Manchester United partners with LGBT+ equality charity

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Manchester United has partnered with LGBT+ rights charity Stonewall, in an effort to promote diversity and inclusion.

The strategic partnership sees the Premier League outfit join Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme. The programme focuses on LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace and gives the club access to resources to support LGBT+ inclusion.

The club will also participate in Stonewall’s Workplace Allies programme – which assists non-LGBT employees to support and promote an LGBT-inclusive culture.

Manchester United Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold said that the club is committed to making equality, diversity and inclusion integral to the way Manchester operates.

“We’re immensely proud of our relationship with Stonewall and delighted to be taking it to the next level with this strategic partnership. Diversity is a source of strength for Manchester United and ensuring a welcoming environment for LGBT+ employees and fans is a crucial part of that,” he said.

Manchester has been taking steps to improve diversity and inclusion through its ‘All Red All Equal’ campaign.

The club has previously supported Stonewall, in 2017 Manchester United was the first football club to join Stonewall’s TeamPride coalition. Manchester has also supported Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign in the past.

“It’s so important for organisations to actively work towards making sport everyone’s game. Many LGBT+ people want to take part in sport, either as players or fans, but at the moment not everyone feels welcome. We also know that most sports fans want to see sports be better and more inclusive,” Chief Executive of Stonewall, Nancy Kelley said.

“To make this happen, we need individuals and organisations to step up to show their support for LGBT+ people and that’s what Manchester United has done today. We’re excited to continue our journey with them from being a founding member of TeamPride, to now joining us as a Diversity Champion. We look forward to working with them to help further LGBT+ equality in football.”

Manchester United also has an LGBT+ Supporters group – the Rainbow Devils was established in February of 2019.

“We’re proud to support and work alongside a club that is committed to creating an inclusive environment for LGBT+ people. There is still a lot more work to do but this partnership with Stonewall is another welcome step in the right direction,” Leader of Rainbow Devils, Eric Najibsaid said about the partnership.

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Shepparton Cup – Victoria’s biggest junior football tournament – set for 2026 edition

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Image Credits: Shepparton Cup

Victoria’s largest junior football tournament is set to kick off in style as the Shepparton Cup returns for 2026. With age groups from under-sevens through to under-17s, the Shepparton Cup welcomes players of all genders and abilities as the perfect way to end the 2026 club season.

The tournament kicks off on the 23rd of October with an Olympic-style opening ceremony. The 2025 edition saw 385 teams and 4,600 players take to the pitch across both Liga and Copa Divisions. The Liga Division is for grassroots teams of all abilities who want a fun competitive experience; the Liga Division is for NPL and state league teams who will compete in a competitive carnival.

Rolando Navas, Managing Director of Sports Group Melbourne, says the tournament is not only beneficial for young players but also for the community of Shepparton.

“The Shepparton Cup is a great opportunity for families and the wider Shepparton community to embrace the regional community and provide a platform for young players to participate and experience a competitive and fun three day festival of football.”

The 2026 Shepparton Cup will be held from 23rd to 25th October 2026 at Shepparton Sports City. For more information about the Shepparton Cup, click the link here.

Australian Sports Group reveals ambitious blueprint for Canberra United

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Image Credits: Canberra United

New Canberra United owners, Australian Sports Group, have outlined an ambitious investment blueprint for the future of the club.

The plans centre around strengthening the club’s foundations, establishing elite academy pathways, and the introduction of an A-League Men’s team. More broadly, it aims to create a stronger football ecosystem that connects players, clubs and communities across the Australian Capital Territory.

A key pillar of the strategy is the development of an elite academy. The proposed pathways will create opportunities for emerging talent to progress towards professional football, strengthening the connection between grassroots participation and the elite game. The academy would form an important foundation for the proposed A-League Men’s team. ASG are targeting an entry into the Men’s competition from 2028/29, pending required process.

The introduction of a men’s team would expand the club’s professional offering and create additional opportunities for players, coaches and football staff. It would also give local talent a clearer pathway towards senior football without having to leave the region.

Infrastructure investment is another central component of the blueprint. The group plans to improve football facilities and secure a long-term home for the club. These developments would support the women’s program while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

The strategy also prioritises stronger engagement across the ACT football community. The ownership group plans to work with local stakeholders and government to align the club’s growth with broader priorities for sport and community development.

The immediate focus remains on stabilising the women’s program and building the structures needed for long-term success. This approach provides a foundation for the club to expand its operations while maintaining its existing identity and community connections.

The investment blueprint signals a broader ambition for Canberra United. By combining elite player development, improved infrastructure and the potential introduction of a men’s team, the group aims to establish a sustainable professional football model for the capital. The vision positions Canberra United as a platform for growth across the region, with a pathway to connect grassroots participation, academy development and professional competition.

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