Manchester United launch Web 3.0 fantasy football game

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Manchester United has introduced its unique take on fantasy football with the combined launch of Fantasy United and Player Trading Cards, in collaboration with their partner and blockchain network, Tezos.

The new fantasy football game works by users purchasing packs that cost £3 (AUD $6) with seven Playing Trading Cards. This allows Fantasy United players to own the Manchester United squad as digital collectibles, where they can build a five-man squad to earn points.

The Player Trading Cards will collect points across all competitions and will be based on the real-life performances of the selected players such as goals, assists, tackles and saves.

Some of the rewards for winning United’s newest fantasy football game include:

  • A once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience
  • Physical 24/25 Player Trading Cards
  • Merchandise signed by Manchester United players

Director of Digital Innovation at Manchester United, Ronan Joyce, said about the launch of the club’s new fantasy football game:

“Player Trading Cards allows United fans to collect the whole men’s first team squad, to see those collectibles evolve throughout the season as games are played and goals are scored and have the ability to play those cards in an exciting fantasy football game,” Joyce said in a media release on the club’s website.

“It’s a club-first, it means you can compete against your mates all year long, and it adds even more drama and excitement to watching the Reds at Old Trafford and on the road this season.”

Head of Culture at Trilitech, Tezos R&D Hub, Sunil Singhvi added about the new Web3 fantasy football game:

“Player Trading Cards and Fantasy United is an innovative use of blockchain technology to enable United fans to have a deeper connection with their favourite club. Through dynamically updating collectibles, supporters will be able to cheer on their heroes and watch how the season develops,” Singhvi said in a media release on the club’s website.

“Meanwhile, they will be able to showcase their managerial prowess by selecting their squad in Fantasy United. Developed by our in-house team, it’s a fun and interactive way for fans to get closer to the game and the players of Manchester United.”

The Tezos Ecosystem and Manchester United have launched previously launched campaigns such as ‘The Devils’, the club’s original digital collection released in 2022 featuring a magnitude of unique characters inspired by the club’s history.

With Web 3.0 technology making some waves around Australia despite its controversies, a new fantasy football game involving this type of technology could potentially prove to be an interesting way to entice Australian Football fans as it’s never been done before.

However, it remains to be seen whether United fans are genuinely interested in spending money to build a competitive virtual squad. But by the season’s end, it will show whether other teams and sporting organisations, like the A-Leagues, will venture into something like Fantasy United and utilise Web 3.0 technology.

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Football SA commits to quality with TigerTurf partnership

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An industry leader in synthetic pitches and sports surface technology, TigerTurf will now team up with Football SA as a Preferred Supplier of Synthetic Pitches.

Supporting growth on and off the pitch

A key issue facing many clubs and districts across Australia’s football landscape is facility access.

Sharing venues and pitches with other winter sports restricts not just playing time, but pitch quality when access becomes available.

But with TigerTurf’s expertise, built over the course of 40 years in the industry, footballers in South Australia will now see the installation of quality and durable synthetic pitches designed to support their footballing journey.

“Football continues to experience strong and sustained growth across South Australia, and with that growth comes an increasing need for high-quality, sustainable and accessible facilities,” explained Football SA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Carter.

“Our role at Football SA is to support clubs not only on the field, but also in ensuring they have the infrastructure required to grow their communities and deliver football for generations to come.”

Furthermore, TigerTurf Australia General Manager, Travis Knight, also commented on the organisation’s mission to players and people across communities in South Australia.

“At TigerTurf, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy safe, reliable and high-quality spaces to play,” Knight said via press release.

“This partnership allows us to work alongside Football SA to create inclusive facilities that encourage more people to participate, stay active and feel part of the football community.”

 

Responding to participation

Football continues to be Australia’s most participated team sport. According to Football Australia, roughly 1.93 million people enjoy the beautiful game within clubs, schools, social settings and futsal.

In South Australia alone, 2024 saw total participation reach 126,934, emphasising the need for widespread facility access.

Thus, TigerTurf’s role in the industry goes far beyond pitch installation. Through its partnership with South Australia, they are ensuring current players can continue to develop as players, while also building strong foundations for future generations.

All-year-round access, reductions in weather cancellations, and long-term planning opportunities mean that synthetic pitches are a valuable investment.

And, partnered with the industry knowledge of TigerTurf, Football SA can expect this investment to return ten-fold in the form of participation, growth and community spirit.

Football NSW celebrates volunteers across football community

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As National Volunteer Week gets underway from 18-24 May, Football NSW are championing the people who dedicate their time and efforts to supporting all across the football landscape.

Essential to sports

According to the Federal Government’s Australian Sports Commission, there are roughly 2.9 million Australians per year who give their free time and energy to sports across the country.

They are critical to the continued growth and culture of sports nationwide, especially within the football community.

Which is why, during National Volunteer Week, it is so important to recognise the contributions made by the people who uphold the game we love week-in week-out.

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, commended volunteers in New South Wales and highlighted the vital role they play in the sport across the state.

“Football in New South Wales simply does not exist without volunteers,” Tstatsimas stated via press release.

“They are the heartbeat of our clubs and competitions, and their contribution is felt in every match played across the state each weekend.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the time, passion and dedication they bring to the game.”

 

Supporting operations behind-the-scenes

Volunteers, despite their fundamental role in the grassroots game, often go unseen in the chaos and excitement of a matchday.

But, as Football NSW emphasises, their responsibilities and contributions are wide-ranging leading up to fixtures to ensure players and supporters alike experience the best of grassroots football.

“Week in, week out, these dedicated individuals ensure football continues to thrive across the state, coaching junior teams, refereeing matches, managing squads, running canteens, preparing fields, coordinating fixtures and supporting clubs in countless behind-the-scenes roles,” Football NSW said via press release.

So this week serves as an important period to recognise the backbone of local football communities not only in New South Wales, but all states across the nation.

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