Manchester United set to trial barrier seating in response to Covid-19

Liam Watson

Manchester United has been given the green light by Trafford Council to go ahead with a barrier seating trial at Old Trafford.

United submitted a proposal earlier in the year, following changes to the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide) and a feasibility study carried out by the club afterwards.

The approval was confirmed to fan representatives at last week’s Fans’ Forum and follows lengthy discussions held with Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) and the Fans’ Forum in recent years.

Trafford Council’s approval is an agreement in principle for the club to install around 1,500 barrier seats in the North East Quadrant, in sections N2401 and N2402.

United will discuss installation options with potential suppliers, following current UK Government recommendations relating to construction site operating procedures and social distancing. Discussions will also take place with the SGSA to ratify the required amendments to the club’s stadium licence.

“It should be stated up front that our overwhelming priority is to keep our people safe from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Richard Arnold, Group Managing Director, said.

“It may seem strange to talk about stadium plans at this time, but football and our fans will return when it is safe, and our preparations for that must continue in the background.

“This announcement is the latest step in what has been a long journey with our fans. We have listened to their feedback, in particular the representations made by MUST, and worked with Trafford Council to develop and approve this proposal.

“Our belief is that the introduction of barrier seats will enhance spectator safety in areas of the stadium where – as with other clubs – we have seen examples of persistent standing.

It also allows us to future-proof the stadium in the event of any changes to the current all-seater stadium policy. If the trial is successful, we may consider further implementation of barrier seating in other parts of the stadium.

“We will now move on to develop the installation, compliance and licensing plan for the trial with a view to having the new seats installed for when we can welcome our supporters back to Old Trafford.”

The barrier seating trial represents the club’s broader plans to develop the stadium in ways which enhance the match day experience for supporters. In February, United announced the extension of the atmosphere section in the Stretford End’s south-west corner as part of the season ticket launch for 2020/21.

“Both of these initiatives underline our commitment to the continued improvement of Old Trafford, with a focus on further enhancing the matchday experience, atmosphere and safety for all supporters,” Arnold said.

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Focus Construct moves to front of shirt as Brisbane Roar partnership grows

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Image Credit: Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar has expanded its relationship with Queensland construction company Focus Construct, with the business moving from sleeve sponsor to major partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.

Focus Construct joined the Roar ahead of the previous campaign as a Platinum Partner, with its branding appearing on the sleeves of the club’s home, away and third kits

The new agreement moves the company into the most prominent commercial position on all three men’s playing jerseys, giving the partnership a significantly larger matchday and broadcast footprint.

Roar CEO and Chairman Kaz Patafta said the expanded partnership reflected Focus Construct’s continued commitment to the club.

“Twelve months later they’ve backed that up by taking the most visible spot we have, and it tells our members and fans a lot about where this club is heading,” Patafta said.

Focus Construct CEO Todd Dunlop said the company were keen to continue supporting a club which that has a strong presence within the Queensland local footballing community.

“We wanted to show our support for a true Queensland sporting club, one with deep community roots and real pathways for local talent to succeed on the world stage,” Dunlop said.

The Bowen Hills-based construction business works across sectors including hospitality, education, sporting venues, government, community facilities and commercial developments.

The partnership also creates a natural connection between the two organisations’ involvement in Queensland infrastructure and sport, with Focus Construct having previously highlighted its interest in supporting the Roar’s development both on and off the field.

The deal gives the Roar another example of a commercial partnership growing in value over time, while providing Focus Construct with a larger platform across the club’s domestic campaign.

Queensland Football Convention adds high-profile speakers to 2026 lineup

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Image Credit: Football Queensland

The 2026 Queensland Football Convention has expanded its speaker lineup. Robbie Kruse, Emma McKeon, Jon Moss and Tony Wilson are joining previously confirmed headliner Mark Bosnich. The four new additions will bring experience from football, elite sport, refereeing and high performance to the two-day convention at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on the 10th and 11th of October.

Bosnich was announced in August as the event’s featured speaker. The former Socceroo and Premier League goalkeeper will take part in an exclusive Q&A covering his career, life in football and the pathways available to Australia’s next generation of players. Robbie Kruse adds another strong football voice to the program. Queensland’s most-capped Socceroo will share lessons from a career that took him from local football to the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League. Now working in coaching and player development, Kruse will focus on pathways, talent development and the challenge of making the step into elite football.

McKeon – Australia’s most decorated Olympian – will bring a different perspective in exploring the principles behind high performance. Her session will cover teamwork, resilience, goal setting and the value of small improvements when competing at the highest level.

Former Premier League referee and current-Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss will also return, examining the relationship between coaches and match officials. He will focus on communication, mutual respect and collaboration, while also looking at the future of refereeing in Australia and the role coaches and clubs can play in supporting officials.

Tony Wilson, founder of Performance Lab, completes the newly announced group. As keynote speaker, Wilson will examine mindset, leadership, culture and resilience, drawing on his work with elite athletes, teams and organisations across Australia and the United States. The expanded program gives coaches, administrators and football professionals access to perspectives from across the sporting landscape.

The Queensland Football Convention will take place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The convention takes place from the 9th to the 11th of October.

To purchase tickets to the 2026 Queensland Football Convention, click the link here.

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