Northern NSW Football announces Flood Recovery Package

Northern NSW Football has announced its Flood Recovery Package to assist clubs affected by the devastating floods in the region.

The NNSWF Flood Recovery Package, worth more than $130,000 in value, will help clubs replace essential equipment and support families facing financial hardship to meet the costs associated with junior registration fees.

The far northeast of NSW experienced its worst ever flooding in late February. 12 clubs affiliated with Football Far North Coast and North Coast Football were affected by flooding.

Damage ranged from the loss of equipment to total devastation. The damage bill was estimated at $700,000.

NNSWF set up its Flood Recovery Package in response. The package includes:

  • Upfront club grants worth $65,000
  • Replacement equipment valued at $20,000
  • 1400 footballs generously donated by Mitre worth $28,000
  • A specific grant to help clubs absorb governing body fees for families of junior players who face financial hardship worth $18,400

NNSWF’s major partner of community football Newcastle Permanent have also donated 25 sets of aluminium MiniRoos goals as well as pitch markers.

NNSWF CEO David Eland knows the impact of the floods on local football clubs had been significant.

“The scope of the flood recovery package reflects our commitment as the member federation to ease the burden on volunteers and help clubs get back on the pitch as soon as possible,” Eland said.

“In addition to damage and loss, clubs are also faced with the loss of sponsorship from local businesses affected by the floods.”

The Flood Recovery Package also includes a fundraising portal through the Australian Sports Foundation which enables businesses and individuals to make tax free donations.

NNSWF continues to advocate with all levels of government to ensure clubs have access to disaster relief funding.

NNSWF is also committed to helping families facing financial hardship by providing clubs with a specific grant to absorb the governing body fees for players under the age of 18.

“Sport has a unique ability to bring communities together. Its resumption will be a clear signal that the community is on the mend,” Eland said.

“We are committed to helping clubs so kids don’t miss out on playing this season if their families can’t afford registration fees.”

The generosity of the broader football community has been demonstrated through a boot drive at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility at Speers Point.

Used boots are being collected at the home of football for delivery to players and clubs in need.

“By the time the season starts I expect hundreds of pairs of boots to be donated to families who lost everything in the recent floods,” Eland said.

“We thank the football community for their generosity.”

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UEFA and Unilever renew partnership

UEFA has embraced Unilever as an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, kicking off in Switzerland on July 2 until July 27, 2025.

Unilever’s deal with UEFA builds off of their 2024 partnership and will see a wide array of Unilever’s Foods and Personal Care brands ignite their own integrated advertising campaigns to connect with fans and consumers in and out of the stadium, including household names like Dove, Rexona, Knorr and Hellmann’s.

UEFA marketing director, Guy-Laurent Epstein expressed UEFA’s excitement to work with Unilever again.

“Building on the success of our collaboration last summer, we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Unilever for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025,” he said in a press release.

The support and interest in women’s football is on a sharp upward trajectory, and with Unilever’s portfolio of Food and Personal Care brands reaching billions of people every day, we look forward to celebrating the power of the game and bringing excitement to fans everywhere.”

General Manager of Unilever Foods Europe, Robbert de Vreede conveyed his enthusiasm for Unilever’s involvement in the upcoming Women’s EURO 2025.

“We are thrilled to partner with the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, enabling our Foods brands to connect with a large audience who come together enjoying the thrill of a football match with friends whilst sharing delicious foods,” he said in a UEFA press release.

“Just as a great BBQ brings people closer, football unites fans in a shared experience of passion and camaraderie. In this partnership we will create memorable moments that highlight the best of summer – good food, great company, and beautiful games.”

General Manager of Unilever Personal Care Europe, Fulvio Guarneri detailed why the collaboration between UEFA and Unilever was a perfect fit.

“This is an exciting opportunity for some of our biggest brands to tap into a big cultural moment and connect with millions of consumers who will be watching the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025,” he said via press release.

“It’s a great time for women’s football and this partnership fits perfectly with our Personal Care products which are all about feeling clean and confident, and taking part in sports. Together with our retail partners, we look forward to building on the success of last year’s men’s tournament, delivering unmissable campaigns across a variety of channels that celebrate the power of women’s football.”

Unilever joins an exciting list of brands for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 tournament, including household names such as adidas, Amazon, AXA, Booking.com, EA, Euronics, Grifols, Heineken, Hublot, Just Eat Takeaway.com, Lay’s, Lidl, PlayStation and Visa.

The Club Development Conference highlights community football

Significant Sporting Events Program 2023-24

On Saturday, February 1st, over 200 attendees came together at Valentine Sports Park for the 2025 Football NSW Club Development Conference.

With registrations for the 2025 season still coming in, over 85 Football NSW clubs from both Sydney Metropolitan and regional areas gathered for a dynamic day of workshops, panels, and special guest speakers, celebrating community football.

Presented by Stephanie Brantz, the Conference included keynote addresses from Karen Jones, Acting CEO of Destination NSW and Chief Executive of the NSW Office of Sport, Dr. Catriona Rose of the Australian Sports Commission, and Matildas cap #167, Ellie Brush.

After the successful second edition of the conference, Trevor Huxley, Football NSW’s Program Manager for Club Development, expressed his excitement over the strong support from the community.

“The Club Development Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together all levels of the game to learn from one another, network and discuss best practice for grassroots football,” said Huxley via press release.

“It has been inspiring to see grassroots clubs across the state in attendance, illustrating a remarkable commitment to supporting their local communities. It’s vital that Football NSW continues to lead in this space, providing support to the volunteers and local administrators who are central to the ongoing growth of our game.”

Along with the keynote speakers, attendees were able to choose sessions tailored to their Club or role, covering topics such as safeguarding, volunteerism, marketing and data analysis, infrastructure and grant funding, player and spectator behaviour, women & girls’ football, diversity and inclusion, and grassroots coach education.

The Football NSW Club Development Conference serves as a pivotal platform for enhancing community football by Empowering Clubs, Facilitating Networking, Offering Targeted Education and Showcasing Leadership.

By focusing on these areas, the conference plays a crucial role in strengthening community football, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring the sport’s sustainable growth.

To gain further details and access Club resources, click here.

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