Melbourne Victory extends deal with AIA Australia

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Image credit: Melbourne Victory website

Melbourne Victory has confirmed the extension of its partnership with life, health, and wellbeing insurer AIA Australia.

Initially stepping in as Principal Partner during the 2023/24 A-League Men’s Finals Series, AIA will now serve as the club’s Official Life and Health Insurer and Health and Wellbeing Partner for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons.

The collaboration has evolved into a long-term commitment, with AIA becoming the naming rights partner for Melbourne Victory’s Health and Wellbeing communications.

The insurer will play a key role in promoting health-focused initiatives across the club’s programs and will feature prominently on the A-League Men’s training apparel.

AIA has also been elevated to Victory In Business Platinum Partner status, further embedding itself within the club’s community.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director Caroline Carnegie expressed her excitement about the ongoing partnership.

“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with AIA Australia as our Official Life and Health Insurer, and of course, our new Health and Wellbeing Partner,” she said in a press release.

“The focus of AIA on promoting health and wellbeing aligns perfectly with our values, and we look forward to working together to inspire our community and encourage active lifestyles.”

AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu shared the same sentiment when discussing the new extension.

“We are excited to support Melbourne Victory again after they made it to the Grand Final last season,” he said in a press release.

“As a leading life, health and wellbeing insurer, we want to encourage Australians to lead a healthier, longer and better life. We look forward to working with the team to drive awareness and deeper engagement across their fan base to promote active participation in sports and healthy habits.”

This partnership highlights a shared focus on fostering health and wellness, AIA Australia’s involvement aims to encourage fans and the broader community to adopt healthier and more active lifestyles.

Through this collaboration, Melbourne Victory is committed to using football as a platform to promote positive lifestyle changes and long-term wellbeing.

Fans can also expect unique opportunities to engage in health-focused programs and initiatives, strengthening the connection between the club, its supporters, and the wider community.

Overall, this deal between the two parties will have a positive impact financially for the club whilst also pushing an important message to members about leading healthier, more active lives.

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Football Victoria partners with SportsAid for enhanced player safety

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Image credit: Sports Aid

Football Victoria (FV) has confirmed a partnership with Sports Aid, which has been named the Official Medical Partner for all FV events.

The collaboration will ensure that participants in these prominent tournaments benefit from top-tier medical support and first aid services.

Established in 2023, Sports Aid has rapidly positioned itself as a leading provider of medical and safety expertise in Australian sport. Based in Melbourne, the organisation has expanded nationwide, offering its services at a variety of events, from grassroots sports to corporate tournaments.

With over 70 partnerships across the country, Sports Aid’s team of accredited professionals—including first aid responders, sports trainers, and event safety specialists—plays a pivotal role in promoting athlete welfare and event safety.

Under the alliance, Sports Aid will deliver medical personnel, including first aid responders and sports trainers, at FV’s major competitions and events throughout Victoria.

Their on-site presence will provide immediate medical assistance for injuries or health concerns, mitigate risks associated with physical activity, and enhance overall safety for players and spectators alike.

FV’s Executive Manager – Commercial, Chris Speldewinde spoke about the role Sports Aid will play in improving Victorian football.

“Their expertise ensures the safety of our participants, which is paramount in delivering outstanding sporting experiences.” he said in a press release.

Sports Aid’s founder, James Theodorakopoulos, also commented on the partnership.

“We are thrilled to be working with Football Victoria. Our primary focus is on safety, and we’re committed to ensuring that every player and participant has a seamless medical experience at FV events,” he said in a press release.

“It’s not just about responding to injuries, but also ensuring the overall well-being of everyone involved.”

Football Victoria adds Sports Aid on top of recent PILA, VETO Sports and Novotel Preston who all play a specific role in ensuring players involved with FV get the best out of their game.

FV have been focusing heavily on developing local football with facility upgrades, equipment partnerships as well as launching their GO Family football program aimed at improving fitness and building stronger family connections.

This specific partnership with Sports Aid is another that will play a positive role in the sport across the state.

FIFA, Qatar and world organisations launch Legacy Fund

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Image credit: Shutterstock.com/Jose Breton-Pics Action

FIFA has invested $76.7 million into the World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund, in collaboration with Qatar, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Previously announced in November 2022, the fund will aid a number of social programs across the world.

To launch the Legacy Fund, the initiative was presented and signed on an online meeting.

Attendees included FIFA President Gianni Infantino, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Secretary General H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi.

The FIFA World Cup Legacy Fund will be deployed across the following streams:

Public Health/Occupational Health and Safety: The Legacy Fund will contribute to programs which aim to improve working conditions, and health and wellbeing. In particular, FIFA will support WHO’s Beat the Heat initiative, to protect people from the hazards caused by extreme heat and the advance of climate change.

Education: In conjuncture with the WTO and International Trade Centre, FIFA will bolster the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund, a program which seeks to empower female entrepreneurs. 

Refugees: In partnership with the UNHCR, FIFA will assist schemes which aim to strengthen vulnerable peoples’ self-sufficiency and access to basic amenities.

Football development: FIFA will place greater emphasis on finding young talents across remote, marginalised and developing countries through the Aspire Academy and the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, headed by Arsène Wenger. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his pride for the Legacy Fund.

“The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund is a landmark project that builds on the unprecedented impact of the tournament from a sustainability point of view,” he said via press release.

“FIFA is taking the concept of a legacy fund to the next level in terms of reach and impact by tackling key priorities such as refugees, occupational health, education, and football development. I would like to thank the UN Refugee Agency, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization for their commitment to, and cooperation on, this historic initiative.”

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the importance of the partnership.

“The worlds of sport and health must collaborate to create safe, clean and healthy environments for all people engaged in the preparation, delivery and legacy of mega sport events, including workers, athletes, spectators, and communities,” he said in a press release.

To learn more about the Legacy Fund, FIFA has launched a website.

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