Heidelberg United’s Olympic Park to receive a further $7.5 million in funding

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The State Labor Government is contributing $4.5 million to stages 3 and 4 of redevelopment at Olympic Park, alongside $3 million from Banyule City Council.

Olympic Park, home of National Premier League club Heidelberg United, will receive a combined $7.5 million in funding from local and state governments to continue improvements and development of facilities. 

Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport and Youth, Ros Spence, announced during a press conference at Olympic Park on Friday that the State Labor Government would contribute $4.5 million to stages 3 and 4 of redevelopment at the ground, alongside a $3 million contribution from Banyule City Council.

“These important projects will deliver local jobs in the short term and top-notch facilities for passionate sportspeople for decades to come,” Spence said.

“It’s vital that clubs can provide modern facilities for existing and prospective members – whether they are players, coaches, administrators, or supporters.”

These plans include the expansion of current infrastructure and car park, development of the pavilion, and the building of futsal/basketball courts. The funding is a part of the Daniel Andrews state government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Program.

The ground received a $7 million upgrade during stages 1 and 2 of the redevelopment, which included a new main pitch, as well as a junior and full sized synthetic pitch, of which the state government provided $3.5 million. Today’s conference marked the completion of the upgrade as Spence announced further funding from the state government and Banyule City Council for stages 3 and 4.

Member of Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines attended the announcement and spoke to the crowd of Heidelberg United fans, local government officials, and media. 

“Olympic Park is a place where the community comes together. It’s fantastic that people in Heidelberg and surrounding suburbs will be able to enjoy sports facilities and a meeting place of such a high standard,” he said.

Heidelberg United president Steve Tsalikidis praised the announcement and the work that had been put into securing the funding for the ground.

“A key feature of Heidelberg United’s success on and off the pitch has been the game-changing upgrades here at Olympic Park, and we thank the Victorian government for their part in making the facilities even better.”

Also in attendance at the announcement was Banyule City Mayor Rick Garotti and Football Victoria CEO Kimon Taliadoros.

So far the Community Sports infrastructure Stimulus Package has funded 70 projects worth $335 million in Victoria.

Olympic Park was built in 1956 to accommodate and provide a training base for athletes competing in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

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AC Milan and Puma Unveil New 2026/27 Away Kit

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Image Credit: AC Milan S.p.A.
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.

Bentleigh Greens and Metricon Bring Local Business Community Together Through Networking Initiative

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Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Bentleigh Greens FC has reinforced its commitment to supporting its community beyond football, partnering with Metricon Homes to host a business networking evening designed to strengthen relationships between local businesses, sponsors and club stakeholders.

 

A unique setting for meaningful connections

Held inside one of Metricon’s display homes, the Bentleigh Greens Business Networking Night welcomed around 60 local business owners, club partners and community leaders for an evening focused on connection, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Rather than a traditional function space, Metricon opened the doors of one of its display homes, creating a unique networking environment that highlighted how the space could be transformed into a premium venue while providing guests with a relaxed setting to build professional relationships.

The event reflects a growing trend across community football, where clubs are increasingly positioning themselves as platforms for business engagement and local economic development, alongside their role in delivering participation opportunities on the pitch.

Guests also heard from strategic futurist Marcus Barber, who delivered a presentation examining the growing influence of artificial intelligence on modern business. His insights encouraged attendees to consider how emerging technologies are reshaping industries and the importance of preparing for future change.

 

Creating value beyond sponsorship

While commercial outcomes were never the primary objective, the evening was designed to create long-term value by fostering meaningful relationships between businesses connected to the Bentleigh Greens community.

Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with several attendees already establishing new contacts and beginning discussions around potential collaborations.

The initiative also highlights Metricon’s broader commitment to supporting local communities beyond residential construction. By partnering with Bentleigh Greens and providing the venue, the company helped facilitate an event that encouraged learning, networking and stronger community connections.

 

Football clubs as community business hubs

For community football clubs, initiatives such as these demonstrate how partnerships can extend beyond traditional sponsorship models. By creating opportunities for local businesses to engage with one another, clubs can strengthen their commercial networks while delivering tangible value to sponsors and the wider community.

As football clubs continue to explore new ways of engaging stakeholders off the field, events like the Bentleigh Greens Business Networking Night illustrate how sport can serve as a catalyst for meaningful business relationships and long-term community growth.

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