Mariners name Polytec as front shirt sponsor for next five seasons

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Central Coast Mariners and Anytime Fitness
Image credit: IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

The Central Coast Mariners announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Polytec, take on the role of front-of-shirt sponsor for the Mariners’ A-League Men’s team for the next five seasons.

The five-year agreement, set to begin from the upcoming season, marks the most significant commercial deal in the club’s history.

Polytec, which started on the Central Coast, has grown into a prominent name in Australian manufacturing and distribution of decorative surfaces, celebrated for its commitment to quality and sustainability.

This partnership reflects the shared values of excellence, innovation, and community engagement that both polytec and the Mariners hold dear.

The new partnership will soon be visible to fans, as polytec’s branding will be featured on the Mariners’ kits for the 2024/25 A-League Men’s season, with the unveiling of the new design expected in the coming weeks.

In addition to the sponsorship, the Mariners’ academies will now carry the Borg name, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to community development and local talent support.

This initiative underscores both organisations’ dedication to nurturing the next generation of football stars and making a lasting impact in the Central Coast region.

The recently appointed CEO of Central Coast Mariners, Alyssar Narey, discussed the many benefits of this collaboration.

“We are thrilled to welcome polytec to the Mariners’ family. As a National Australian brand with founders who are from the Central Coast, their dedication to innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with our club’s values,” Narey said in a statement.

“This partnership not only strengthens our team’s presence on the field but also highlights our commitment to forging strong relationships with leading businesses in our community.

“The direction and new initiatives we are undertaking as a club are greatly supported by this partnership. Naming rights to our academies align perfectly with our community pillar, enhancing our ability to nurture local talent and contribute positively to the community.”

Managing Director of the Borg Group, John Borg, shared his pride in the collaboration.

“We are proud to partner with the Central Coast Mariners, a club that embodies the spirit of our community and excellence.” Borg said in a statement.

“At Borg, we strive to be leaders in our industry, and this partnership with the Mariners allows us to support a team that shares our passion for community, success and innovation. We look forward to a strong collaboration over the next five years.”

This partnership is one that presents fantastic opportunities for both parties on and off the field. The goal for them is to deepen community engagement and enhance the prospects of the Central Coast region, which will be fantastic for the local community.

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Football Queensland Academy leads Northern player development

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Football Queensland

Football Queensland (FQ) has celebrated a successful year of player development in the Northern region across youth and junior football through the FQ Academy.

The FQ Academy is Queensland’s only recognised way for players to achieve state and national team representation and showed significant progress over 2024. The Northern region covers some of Queensland’s rural major hubs, including Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr and Ingham.

In the Northen region, over 150 players participated in the FQ Acadamy across the U9 to U16 age groups, illustrating the influence of adopting Football Australia’s latest national technical standards.

The success of the FQ Academy in the Northern region was further embellished through the selection of 10 local players in Queensland state teams, to compete at the Girls and Boys National Youth Championships in Melbourne and Wollongong.

FQ General Manager, Football & State Technical Director, Gabor Ganczer, expressed his joy for the achievements in the Northern region.

“2024 has been a tremendous year for football in the Northern region, with significant strides in player development as the FQ Academy continues to play a pivotal role in providing young athletes with access to world-class coaching and competitive platforms that continue to raise the standard of football in the region,” he said via press release.

“The progress seen throughout the region is the result of a sustained, long-term approach to player development, with a focus on upskilling coaches and equipping clubs with the tools and resources they need to ensure all players are supported at every stage of their journey.”  

FQ Senior Manager, Technical (Northern Conference), Michael Edwards applauded the work of the FQ Academy.

“The inclusion of local players in the Queensland state teams highlights the significant impact of the continued investment in Northern football programs, helping to elevate talented athletes to elite levels of competition,” he said in a press release.

“The foundation we’ve laid this year, with the FQ Academy at the forefront, will not only set the stage for greater success in the years to come but also drive the continued growth of football in the Northern region and beyond, ensuring clear and accessible pathways for all players to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.”  

Football Queensland remains committed to developing the level of coaching skill and to enhancing player development in the Northern region in 2025 and beyond.

Premier League’s 3pm Blackout Could End After 60 Years

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Image credit: Premier League

The long-standing 3pm broadcasting blackout for Premier League and EFL matches may soon be a thing of the past.

According to The Sun, the restriction could be lifted within the next five years, potentially reshaping the football viewing landscape in the UK.

The Current Situation

The blackout, which has been in place for six decades, prevents live broadcasting of games played at 3pm on Saturdays.

This rule aims to safeguard attendance at lower-league matches by encouraging fans to watch games in person rather than on television.

The Premier League’s new four-year broadcasting deal, set to begin next season, will maintain the blackout. However, both the Premier League and EFL agreements are scheduled to expire at the conclusion of the 2028-29 season, opening the door for significant changes.

Changing Perspectives

Traditionally seen as essential to protect matchday attendance, the blackout’s relevance is being questioned.

EFL studies suggest that televising matches has minimal impact on crowd numbers, challenging the necessity of the rule.

With a surge in live games on TV and digital platforms, the football community is increasingly debating whether the blackout is outdated.

Currently, the Premier League broadcasts 270 matches per season, leaving 110 games locked behind the blackout, and this has become increasingly controversial with local fans left frustrated at the fact they can’t watch all of their teams games.

Piracy Concerns

The blackout has inadvertently contributed to the rise in illegal streaming. Fans often resort to using devices like “cracked Fire Sticks” to watch Saturday 3pm matches, undermining the very attendance-focused intent of the restriction.

Recently, the Premier League have cracked down on piracy, threatening jail time and/or a large fine for anyone who illegally streams games that are affected by the blackout.

What’s Next?

Although the blackout remains in place for now, its future is under scrutiny. As midweek fixtures are exempt from the rule, every Premier League game this week is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

The decision to lift the blackout will likely come as part of broader broadcasting negotiations, potentially marking the end of a long-standing tradition and redefining how fans experience English football.

With the rule being considered ‘outdated’ by many, the 2028-29 proposed change comes at the right time. Both the Premier League and the EFL can capitalise on an even bigger national TV rights deal, strengthening both leagues’ finances.

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