Spain’s Domestic and Global Success: What can Australia Learn?

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Image credit: Destination NSW

Spain has now won back-to-back UEFA Women’s Nations League titles following their decisive victory over Germany in the final on Tuesday. Goals from Vicky Lopez and Claudia Pina helped ‘La Roja’ to their third international trophy in three consecutive years, prolonging the team’s dominant status within the women’s game. The achievement not only solidifies Spain’s standing at the top of international football, but displays an essential model for other nations to follow when developing women’s football.

In Australia, as the excitement of hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 builds and the buzz around women’s football is reignited, looking to Spain’s investments could be the first crucial step in ensuring both short and long-term success for women’s football across the country.

International Investment

Just a week before Spain achieved its second consecutive Nations League trophy, multinational renewable energy company, Iberdrola, reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the women’s game both on and off the pitch.

Since 2016, Iberdrola has cemented its position as the main supporter of women’s football in Spain. Its partnership with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has led to member numbers reaching over 100,000, as well as fan attendance and viewership skyrocketing in recent years.

Television viewership has seen similar momentum, increasing by 90%. The final of the most recent European Championship against England reached a 42% audience share and peaked at almost 6.5 million viewers.

The growing number of fans attending live matches was evident at the final on Tuesday evening in Madrid, where the Riyadh Air Metropolitano witnessed a record-breaking crowd of 55,843 fans. Given that the previous record was 32,657, it is clear to see that women’s football in Spain is attracting fans on scales far beyond the numbers currently seen in the A-League Women. According to the ALW Report, the league saw an average attendance of 1,559 last season.

Although the gap may appear impossible to overcome, it shows that women’s football is more than capable of attracting crowds large enough to rival the men’s game when backed by meaningul investment.

Domestic Developments 

It is not only the national team which has seen the benefits of continued investment into women’s football over the last decade. Clubs like Barcelona have seen their women’s team achieve huge success both in La Liga and in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, winning two of the last three competitions.

However, one of the crowning achievements of the last decade for women’s football in Spain was a world record set at Barcelona’s Camp Nou in 2022, where 91,648 fans were present for a UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Wolfsburg.

Although there are few clubs on the planet with both the infrastructure and football culture to match Barcelona, it nevertheless, shows that when resources and attention are directed towards the women’s game, it can encourage success on the pitch alongside a strong community of dedicated fans off it.

The Women’s Game in Australia – Time for Change?  

Last month’s A-League Women Report, released by the PFA, underlined a desperate need for investment if the ALW is to keep pace with foreign leagues.

The report highlighted that the increasing talent drain, falling attendances and financial insecurity for players are some of the main issues negatively impacting the growth of the ALW. Following the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, attendances dropped by 26%, showing a failure to capitalise on the buzz surrounding the tournament jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Furthermore, with player dissatisfaction increasing and calls to professionalise the women’s game growing louder, the need for change is becoming more and more desperate. If Australia is to ensure the sustained success of women’s football on both the international and national stage, then looking at the work of the RFEF in Spain could be a valuable first step.

How do we Move Forward?

In the last decade, Spain has shown that consistent investment into the women’s game can bring huge success both domestically and globally. Therefore, by following this example, governing bodies can see how long-term commitment and meaningful investments could improve the structure of Australia’s domestic leagues and ultimately raise the profile of Australian women’s football on the global stage.

While women’s football in Australia has reached a decisive moment, recent developments still indicate reasons to remain optimistic. CommBank’s renewed support for the Matildas ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ due to be held in Australia in March 2026 displays their intention to continue backing the development of the women’s game.

Ensuring this support is acknowledged and then followed through after the tournament has heard the final whistle will be crucial.

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Heidelberg United’s extends partnership with Prime Plastic Bags

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Heidelberg United Alexander FC / Facebook

Heidelberg United and Prime Plastic Bags have announced their partnership has been extended for the 2026 season, displaying once again the commitment and hard work of both parties to support endeavours on the pitch and in the community. 

Longstanding grassroots support 

With the partnership’s roots going all the way back to 2012 and showing no signs of stopping, the recent announcement reflects how a commercial partner can grow to become an essential element of a club’s support system. 

“We would like to sincerely acknowledge the continued support of Prime Plastic Bags, a steadfast partner at the home of Heidelberg United FC. Their ongoing commitment plays a vital role in helping us achieve and grow our vision, both on and off the field,” the club said via a social media announcement on Tuesday. 

It is clear that Heidelberg’s ambition moving forward will be to encourage even more success and silverware in the coming seasons, a vision made possible with the backing of its partners. With Heidelberg’s men’s team winning the Victoria Championship last season, and the women’s team achieving back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025, the club is proving that excellence and dedication off the pitch invariably leads to sporting prowess on it. 

Yet what remains alongside Heidelberg United’s ambitions and objectives for both the men’s, women’s and junior teams, is the consistent and steadfast backing of Prime Plastic Bags. And having been with the club throughout its rise up the NPL table, it is clear that their work with Heidelberg United holds a unique formula for success. 

 

Ambitious objectives, steadfast partners 

Managing Director at Prime Plastic Bags and Director at Heidelberg United, Bill Pargas, spoke to Soccerscene about the recent announcement and about the partnership’s success throughout the last 13 years.

“We’ve had a partnership now for over 12 years. I believe in what the club is doing not only on the field but also [regarding] building purposes. We’re developing, we’re progressing the landscape of the club,” Pargas said. He also explained that the club’s projects are not merely about achieving short-term success, but about building sustainably for the future by investing in junior teams and club infrastructure.

“We’ve long supported clubs and entities that look forward to junior progression and senior success, along with women’s development,” Pargas continued.      

While their collaborative efforts have already seen impressive achievements in recent seasons, it remains important to both parties that working together can lead to constant development. As a hugely ambitious club looking to defend their Victoria Championship crown this season, it is no wonder why Heidelberg United were eager to continue working with Prime Plastic Bags. 

  

More than a commercial partner

Since its beginnings in 1958, Heidelberg United has been an essential part of the local community and of Victoria’s football landscape. With thousands of loyal supporters and club members backing the team with each passing season, establishing and sustaining connections off the pitch become all the more valuable. 

Such connections are deeply rooted within the club, embodied by leaders like Pargas who balance industry experience with a love for the game. Discussing why Prime Plastic Bags continues to support Heidelberg United and grassroots football, he revealed that being a fan of Heidelberg was a major influence on his continued desire to help the club.

“I’ve always been a fan of the club. I’ve always been a fan of Heidelberg going back to the NSL days, watching the likes of Gary Cole play for the club. I was able to sponsor and help out and that’s what we decided to do. We’re helping out our club,” Pargas said. 

This is why commercial partnerships can – and should – represent far more than short-term financial endeavours. As connections are solidified with local businesses and supporters, clubs gain the backing and guidance they need to withstand the inevitable challenges of climbing the football pyramid. In this way, commercial partners can transform into vital components of a club’s inner workings and identity. 

 

Final thoughts

While Heidelberg United continue their pre-season preparations, fans, coaches and players alike will be anticipating another trail-blazing year on and off the pitch. With plans to continue developing the junior teams and club infrastructure for current and future players, 2026 promises to be another exciting year for Heidelberg United.

And although results in football are never guaranteed, The Bergers’ fanbase can be safe in the knowledge that their beloved club has the backing of loyal partners like Prime Plastic Bags, helping them reach new heights in the NPL Victoria. 

Gold Coast United FC reveals Burleigh Brewing as new partner

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Gold Coast United FC / Facebook

The Queensland-based club revealed on Tuesday that the brewing company will join the GCU and Tally Valley Tigers family as a new partner. 

 

Forging new connections 

The news of the collaboration is one which should excite local supporters and club members alike. The Queensland-based club displayed their pride at teaming up with Burleigh Brewing in an announcement via social media. 

“How good is this! For GCU, Tally and Burleigh Brewing, this is the partnership that was meant to be,” Gold Coast United said. 

“Deeply rooted in the local community and obsessed about quality, BB founders Peta and Brennan Fielding share the same depth of passion for beer, as we do for football.” 

Two essential aspects of this partnership are evident in Gold Coast United’s announcement: community and quality. Essentially, by joining forces with a local business equally as committed to achieving excellence in their field, it is no wonder why the club is looking forward to tackling the upcoming season with the backing of Burleigh Brewing. 

 

Pursuing a shared vision 

In any successful commercial partnership, both parties need to not only share a common vision, but pursue it with conviction.

For Gold Coast United and the Tally Valley Tigers, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of unique development across all levels at the club. Following the announcement of a merger in October 2025, the two clubs are eager to encourage and sustain widespread participation in community football. 

Furthermore, by offering opportunities to young talents in the region from 5 to 18 years old, Gold Coast United and the Tally Valley Tigers can provide a setting for sporting prowess and local participation. And by joining forces with Burleigh Brewing – who proudly stand as a community-oriented and family-run organisation – the foundations for a healthy partnership are already there.

“It is with huge thanks to Peta, Brennan, Holli, Sam and the crew at Burleigh Brewing for seeing the same vision that we do for the pursuit of quality, achievement and the bringing together of community,” Gold Coast United added. 

Team spirit after the final whistle 

As a popular brewery and taphouse since 2006, Burleigh Brewing have a 20-year history of providing high-quality products. For them, high standards are a non-negotiable.

Yet beyond offering expertly crafted beer, Burleigh Brewing also understands the importance of its customers. Additionally, with the capacity to host groups and functions up to 600 people, the Gold Coast United fanbase can expect Burleigh Brewing to become the go-to location for socialising and connecting even after the final whistle.

 

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