QPR in Loftus Road naming rights deal with MATRADE

QPR and Matrade

Loftus Road Stadium, the home of English Championship football team Queens Park Rangers (QPR), has for the first time in its history taken on the name of a commercial sponsor thanks to a partnership with Malaysian national trade promotion agency MATRADE.

The three-year agreement with the agency will see the arena renamed MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium with immediate effect, through the 2025-26 season. MATRADE operates under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to develop and promote Malaysia’s export to the world.

QPR CEO Lee Hoos commented on why he was pleased with the agreement.

“The club is always looking at ways to increase our portfolio of partners. This decision to render the naming rights of the stadium is made with the commercial interests of the club at heart, and we look forward to working with MATRADE,” he stated via press release.

Since the start of the 2019-20 season, QPR’s stadium, which initially opened in 1904, has been officially renamed as The Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium. The foundation’s three-year contract with the London club expired at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Chairman of MATRADE, Reezal Merican Naina Merican commented on the opportunity to partner with QPR.

“When I initiated the proposal for MATRADE to rebrand itself after 30 years of its establishment, I saw that the new naming rights partnership was an opportunity for MATRADE to elevate our brand visibility on the international scene,” he added via press release.

“By leveraging QPR’s long-standing history in English football, MATRADE will be able to enhance its global recognition as a trusted agency to connect trade between our two countries. We look forward to a successful partnership with QPR.”

QPR also debuted their new cutting-edge training facility in June. The complex, which is located in Heston, part of the London Borough of Hounslow, began housing the club’s first team, Under 23s, and academy teams in the 2023-24 season.

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Clifton Hill FC Set for New Era as Pavilion Upgrade Nears Completion

Community football in Melbourne’s inner north is set for a major boost, with Clifton Hill FC preparing to usher in a new chapter following the redevelopment of its pavilion at Quarries Park.

The upgraded facility, delivered with support from Yarra City Council, is expected to significantly enhance the matchday and training experience for players, families, and volunteers while supporting the club’s continued growth.

A long awaited upgrade for Clifton Hill FC

Club President Michael Tyrikos said the redevelopment represents a long-awaited milestone for the grassroots club.

“We’ve been waiting close to 10 years for this,” Tyrikos told SoccerScene. “I’ve been involved with the club for over two decades and improving the facilities has always been a major goal for us.”

The new pavilion replaces previously limited amenities, with the club formerly operating with just two change rooms and minimal communal space. The upgraded facility will provide modern change rooms, social areas, and improved spectator amenities.

Supporting growth in participation

Tyrikos explained the redevelopment will be particularly significant in supporting participation growth, including the club’s expanding girls’ program.

“Previously, we only had two change rooms, which made it difficult as our girls’ program continued to grow,” he said. “Now players can feel comfortable using proper facilities with access to showers and dedicated spaces, which is something we simply didn’t have before.”

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Beyond player development, the pavilion is also expected to strengthen the club’s role as a community hub. The addition of indoor social spaces will allow families to engage more closely with the club environment, particularly during Melbourne’s winter months.

“Parents can now sit inside and watch games, and we can finally host club events, kids’ parties, and social gatherings,” Tyrikos said. “Before, we just didn’t have the capacity to bring people together like that.”

A new era at Quarries Park

Tyrikos also acknowledged the broader infrastructure improvements delivered alongside the pavilion redevelopment, including new lighting towers and an upgraded playing surface, highlighting the importance of council support in driving the project forward.

Clifton Hill FC is hopeful the new pavilion will be operational in time for its anticipated first home fixture scheduled for mid-May, marking the beginning of a new era for the community-focused club.

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Mastering Influence: FVBL’s Networking Event Set to Empower Football Leaders

Football Victoria (FV) Business League powered by Sharp EIT Solutions opens its 2026 calendar with an event that addresses a core driver of success in sport and business: “The Power of Persuasion & Influence.” FV convenes a distinguished panel of leaders for an evening dedicated to real-world leadership, advanced negotiation tactics, and practical perspectives directly informed by top-level experience.

The Speakers

David Stevenson, CEO of the National Basketball League and “The Dealmaker,” brings more than twenty-five years of executive leadership to the discussion. His track record includes transformative commercial and operational roles at Nike, where he served as Vice President across multiple global business units, and at the AFL, where he led industry-defining initiatives such as Gather Round and AFL Finals. As CEO of the Western Bulldogs, Stevenson oversaw a landmark premiership year and drove record membership and revenue growth. Most recently, he has positioned the NBL as the fastest growing sports league in Australia, securing major broadcast partnerships and expanding fan engagement across the region.

Belinda Neil, “The Behavioural Expert,” offers unparalleled expertise in communication and crisis management. With eighteen years serving in the NSW Police, including roles as Hostage Negotiator, Undercover Operative, and Homicide Detective, she has cultivated advanced skills in behavioural analysis, conflict resolution and team leadership under pressure. Her post-policing career as an acclaimed author and sought-after corporate trainer further extends her impact, equipping organisations to manage critical negotiations and complex stakeholder interactions.

 

The panel will soon add “The Communicator,” a leader renowned in elite sports coaching, with an announcement forthcoming from Football Victoria.

FV Business League continues to provide a platform for senior decision-makers and professionals to access actionable strategies and genuine insight from proven leaders. Attendees will benefit from practical knowledge to elevate negotiation, leadership, and organisational influence across all commercial and sporting domains. Tickets are out now for April 24th at The Edge, Melbourne CBD.

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