Newcastle Jets Women Secure Major Backing from nib

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Image credit: Newcastle Jets FC

The Newcastle Jets have announced nib as the new principal partner of the Club’s A-League Women’s team for the next two seasons.

The partnership marks a milestone in the promotion of women’s sport in the region by sponsoring elite female athletes and promoting active lifestyles to improve health outcomes for women.

Newcastle Jets CEO, Tain Drinkwater, expressed enthusiasm and admiration toward nib’s newfound support for women’s football.

“This is nib’s first direct investment into women’s football, and it speaks volumes about their commitment to building a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community,” she said in a press release.

“With women’s football continuing to grow across our region and the nation, this partnership is a major step forward for our club and the sport.”

Through this partnership, nib’s logo will feature across the front of our A-League women’s kits and become the official health care provider for the Newcastle Jets.

Northern NSW, including Newcastle and the Hunter Region, boasts the highest football participation per capita in Australia, with nib aiming to support community initiatives that encourage participation, inclusion, and wellbeing from the ground up.

Nib Group CEO and Managing Director, Ed Close, also spoke on how much the partnership will mean for the development of women’s sport.

“Our partnership is about investing in the future of women’s sport, supporting grassroots football, and championing better health and wellbeing for all,” he said in a press release.

“At nib, we’re proud to stand alongside these talented players as they inspire the next generation and elevate the game.

“These athletes are exceptional on the pitch; they’re role models in our community.”

Since 2022, nib has partnered with the Minerva Network to support elite female athletes through mentoring and leadership development, helping to empower them on and off the field.

Northern NSW, including Newcastle and the Hunter Region, boasts the highest football participation per capita in Australia, with nib aiming to support community initiatives that encourage participation, inclusion, and wellbeing.

The partnership between the two parties is exciting for the women’s side who get the benefit of a decent size Australian company backing the team with promotion and resources to improve them both on and off the pitch. It’s strategic from the Newcastle Jets who need to find ways to improve from their 11th place finish in 2024/25.

 

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

‘We Can Do So Much More’: Players Take Control of the A-League Women’s Future

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Image Credit: One Nil

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has launched Ready For Takeoff – The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women, a player-led roadmap outlining the future direction of the domestic women’s competition.

Unveiled on Wednesday at Ultra Football in Melbourne, the initiative places current A-League Women players at the centre of discussion. Elevating the debate around professionalism, sustainability and long-term growth of the league.

The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women – Image Credit: One Nil

The vision, developed through consultation with players across the competition, calls for improved professional standards, greater investment and governance structures that reflect the specific needs of the women’s game. It comes amid ongoing conversations about contract security, season length and the transition toward full-time professionalism.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch – Image Credit: One Nil

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said players had been clear about the sacrifices required to continue competing in the league.

“We’ve heard from players about the struggle and sacrifices they continue to make to play the game they love, but we can do so much more than this,” Busch said. “A fully professional game here in Australia is crucial to creating the next generation of Matildas, but also to ensure we reach our potential and win a FIFA World Cup.”

PFA Deputy Chair Elise Kellond-Knight and A-League Women players Grace Maher and Dylan Holmes also addressed media, reinforcing the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the competition.

The PFA said Ready For Takeoff provides a clear, achievable framework for the continued evolution of the A-League Women. The initiative urges stakeholders to work collaboratively with players to ensure the league’s growth matches the talent, ambition and momentum of women’s football in Australia.

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