Sydney FC and Kennards Hire extend collaboration to 10th season

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Sydney FC and Kennards Hire will continue their partnership for a record-breaking 10th season, thanks to a new three-year deal, establishing the family-owned equipment hire group as the longest-serving corporate partner in Sky Blues history.

The collaboration, which has lasted seven years so far, is now extended to run through the end of the 2026/27 season.

Since joining in 2017, Kennards Hire has become synonymous with the Sky Blues, earning a reputation as one of the most trusted and recognisable brands in the equipment hire industry.

The Kennards Hire logo will continue to be prominently displayed on the back of Sydney FC’s Isuzu-UTE A-League and Liberty A-League shirts.

Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Mark Aubrey states that the renewal reflects the success of the current partnership.

“Kennards Hire are excellent partners of Sydney FC and have been for many years,” he said via press release.

“This extension represents a fantastic long-term commitment to Sydney FC and Australian football by a renown and successful Australian company.

“Kennards Hire and Sydney FC are two family orientated organisations who want to champion football and build strong family bonds through the game in this country.

“I’m excited to be continuing this important work with Kennards Hire for the better of the game and I congratulate them on extending their relationship with the Sky Blue family.”

Last season, the partnership expanded as many young fans joined Sky Blues players at Sky Park for Kennards Kids Day. Additionally, Kennards Hire, alongside the Kennards Hire Foundation, hosted over 100 young supporters at Allianz Stadium for a VIP experience during Sydney FC’s match against Melbourne City.

Kennards Hire CEO Bill Whitehouse stated that Sydney FC is a cherished member of their extended family via press release.

“Our partnership with Sydney FC is one of mutual respect, based on strong family values. Our community activations over the past few years such as Kennards Kids Day and ‘Best Seats in the House’ have been very successful, and we are proud to be providing opportunities for young Sky Blue supporters to feel so involved with their team.

“We are excited to continue backing both the A-League Men’s and Women’s squads for the next three years, and delivering many more football experiences for both youth and our corporate partners.”

The partnership between Sydney FC and Kennards Hire was officially introduced in July 2017 at Bondi Icebergs, prior to Sydney FC’s match against English Premier League giants Arsenal FC.

To find out more information about Kennards Hire, click here

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Football NSW calls on clubs to Make It Red for Heart Health Round

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Football NSW is calling on clubs and associations across the state to register for the 2026 Make It Red campaign, joining a national awareness movement aimed at reducing heart-related deaths on sporting grounds ahead of Heart Health Round on the weekend of June 5 to 7.

The campaign, developed by the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, asks sporting clubs to wear red, raise funds and build awareness around heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading single cause of disease burden and death in Australia for both men and women, and one that health authorities say is largely preventable through modifiable risk factors.

The call to action comes as the Foundation continues its work to map and register Automated External Defibrillators across NSW sporting facilities, a project that has already engaged twelve football associations and fed data into both the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM registry and NSW Health’s public AED map. The availability of a functioning, registered AED on site is among the most significant determinants of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates declining sharply for every minute without defibrillation.

Football NSW is encouraging clubs to engage with the campaign across three areas. Clubs can register for the Make It Red campaign to help fund research, education and prevention programs. Participants, particularly those aged over 35, are encouraged to seek a free heart health screening test from their local GP or enquire about hosting a Heartbeat of Football testing day. Clubs are also urged to ensure their grounds have active, accessible AEDs in place, with guidance available through Football NSW’s Rescue Ready Guide.

The Make It Red campaign runs from June 5 to July 12, with Heart Health Round taking place across the opening weekend. Clubs can register and access participation resources at makeitred.org.

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

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This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

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