaghi who scored two goals to lead AC Milan in the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final, embodying the determination, resilience and hunger that continues to define AC Milan’s identity.

Every detail on this years away kit reinforces this story. Gold accents and a laurel wrapped club crest celebrates a storied history of success, while the authentic version features the Greek inscription “Δύναμη Ψυχής” (“Strength of Spirit”) inside the collar. A subtle phoenix wing woven into the fabric symbolises renewal, resilience and the Club’s commitment to continually rising to new challenges.

The authentic jersey is engineered with PUMA’s advanced ULTRAWEAVE fabric, complemented by dryCELL and ThermoAdapt technologies to deliver lightweight feel and optimal performance. The replica version brings the same identity combining the same striking design with everyday wearability and is made with RE technology, incorporating 95% recycled polyester sourced from textile waste.

The new AC Milan 2026/27 Away Kit is available now through AC Milan Official Stores, the Club’s online store, PUMA and selected retailers worldwide.

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