Queensland Football Convention to unite the footballing community

Image credit: Matej Kastelic via Shutterstock

Football Queensland will host an inaugural Queensland Football Convention towards the end of the year – unifying clubs, coaches, referees and participants from the length and breadth of Queensland across three engaging and immersive days.

The convention is scheduled to take place between 1-3 November 2024 in Brisbane city.

The 2023-2026 Strategic Plan that was released by Football Queensland stated that they would have a ‘One Football Approach’ which is an initiative to improve and focus on all areas of the game.

The convention was not mentioned in the Strategic Plan, but the idea was certainly raised with their ambition to unite the game and unlock football’s true potential in the state.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci mentioned the importance of gradually improving the sport in many areas in Queensland.

“Recognising that to move the game forward, we need to continue innovating and elevate the football debate, we’re excited to unite members of our football community for the first edition of the annual Queensland Football Convention,” Cavallucci said via press conference.

“The first conference session on Saturday 2nd November will begin to unpack the strategic direction of the game with guest speakers and expert industry panels before breaking out into Part 1 of the Referee, Coaching and Club conferences, with FQ committee sessions and FQ Board and FQ member sessions closing out the day.”

There will be a range of guests from different sectors of the footballing space in Queensland and Australia invited to the convention, however, currently no names have been confirmed.

“Headlining the Queensland Football Convention on Saturday evening will be the 2024 Football in Queensland Awards Night at Brisbane City Hall, an event which is always a highlight of our football calendar. With well over 500 in attendance we will celebrate the achievements of the state’s most outstanding individuals, teams and clubs,” Cavallucci continued.

“Featuring tailored content for clubs, referees and coaches in addition to strategic and operational planning sessions, the convention will conclude on Sunday 3rd November with Part 2 of the Referee, Coaching and Club conferences.

“The innovative Queensland Football Convention will bring all facets of our game together for one unmissable weekend while connecting our football community with each other, alongside key business and government contacts to support the ongoing growth of football in Queensland,” he concluded.

Further information on ticket packages and hosts/guests will be released by Football Queensland.

Image credit: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

UEFA has confirmed that Coca-Cola will once again serve as an official global sponsor for UEFA EURO 2028, marking the company’s 11th consecutive tournament. This partnership, which began in 1988, celebrates a 40-year milestone in one of European football’s longest-standing commercial relationships.

Under the renewed agreement, Coca-Cola will serve as the official non-alcoholic beverage sponsor of UEFA EURO 2028, set to take place across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The deal grants Coca-Cola exclusive pouring rights at all nine host stadiums, visibility in official fan zones and villages, LED pitch-side branding, as well as global digital rights and fan engagement initiatives.

40 Years Strong: Coca-Cola and UEFA Unite Fans Worldwide

UEFA’s Executive Director of Marketing, Guy-Laurent Epstein, highlighted the impact and longevity of the collaboration.

“Since 1988, Coca-Cola has been a proud supporter of the UEFA European Football Championship. Together, we have created lasting memories across generations. As we embark on our 11th consecutive tournament together, we look forward to delivering even more memorable experiences for supporters,” he said via press release.

Javier Meza, Marketing President for Coca-Cola Europe, described the renewed deal as a key element of the brand’s wider experience-focused marketing strategy.

“UEFA EURO 2028 will mark 40 years of Coca-Cola’s collaboration with UEFA. We will proudly refresh and inspire fans in stadiums, fan zones, and at home. This partnership supports our mission to bring people together, and we look forward to creating uplifting experiences that bring fans even closer to the action,” he said via press release.

Attendees will have access to a range of Coca-Cola beverages, including Coca-Cola, Powerade, water, and ready-to-drink coffee and fruit-based drinks, with options available in low-sugar and sugar-free varieties.

Coca-Cola has played a part in many of the tournament’s most memorable moments, from the 1988 finals in West Germany to recent editions featuring advanced digital activations.

The company will leverage its rights across retail, live events, digital platforms, and in-venue experiences, advancing from traditional stadium advertising to a multi-channel approach to engage consumers.

Image credit: Macarthur Bulls FC

Macarthur Bulls FC has confirmed a colloboration with DLK Advisory, who will come on board as a corporate partner backing the Club’s business and networking events for the coming two seasons.

DLK Advisory, known for its accounting and tax services across family groups, SMEs, government, not-for-profits, and major corporations, will support the Bulls’ expanding business network by enhancing the Club’s corporate events that connect sponsors, partners, and stakeholders throughout South West Sydney and beyond.

As a key element of the affiliation, DLK Advisory will team up with the Bulls’ commercial department to create quality networking experiences that reinforce relationships within the Club’s corporate network and spotlight the energetic, forward-thinking business community linked to the A-League.

Reflecting on the new alliance, David Lilja, Director of DLK Advisory, shared his excitement about the collaboration and the values both organisations bring to the deal.

“We are proud to partner with the Macarthur Bulls as they continue to inspire their supporters and the wider community,” he said via press release.

“This partnership provides a wonderful platform to introduce our refreshed brand, DLK Advisory – a firm built on trust and driven by excellence.

“We provide strategic accounting and tax solutions to a diverse range of clients, and like the Bulls, we are committed to performance, teamwork, and achieving outstanding results. We look forward to supporting the club’s success this season.”

Mark Jensen, Chief Commercial Officer of Macarthur Bulls FC, highlighted the value DLK Advisory will bring to the club’s growing corporate network.

“DLK Advisory are a fantastic addition to the Bulls family, their expertise will add real value to our corporate events program, ensuring our partners and stakeholders have meaningful opportunities to connect, share ideas, and grow together,” he said via press release.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering a first-class experience on and off the field.”

The accord with DLK Advisory opens new opportunities for the Bulls to connect with the business community, fostering innovation, growth, and shared success throughout the region.