Panathinaikos sign contract for stadium and complex redevelopment

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Panathinaikos Stadium
Image credit: Panathinaikos F.C.

Athens-based club Panathinaikos have recently signed a contract to build a new, modern multi-purpose complex for their team with plans to move into the stadium by 2026.

In a statement issued on the club’s website, Panathinaikos said the signing of the final construction contract for the stadium is one of the most important moments in the history of the club.

In November 2020, Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Greek government for this project that promised to deliver a 40,000 seat stadium with a 4-star FIFA international standard rating as well as a bigger multi-purpose complex. This complex would feature a 12,500-seat basketball arena, a 1,500-capacity volleyball venue, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, other facilities and at least 80 acres of green spaces. However, works are finally going to be done now.

The entire project has a budget of €163.5m ($269.5m AUD), with the stadium itself set to cost around €72m ($118.7m AUD). Another benefit of this long-term expensive project is the goal that it will not only transform Panathinaikos as a club, but also be of use for the Greek national team and its bigger international matches, which was a key talking point in negotiations.

Yannis Alafouzos, shareholder PAE Panathinaikos, expressed his delight at the proposed revolutionary project.

“Today is a historic moment for Panathinaikos. A decade-long dream, for the club to acquire its own home, is entering the implementation phase,” he said via press release.

“Panathinaikos changes level with the stadium in Botanikos. The club’s cell, the Sports Club, will finally acquire the facilities that befit the history of Greece’s most victorious club. It is an honour for me that during my days in the ownership of PAE, the completely fair request of Panathinaikos to acquire its own stadium is satisfied.”

Panathinaikos currently plays home matches at the Olympic Stadium, which also hosts rival Super League club AEK Athens.

This change is necessary for one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Greece, who need a stadium of their own as well as the multi-sport complex to advance their player development for the football team as well as focusing more on their basketball side in the Euro League. There is a clear plan in place, starting with this project, to become a strong name in Europe across multiple sports.

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Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program to aid NSW sport and clubs

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Image credit: NSW Government

The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program aims to supply Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and related equipment to sports and recreation facilities and clubs across New South Wales.

An AED is a device used alongside Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) that delivers a controlled shock to someone in cardiac arrest, enhancing their chances of survival.

About the program

The NSW Government is allocating up to $500,000 in funding for the 2024/25 Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, offering grants of up to $3,000 to eligible sports clubs and facility owners.

In 2024/25, funding will be available to applicants from the bottom five Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), as ranked by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, or those demonstrating financial hardship. This approach aims to prioritize funding for those who need it most.

Important dates

  • Program opened: 9:00am Tuesday 17 September 2024.
  • Program closing: Upon funding allocation being exhausted or by 1:00 pm on 27 November 2024 whichever is earlier.

Key objectives

The main goals of the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program for 2024/25 are:

  • To assist local sports and recreational clubs or related incorporated organisations in the most disadvantaged areas of NSW in acquiring an AED package.
  • To enhance access to these devices throughout NSW.

Funding availability

The grant amount will cover the cost of an approved AED package, up to $3,000. Applicants can apply for one AED package and are allowed only one application per financial year.

Please note that applicants who have previously received funding from the Local Sport Defibrillator Program can apply again, but they will only be funded if the program’s budget has not been fully allocated by the closing date.

Eligible applicants

Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, which can be demonstrated in one of two ways.

Option 1: Applicants can show that their primary clubhouse or facilities, or the majority of their sporting or recreational activities, are situated in an eligible postcode, defined as being within the lowest five deciles of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Socio-Economic Indexes for Australia (SEIFA). This can be demonstrated by:

  • The registered address of the applicant organisation must be within an eligible postcode.
  • Applicants must provide clear evidence that their sporting or recreational activities primarily occur at facilities located in an eligible postcode.
  • Applicants should demonstrate that the majority of their participants live in eligible postcodes.

Option 2: Applicants can present evidence of experiencing financial hardship, which can be demonstrated by:

  • providing clear evidence that they cannot meet essential club expenses or other financial obligations as they become due.

Details regarding the types of evidence required will be included in the application form and can also be found in the frequently asked questions section.

More information can be found here.

Newcastle Jets confirmed Brydens Lawyers as major partner

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Image credit: Newcastle Jets website

The Newcastle Jets have confirmed Brydens Lawyers as their 2024/25 Major Partner and Official Legal Partner.

Brydens Lawyers will be showcased on the front of the Jets’ Men’s Home, Away, and alternate jerseys, as well as on the back of the Women’s Home, Away, and alternate jerseys during the club’s 20th anniversary season in the A-League.

A top law firm in NSW known for offering Free* Legal Advice in the communities they serve, Brydens Lawyers, have been long-time supporters of local sports in the Newcastle and Hunter region for many years.

Newcastle Jets fans and members got their first glimpse of the 2024/25 season playing kits two weeks ago, as the club revealed the Men’s and Women’s Home and Away uniforms.

Principal of Brydens Lawyers Lee Hagipantelis said via press release.

“Brydens Lawyers is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Newcastle Jets as the Major Partner, affirming its commitment to supporting sport and the community in the Newcastle and Hunter region,” he said.

“The Newcastle Jets are a cornerstone of the local sporting landscape, and this sponsorship is a natural extension of Brydens Lawyers’ mission to give back to the community and encourage engagement in sport at all levels.

“We believe that investing in local sports not only promotes healthy lifestyles but also fosters a sense of unity and pride within the community. We are excited to be part of the Newcastle Jets’ journey and to contribute to their success.

“The sponsorship will provide the Newcastle Jets with essential resources to enhance their pathway and elite programs, and the supporters of the Jets, together with the broader community, will continue to avail themselves of the expert legal advice and representation that Brydens Lawyers has provided for over 50 years.”

Newcastle Jets CEO, Shane Mattiske, said via press release.

“The Club is very excited to have the support of such a preeminent Australian business and importantly an organisation that makes a significant contribution to this region here in Newcastle,” he said.

“We appreciate Lee’s and Brydens Lawyers’ support of both our Men’s and Women’s A-League teams as we enter an exciting new era at the club.

“We call on all Novocastrians to get behind the Jets with our Men’s opening game at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 19 October against Melbourne City and our Women’s home opener on November 3 at No. 2 Sportsground against the Wanderers.”

The Jets plan to unveil their 2024/25 alternate kit at a future date.

Brydens Lawyers will offer several Free Legal Advice Consultations at local Wests Club throughout the year.

For more information about the law firm, click here.

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