Hahn partnership marks new era for the Australia Cup

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Image credit: Football Australia

In a significant milestone for Australian football, Hahn has been confirmed as the naming rights partner for the Australia Cup in a three-year deal.

Beginning in 2025, the competition will be officially rebranded as the “Hahn Australia Cup,” marking the start of an important partnership between Hahn and Football Australia.

The Australia Cup is celebrated as one of the nation’s most inclusive football competitions, bringing together more than 750 senior community clubs from grassroots to professional levels.

This new alliance highlights Hahn’s commitment to fostering unity and strengthening connections within Australia’s vibrant football community.

Hahn, recognised as one of Australia’s fastest-growing beer brands, brings its no-compromise philosophy to the collaboration. With a range of low and zero-carb beers, Hahn caters to health-conscious consumers who seek to enjoy a mindful choice without sacrificing taste.

Football Australia and Hahn are set to collaborate on initiatives designed to grow the competition, ensuring it continues to resonate with communities across the country.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson touched on how exciting this deal is for the future of the game.

“This exciting partnership marks a significant moment for the Australia Cup, and we’re thrilled to welcome Hahn as the naming rights partner for this extraordinary competition”, Johnson said in a press conference.

“The Hahn Australia Cup represents more than just a football tournament; it brings together grassroots players, officials, fans, and communities from across the country in a shared celebration of the game.

“This partnership with Hahn, one of Australia’s most popular beer brands, aligns perfectly with our vision for the Australia Cup, and we’re excited about the impact this collaboration will have on Australian football.”

Lion Australia Managing Director, James Brindley shared the same excited sentiment about this partnership.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Football Australia as the official beer and naming rights partner of the Australia Cup. The Hahn Australia Cup is a competition that pits park footballers against professionals in the ultimate David vs Goliath matchup. Aussies love to back an underdog and every year the Australia Cup delivers ‘Cupsets’ that engage and inspire players and supporters alike”, Brindley said in a press conference.

“Hahn is here to celebrate the on-field moments that forge lifelong bonds and become the stuff of legend in months and years to follow. We look forward to raising a Hahn with the players, coaches, and communities that bring this tournament to life each year.”

History of naming rights

Before this deal, the history of naming rights sponsors was scarce. In 2014, Westfield Group was announced as the sponsor for the first three seasons of the cup tournament, known for commercial purposes as the “Westfield FFA Cup.”

However since 2016, the cup has failed to secure another naming rights sponsor until now, settling for Umbro and Mitre as ball suppliers and sponsors as its only revenue stream on that front.

Conclusion

Through this collaboration, Hahn and Football Australia are poised to elevate the tournament’s status while celebrating the shared love of the game among players and fans alike.

The partnership is a huge step forward for Football Australia who will capitalise off their biggest cup tournament to secure some much needed funding.

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Chelsea FC Partners with Ticketmaster on Digital Ticketing Strategy

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Image Credit: Chelsea FC website

Chelsea FC has secured a multi-year partnership with Ticketmaster, appointing the global ticketing company as its Official Ticketing Partner.

This agreement marks a significant operational shift, with Chelsea set to introduce a digital-first ticketing system for the 2025/26 season, designed to simplify access, enhance security, and combat ticket resale fraud.

This collaboration marks a significant upgrade to Chelsea’s matchday operations, aligning the club with world-class ticketing infrastructure already used by leading sports venues globally.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, digital tickets will replace physical tickets for all fixtures at Stamford Bridge, providing fans with a more efficient and secure access system. This move also aims to tackle ticket touting, a persistent issue in top-tier football, by leveraging Ticketmaster’s secure and traceable digital delivery platform.

Teaming up will grant Chelsea access to Ticketmaster’s suite of tools, including:

  • Seamless mobile ticket delivery
  • Anti-touting features
  • Scalable event ticketing for high-demand matches
  • Real-time ticket validation and fan data insights

Chelsea FC’s Chief Revenue Officer, Casper Stylsvig, reflected on the importance of the club’s new partnership with Ticketmaster.

“Partnering with a leading force in the industry brings significant value to our operations, ensuring we offer our fans a smoother, safer experience with best-in-class products, while continuing to address the issue of ticket touts,” he said via press release.

As one of the most recognised football brands globally, Chelsea’s shift to Ticketmaster’s platform underscores the club’s commitment to modernising fan engagement and match day experiences.

Managing Director at Ticketmaster Sport, Chris Gratton, shared his enthusiasm about the new partnership with Chelsea FC.

“Chelsea FC is one of the biggest clubs in football, and we’re excited to be part of their journey. Our goal is to make ticketing as simple as possible for fans,” he said via press release.

This move reflects a wider trend in the industry towards contactless, mobile-first stadium entry, which has become increasingly common in Premier League and UEFA competitions, especially after the accelerated adoption of digital solutions during the COVID era.

The alliance between Chelsea FC and Ticketmaster signals a new era for the club, introducing leading technology and expertise to elevate the match day experience for fans.

New initiatives advancing girls’ and women’s football participation

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Image credit: Adelaide United FC

A Government program designed to increase female participation in sports will provide almost 50 clubs and organisations with support to upgrade and develop sporting facilities, programs and equipment.

Around $5.4 million has been allocated for the 2024-25 round of The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP), which aims to create more inclusive spaces for girls and women in sports.

The funded projects include things like unisex clubrooms, better lighting and playing surfaces, new uniforms and equipment, and opportunities for professional development.

The South Australian Government led by Peter Malinauskas launched the program to build on the success of the Matildas and the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

To support the growth of girls’ and women’s football, 14 football clubs will receive nearly $2.4 million in funding this round.

Other sports also benefit from the program, such as basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, gymnastics, and Australian Rules Football, providing more chances for girls and women to get involved and succeed in their chosen sports.

For example, Norwood Basketball Club is receiving $14,600 to launch their ‘Rising Flames’ program, helping girls progress to elite senior levels and develop local talent.

Other projects funded through the program include:

  • Metro United Women’s Football Club, Pooraka: $25,000 for new uniforms.
  • Booleroo Centre Tennis Club: $80,000 to resurface three tennis courts, replace fencing, and build a new equipment shed for their drought-affected club.
  • Cove Netball Hub: $392,700 to build four new netball courts in Hallett Cove.
  • Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club: $750,000 (through the council) for a new clubroom, synthetic soccer pitch, and multi-purpose oval at Munno Para Regional Sportsground, Davoren Park.

So far, over $7.6 million has been distributed through the IPP, with the second year providing more than twice the amount of support compared to the first round.

Nearly half of the infrastructure project recipients this round – including Jervois Bluds Netball Club and Murraylands Gymnastics Academy – are located in regional and greater metropolitan areas, showing the broad impact on communities across South Australia.

The State Government has committed $18 million to the IPP over three years, with $10 million specifically set aside for football.

This effort is part of a wider push to eliminate barriers to female participation, including support for clubs with period products and menstrual health training.

South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily MLC Bourke highlighted the importance of supporting women in sport at a grassroots level.

“Our Government recognises the importance of supporting grassroots sports to ensure girls and women have opportunities to thrive in whichever sport they pursue,” she said in a press release.

“Having the right facilities, programs and equipment in place gives girls and women the space and confidence they need to get involved and stay active with their local club.

“As The Power of Her investment continues to grow, it’s inspiring to see clubs and organisations finding new and creative ways to grow female participation and facilitate high performance pathways in their communities.”

For more information, you can find the full list of 2024-2025 IPP grants here.

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