Real Betis launches sustainability platform

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La Liga club Real Betis Balompié have launched a sustainability platform titled ‘Forever Green’ in order to fight against climate change.

The Forever Green program encourages companies and institutions to join up with Real Betis and show the world how they will commit to contributing to the future of the planet. Companies who sign up to the program will get the chance to work in collaboration with Real Betis on sustainability projects.

There are five areas to the Forever Green program – Climate change, recycling, mobility, nature and sustainability.

Real Betis has taken several steps in order to contribute to sustainability such as its to support of the Orosi Wind Farm in Costa Rica, an emissions reduction project.

The club also joined Amazon’s ‘The Climate Change Pledge’ which focuses on decarbonization via real changes and innovation.

Real Betis’ home ground, Benito Villamarín Stadium has had an LED lighting system installed while solar panels are also planned to be implemented at the ground.

“We want to be the most sustainable football club in the planet,” Real Betis President, Ángel Haro said at a presentation on Thursday for the Forever Green commitment.

“Taking advantage of our colours we want to be the greenest club, because we were green in the past, because we are green today and what’s most important, we want to continue being green forever because our children deserve this.”

In 2019, Real Betis became the first football club to commit to the United Nations’ ‘Climate Neutral Now’ initiative. This initiative involves organisations reducing their carbon footprints and offsetting carbon through certified projects.

“Like COVID-19, climate change is not something we will be able to forget about because it will impact all part our lives not least in the world of football.” Manager for the Global Climate Action team in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat, Niclas Svenningsen said at the presentation when speaking about climate change’s effect on football.

“Already today we see games being cancelled because of extreme weather, we see players suffering from exhaustion from heatwaves and we see audiences unable to follow their favourite teams in the way they want because of climate change impacts.”

The presentation was also attended by Spanish Secretary of State for Energy, Sara Aagesen. The President of La Liga, Javier Tebas, Real Betis Claudio Bravo player and Sally Fouts, from Climate Pledge Amazon also participated in the event via video messages and calls.

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

Heidelberg United strengthens ties with Melbourne City Toyota

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Heidelberg United FC

It was announced via social media on Tuesday this week that Melbourne City Toyota would be extending their longstanding collaboration with Heidelberg United FC ahead of the 2026 season. 

 

A longstanding connection

The news of a collaboration between Heidelberg United and Melbourne City Toyota will come as no surprise to all those associated with the club. With a connection going all the way back to 2013, their professional relationship is built on solid foundations rooted within the Melbourne community. 

‘Heidelberg United FC is pleased to announce the continued support of our valued partner, Melbourne City Toyota, a proud sponsor since the inception of the NPL,’ the club said via an announcement made on social media. 

With a strong presence across several locations in Melbourne, including Heidelberg itself, Melbourne City Toyota represents an invaluable source of local support for Heidelberg United. 

 

An exciting project 

Since their first collaboration when the NPL first formed in 2013, Melbourne City Toyota have been an ever-present part of Heidelberg United’s journey to becoming one of the most formidable clubs in the NPL. 

In the past three seasons, the club has consistently risen up the NPLM VIC table. A mere two years on from finishing 9th in 2023, the men’s team achieved huge success last season as they became NPLM Victoria champions and reached the final of the Australian Cup. Although the latter ended in defeat, victories against A-League giants like Auckland FC showcased Heidelberg’s quality. 

The women’s team has also enjoyed plenty of success since joining the NPLW in 2016. Most notably, they achieved back-to-back Premiership titles in 2024 and 2025. With such success being showcased in both the NPLM and NPLW, there are certainly no question marks over Heidelberg United’s standing as one of the most exciting footballing projects not only in Victoria, but in all Australia.

 

New chapter, old partners

As clubs continue their preparations for the 2026 season, establishing local support and building community connections will be crucial. ‘The Bergers’ will no doubt be looking to count on the backing of Melbourne City Toyota as both a local and loyal partner in their endeavours on and off the pitch. 

 

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