Off the Pitch Podcast: Cisco’s Expanding Role in Australia’s Sports and Entertainment Infrastructure

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Cisco’s footprint in Australia’s sporting landscape is growing rapidly, with the tech giant playing a key role in modernising stadium infrastructure across the country.

Cisco Systems, Inc. is a leading global technology company, founded in 1984 and headquartered in San Jose, California.

The company focuses on designing, developing, and delivering networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, and a wide range of advanced technology solutions and services used across many industries worldwide.

With a strong international presence, Cisco has played a vital role in shaping and supporting digital infrastructure across Australia’s sports and entertainment sector, helping major venues stay connected, efficient, secure, and ready for the future.

In episode seven of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch podcast, Regional General Manager at Cisco Manny Spanoudakis shared insights into the various projects Cisco has been involved with across several stadiums in Australia.

“I guess if we just focus on the Australian market, there’s an abundance of projects we’ve been very fortunate to have great success with,” he said on the podcast.

“If I start in Perth, I guess, and work my way east, Optus Stadium is a major project, we’re just doing a major refresh there after the original opening in 2018, Adelaide Oval, another major customer of ours.

“Then as we come up into Sydney, I guess, we’ve got the Sydney Cricket Ground, Allianz Stadium, Accor Stadium up here as well, so that’s off the top of my head, the type of large venues.”

Spanoudakis also highlighted the wide range of projects Cisco has been involved in throughout Melbourne.

“The Melbourne Cricket Ground just underwent significant and is still undergoing significant technology upgrades. It’s a project and a customer we’ve worked on for well over a decade,” he said.

“Marvel Stadium, the Melbourne Olympic Park precinct, the VRC in Flemington, Kardinia Park and GMHBA Stadium and Melbourne Racing Club.

“So there’s a very strong, we have a very strong customer base in Melbourne.”

To hear and learn more about Cisco, you can listen to the full interview with Manny Spanoudakis on episode seven of Soccerscene’s Off the Pitch Podcast, available on all major podcasting apps and here.

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FV Celebrates Major Facility Upgrades Across Regional Victoria Under RCSIF

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Football Victoria (FV) is pleased to acknowledge the announcement of four successful projects funded through the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF), which will deliver vital upgrades to key football facilities throughout regional Victoria.

The RCSIF is a $60 million initiative from the Allan Labor Government designed to improve community sports infrastructure with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.

FV is proud to spotlight the following projects that have secured funding:

Thompson Reserve (Inverloch Stars SC)
This upgrade will feature the construction of female-friendly change rooms and enhanced lighting, encouraging greater participation among women and girls.

Dixon Field (Gisborne SC)
Essential lighting improvements will be implemented to expand training and match capacity, supporting the increasing demand for football in the Macedon Ranges.

Victoria Park (Daylesford & Hepburn United SC)
The project will include lighting enhancements to improve venue usability and support broader access for the local football community.

Romsey Recreation Reserve (Macedon Rangers SC)
Funding will go towards planning and design works for new lighting and redevelopment of the main playing surface, laying the groundwork for future infrastructure development.

FV’s Head of Government Relations & Strategy, Lachlan Cole, expressed his excitement about the funding and the positive impact it will bring to regional football communities:

 “These investments are a testament to the importance of football in regional communities.

“Upgraded facilities not only created better playing experiences but also promote social connection in the community and allow for more people to play the game they love.”

Introducing the Nine Ad Manager Association and Community Club of the Year Awards

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW is proud to introduce the inaugural Football NSW Association of the Year Award, which will be presented at the Football NSW State Dinner on Saturday, October 25th. This prestigious new accolade will be awarded alongside our State Awards, Future Leader Award, Fair Play Award, and the esteemed George Churchward Medal.

Proudly sponsored by Nine Ad Manager, the Association of the Year Award recognises a Football NSW Association that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the growth and development of football both within its region and across the state.

The winning Association will be one that actively empowers its clubs to enrich the football experience for players, coaches, referees, and volunteers. It will also be a strong collaborator—working constructively with Football NSW and peer Associations to safeguard and advance the long-term integrity of the game.

The Nine Ad Manager Association of the Year will have shown exceptional achievement or innovation in enhancing football delivery, across areas such as:

  • Innovative approaches to football delivery
  • Club development and support
  • Volunteer recognition and engagement
  • Development pathways for players, coaches, and referees
  • Strong governance practices
  • Creation of a safe, inclusive, and positive environment
  • Long-term strategic planning for growth and sustainability
  • Community outreach and advocacy
  • Promotion of diversity and inclusion (e.g., women and girls, CALD communities)
  • Collaborative partnerships with councils, schools, sponsors, and community groups

Launching in 2025: Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year Award

Also debuting in 2025, the Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year Award will celebrate a Community Club affiliated with a Football NSW Association that has shown exceptional leadership in raising the profile of grassroots football.

This award will honour a Club that works closely with its Association to foster growth, excellence, and community impact. The winning Club will have demonstrated innovation and excellence in football delivery across areas such as:

  • Recognition as a Club Changer Club
  • A commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment
  • Volunteer support and appreciation
  • Development of players, coaches, and referees—especially through engagement with Association and State pathway programs
  • Strong governance
  • Fostering a positive club culture
  • Outstanding community advocacy and engagement
  • On-field excellence and achievement

Each Association will be invited to nominate one Community Club within its region for consideration. Nomination forms will be distributed in the coming weeks, and Associations are encouraged to begin gathering information in preparation. Community Clubs interested in being nominated should contact their Association directly.

Award Prizes

The winners of both the Nine Ad Manager Association of the Year and Community Club of the Year will receive a complimentary $2,000 AUD campaign via the Nine Ad Manager Platform. Two runners-up in each category will receive a $1,000 AUD campaign.

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