Macarthur to launch Bulls FC Academy in 2023

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Macarthur FC are set to establish a direct player pathway from junior grassroots football to their Isuzu UTE A-League team through the launch of the Bulls FC Academy in 2023.

The Bulls FC Academy will compete in the National Premier Leagues NSW next season following a merger between Northbridge Football Club and Macarthur FC.

Having operated as a joint venture for the past two National Premier League seasons, Bulls FC academy will become a single entity from the start of the 2023 season with Macarthur FC managing the technical direction of the football program.

Bulls FC Academy will be run as a non-for-profit entity. It will oversee the women’s programs from SAP under 10’s to NPL first grade women, boys’ NPL pre-academy, the men’s NPL programs from under 13s up to the NPL1 first grade team.

As part of the establishment of Bulls FC Academy, Socceroo legend Mile Sterjovski will remain head coach of the men’s NPL NSW 1 team while former Young Socceroo Corey Gameiro is set to remain as technical director of the youth programs.

“Another A-League academy means more opportunities for young kids and another pathway to the top,” Bulls FC Academy technical director Corey Gameiro said via Macarthur FC.

“Kids will have the chance to train in an elite environment through our NPL boys program into Mile’s NPL 1 team. Once playing under Mile, they are only one tap on the shoulder away from breaking into the A-League.”

Since forming a joint partnership in the 2021 season, three players have been promoted from Northbridge’s NPL team into the Macarthur FC Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s squad.

“The partnership over the last two years has been exceptional with three graduates from the joint venture to our first team already. We believe this will grow further as we put more investment and resources into our academy program,” Macarthur FC Chief Executive Sam Krslovic said via Macarthur FC.

“The Academy also represents a significant step in investment in women’s football from the club and the start of our journey towards establishing our own Liberty A-League women’s team.”

Macarthur FC is in advanced planning to build its Centre of Excellence in Cawdor, with construction to begin as early as next year.

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GIS Sydney connects students with Australia’s sporting industry

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

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

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Image Credit: Sydney FC

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.

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