Northern NSW football prioritises growth in female participation

Northern NSW Football is thrilled to introduce a new department focused on Women & Girls and Participation.

NNSWF has restructured part of its operations to retain existing talent within the organisation, following the NSW Football Legacy Program’s completion and successful funding secured through the Play Our Way program.

NNSWF General Manager of Women & Girls and Participation, Allana Neeve, is optimistic about the future of football in the region.

“I believe that this is an exciting new chapter for us all and I am confident that this new department will significantly benefit the football family. We are in the best position to deliver on our goals and support the game in every corner of northern NSW,” she said via press release.

“This is fully aligned with the 2024-26 Strategic Plan to help increase participation across all member zones.

“I am thrilled to announce that Helen Mosely, Natalie Boyd and Micheal Hugo will all continue on with us in new roles. They have each been strong performers with skills and passion for the game and are vital to NNSWF’s future success. I could not be happier to see them remain as part of our organisation.”

  • Women & Girls and Participation Officer: Helen Mosely

Helen will provide dedicated support to regional member zones and clubs, ensuring NNSWF remains visible and accessible to its football community.

She will collaborate closely with Football Far North Coast, Football Mid North Coast, North Coast Football, and NNSWF – Northern Inland to promote participation initiatives, particularly for women, girls, and underrepresented groups across these regions.

  • Women & Girls and Inclusion Officer: Natalie Boyd

Natalie will assist Hunter region member zones in promoting participation and inclusion initiatives, especially for women and girls.

She will also enhance community engagement with the Newcastle Jets.

  • Participation Officer – Schools & First Nations: Micheal Hugo

Micheal will seek opportunities to increase participation and engage First Nations communities in football, overseeing key programs such as the NAIDOC Cup and First Nations Scholarships, while also leading and coordinating NNSWF’s First Nations Advisory Group.

He will also concentrate on leading the National Schools Program, which NNSWF will implement starting in 2025 as Football Australia hands the program back to member federations.

The Women & Girls and Participation department will align with NNSWF’s 2024-26 Strategic Plan, focusing on expanding participation and supporting local football.

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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

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