Peter Filopoulos: $4.9 million State Government grant a major win for football

Football Victoria has announced that the Victorian Government will deliver more than $4.9 million in grants to 13 different projects as part of the World Game Facilities Fund.

The World Game Facilities Fund was launched in 2018 with the aim to help drive financial investment into grassroots and community football facilities. Since its inception, it has already contributed more than $9.9 million among 38 infrastructure projects.

Football Victoria CEO Peter Filopoulos was delighted with the State Government’s commitment to developing facilities, calling it a “major win for football”.

“This significant funding will immediately go towards the biggest problem we have in football – our lack of proper facilities to cater for the thousands of Victorians who want to play our sport,” he said.

“The Andrews Government has listened to the football community. They’ve shown a commitment that has turned into real action, the kind of which is going to deliver real outcomes for the people who participate in our sport.”

Kimon Taliadoros, Chairman of Football Victoria, echoed Filopoulos’ message and hailed the news as a great result for anybody involved in football across the state.

“When it comes to facility investment, our clubs have been crying out to us from day one and we promised to work with the Victorian Government to deliver the outcomes our sport needs. That’s what the World Game Facilities Fund is all about,” Taliadoros said.

“We are a long way from the finish line, but the commitments made are giving us a real chance of securing the extra 420 Full-Size Equivalent pitches we need by 2026 to meet the demands of the football community.”

This phase of the fund will provide grants of up to $500,000 to councils and alpine resort boards to improve facilities including lighting, turf pitch redevelopments, synthetic pitches, and female-friendly change rooms.

Among the projects backed by the 2019-20 round of the fund, $500,000 will go towards a new pavilion and pitch lighting at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve. Once complete, the pavilion will feature female friendly change rooms, a referee room, canteen, accessible toilet and first aid and storage rooms. Along with the installation of 100-lux lighting, the Wonthaggi United Soccer Club will have a new home ground advantage for its growing number of junior and female members.

Other allocations include $400,000 towards a new pavilion at the home of the Hume Spears Sports Club at Seth Raistrick Recreation Reserve in Campbellfield, and more than $185,000 towards new lighting at McIvor Reserve in Yarraville.

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the funding was about giving the sport the backing it deserved.

“We’re on the hunt for the next Sam Kerr or Tim Cahill and we’re all inspired by what our Matildas have achieved already. This funding will give grassroots football the support it deserves,” Spence said.

“We’re making sure that women and men, and girls and boys, of all abilities have the facilities they need to play the sports they love.”

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Melbourne Victory teams up with Superdry

Melbourne Victory has confirmed a new alliance with Superdry, marking the beginning of an exciting collaboration between the two brands.

As part of the deal, Superdry came on board as the official off-field clothing partner for the club’s friendly match against Wrexham AFC at Marvel Stadium on July 11th, fans at the game were able to enjoy some great giveaways from the brand.

Superdry is a modern, fashion-forward brand celebrated for blending vintage Americana and Japanese-inspired graphics with a distinctive British twist.

Their use of high-quality fabrics, unique washes, intricate hand-drawn artwork, and expertly tailored fits truly sets them apart from the crowd.

This one-of-a-kind style has earned Superdry worldwide popularity and a dedicated, ever-growing celebrity following.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director Caroline Carnegie said the club was thrilled to team up with such a high-quality brand for an event that promised to be a memorable experience for all football fans.

“Our partnership with Superdry for this event is a great opportunity for us to work with a quality brand that is well aligned with our fans and values as a Club,” Carnegie said in a press release.

“I look forward to seeing the team arriving for our match against Wrexham AFC kitted out in the latest range at Marvel Stadium this week.”

To celebrate the collaboration, fans will have the chance to win a 2025/26 membership pack and a $1,000 Superdry voucher, plus the unique opportunity to shop at a Melbourne Superdry store alongside their favourite Victory player – fans should keep an eye on Victory’s social media for all the competition details.

Alastair Davies, General Manager of Licensed Brands at Superdry, said the brand is excited to support Melbourne Victory and connect its British roots with Australia’s sporting culture.

“Superdry is proud to dress Melbourne Victory as they face off against Wrexham AFC,”  Davies said press release.

“As a brand born in the UK, it’s rewarding to see our British heritage connect with Australia’s sporting culture on a global stage.”

This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for both Melbourne Victory and Superdry, bringing style and sport closer than ever.

Wellington Phoenix unveil Dynasty Sport as new apparel provider

Wellington Phoenix have confirmed a new partnership with Dynasty Sport, who will become the club’s official apparel provider from the 2025/26 A-Leagues season onwards.

Under the agreement, Dynasty will design and produce apparel for the Phoenix men’s and women’s teams, as well as kit out the club’s eight academy sides from early 2025.

The New Zealand-based brand, launched in 2018, is renowned for supplying high-quality, ethically and sustainably produced sportswear to professional and grassroots organisations across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

Dynasty Sport is a leading provider of premium custom sportwear, built on decades of top-tier experience in the global sports industry. With their deep passion for sport, they proudly supply high-performance on and off-field apparel to professional clubs, schools, grassroots teams, athletes, and businesses across New Zealand, Australia, and around the world.

The men’s new home kit for the upcoming A-League Men season has already been completed and will be unveiled on Thursday, 10 July, three months earlier than usual, to coincide with the highly anticipated friendly against Wrexham AFC. Fans can also look forward to two alternate away kits, ensuring the Phoenix can proudly wear their traditional home colours when they play in Wellington or Christchurch.

The women’s home kit and two alternate away strips are set to be revealed in September, ahead of the A-League Women campaign. In addition, Dynasty will release a lifestyle range for Phoenix supporters later this year, providing a wider selection of merchandise for fans.

This deal sees Wellington Phoenix join a growing list of clubs and organisations working with Dynasty Sport, whose focus on sustainable manufacturing and innovative designs aligns with the Phoenix’s values on and off the pitch.

Phoenix general manager David Dome spoke positively about the new agreement.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Dynasty Sport as our new apparel partner,” Dome said via club statement.

“Not only does their apparel look amazing and feel great to wear, but they have blown us away by how much they’re committed to helping the Phoenix succeed.

“We’re excited to work with Tyler and the Dynasty team over the next three years, creating designs and a range that truly resonate with our fans and reflect the spirit of our club.”

Dynasty Sport co-founder and director Tyler Rakich spoke about the importance of the company extending to the professional football space.

“This marks another significant step in our expansion into the pro football space,” Rakich said in a press release.

“We’re very excited to launch the new custom range for players, staff and fans, from the elite level performance kit to the fan apparel and fresh new lifestyle range.

“We are confident there is something for every fan regardless of colour preference and style and we are excited to launch the full range in September this year!”

The deal provides Wellington Phoenix with a modern, sustainable apparel solution while strengthening their commercial footprint and giving fans exciting new ways to show their support.

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