NSW football clubs to benefit from injection of funds

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NSW football grants
Image credit: Football NSW

Football clubs in NSW will receive a $3.1 million investment from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

It was announced that over 100 local NSW-based football clubs are set to benefit from the Government’s NSW Football Legacy Fund. The investment will mainly be used to improve facilities at clubs and to run programs that aim to boost participation in the sport.

Improved infrastructure and new football programs will undoubtedly have positive effects on local football clubs in NSW, that will have a long-lasting positive impact right from the grassroots level.

“Community football facilities are a key priority for our game with infrastructure improvements and upgrades allowing more people of all ages to engage in the largest participated sport actively and safely across NSW,’’ Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas said via a statement.

Football is already the most played sport by Australians, with over two million participants. Following the success of the Socceroos at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the excitement about the upcoming Women’s World Cup on home soil, football has arguably never been more popular in Australia as it is now.

“With six months to go before the tournament kicks off, there is already an enormous buzz around football and this program will help local clubs capitalise on excitement by running programs that will boost participation in the sport,’’ Minister for Sport Alister Henskens added via press release.

It is vital that Australian football capitalises on this investment opportunity to prepare for increased popularity in the sport, in both the short and long-term. The upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup has the potential to inspire a whole generation of young girls to start playing football. It is crucial that football in Australia is prepared and have the resources available to deal with increased demand in kids wanting to participate in playing football.

Investments such as the $3.1 million Football Legacy Fund provided by the NSW Government will ensure that the hype and popularity surrounding the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – hosted in five different cities across Australia – will have a long-lasting impact on football in Australia.

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

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Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier
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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

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Image Credits: Football Australia

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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