Sydney FC build on Women’s World Cup success by introducing a Female Football Pathway

Avatar
Female Football Pathway Launch
Image credit: Sydney FC

Sydney FC has created its Female Football Pathway to assist ambitious young players in reaching their potential of becoming the next Matildas stars.

The pathway bridges the gap between grassroots and professional football, bringing the present gap in chances for females to shift from one to the other closer than ever.

It will leave a lasting legacy for professional women’s football in Australia, building on the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

The program provides opportunities for selected talented players to train under the Sydney FC Youth philosophy. It is run by coaches who work at the Sydney FC Academy, or have previously worked there, and follows a curriculum based on the skills taught at their Academy to maximise development of players of this age.

The program runs from Term 4 2023 through to the end of Term 3 2024 and is capped to a maximum number of players. The 2023/24 program is open for applications from talented 11, 12, and 13-year-old girls who are currently part of GSAP or Development squads at their local association or NPL club.

Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow commented on the focus of developing women’s football.

“We want to create the best elite pathway in women’s football and provide a clear vision for the best young female footballers to transition into a professional career.” he stated via press release. 

“Young, talented girls should have the same opportunities as boys to play football professionally and we are committed to developing the next Sky Blues and Matildas.

“It is clear what an enormous impact the Women’s World Cup had on our country and it is vital we invest in the development of future generations of female footballers.” 

Cortnee Vine, a forward for the Matildas and Sydney FC, believes this the best way to unlock more success, both at a domestic and national level.

“The Women’s World Cup showed us what we can do without pathways such as this, so imagine what we can do with it?” she added via media release.

“It will be of enormous benefit to Sydney FC and the Matildas, with more chance of success in the future.

“It’s also hugely important to give young girls the best opportunity of a professional career in football which is what this will provide.”

The elite pathway begins at the new Sky Blues Female Training Program, which leads into the Sydney FC Development Squad, before selection in the Sydney FC A-League Women’s team.

For full details on the Female Training Program, you can find it here.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Bundesliga secures $7.39bn domestic broadcast deal

Avatar
Image credit: Bundesliga

The German Football League (DFL) has secured new domestic broadcast contracts for the Bundesliga worth $7.39 billion over four seasons.

The deal, which will run from the 2025/26 to 2028/29 campaigns, represents a modest 2% increase from the current rights package valued at $1.82 billion per season.

This development positions the Bundesliga as the second-highest earner in domestic media rights among football leagues, trailing only the Premier League.

Key Broadcasters and Packages

The DFL confirmed that pay-TV network Sky and streaming platform DAZN will remain the league’s primary broadcast partners:

  • Sky will air the majority of live matches, including Friday evening, Saturday fixtures, and relegation play-offs. It will also maintain exclusive coverage of 2. Bundesliga matches.
  • DAZN secured rights to the fan-favourite ‘Konferenz’ whip-around show and will broadcast Sunday matches. The deal also extends to the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).

Free-to-air access is bolstered by:

  • Sat.1, which will broadcast key games such as season openers, relegation play-offs, and the German Super Cup.
  • ARD, ZDF, and Sport1, offering highlight rights.
  • RTL, airing Saturday evening 2. Bundesliga matches and highlight packages.
  • Axel Springer, managing short highlight clips for digital platforms.

DFL’s statement

DFL co-chief executive Steffen Merkel spoke on the incredible record-breaking TV deal that will advance German football.

“The result of the tender underlines the unbroken popularity of German professional football, despite economically challenging times,” Merkel said in a statement.

“Trust and unity within the league association have paid off. At the end of an intensive process, a very good and comprehensively secured financial result has now been achieved.

“The clubs now have planning security at a high financial level for another four years. For the fans, our future partners in both the pay and free-to-air markets will provide a high degree of consistency.”

DFL co-chief executive Marc Lenz shared the same positive sentiment about the new deal.

“The financial security achieved with this result is a key foundation for the positive development of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. From this position of strength, we must tackle the economic, sporting and political challenges – and continue to develop our leagues together with the 36 clubs and make them fit for the future,” he said in a statement.

Market Context and Challenges

The increase in Bundesliga’s media rights revenue contrasts with declines experienced by other major European leagues like Serie A and Ligue 1.

The DFL’s ability to keep Sky and DAZN involved despite legal challenges reflects the league’s strong negotiation position. While DAZN received fewer live matches, its acquisition of the ‘Konferenz’ show could drive subscriber growth.

Future Outlook

The deal provides financial stability for Bundesliga clubs, giving them an advantage over many European rivals. Moving forward, the DFL will focus on expanding its international rights income, with the U.S. deal set to expire in 2026.

The Bundesliga’s mix of traditional TV, streaming, and free-to-air options ensures fans remain well-served, setting the stage for sustainable growth and global outreach.

QLD Government Joins Brisbane Roar and Football Queensland’s Community Program

Avatar
Image credit: Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar, Football Queensland (FQ), and the Queensland Government (QLD) have partnered to give more young people the chance to play football in the sunshine state.

Under the ‘Active! Queensland’ initiative, the QLD Government will provide a grant to Brisbane Roar’s not-for-profit organisation Roar Recreation and Welfare Limited, extending the Football Queensland and Roar Football in the Community Program.

The funding aims to empower more children to get involved in sport and increase the number of active footballers.

Over 10,000 junior participants are estimated to take part in a range of different activities in the program across 2025.

Brisbane Roar will be responsible for organising over 270 clinics through the scheme, these will include school holiday clinics, community and school programs, training and education, plus game day activities.

Minister for Sport, Tim Mander, outlined the importance of the partnership for Queenslander children.

“To have a healthy community, it is essential that we have an active community,” he said in a press release.

“The physical, social and psychological rewards of sport are enormous, and football plays an important role in seeing these benefits reach young Queenslanders.

“Which is why we are proud to partner with Brisbane Roar to help more local kids enjoy the game, and hopefully set them on a path to years of involvement in sport and active recreation.”

Brisbane Roar Chairman and CEO, Kaz Patafta, expressed his appreciation for the extensive partnership.

“From our ongoing consultation with the Queensland Government, we are beyond grateful to be receiving this support to grow our community programs in collaboration with Football Queensland,” he said via press release.

“With this new funding, Brisbane Roar together with Football Queensland is set to provide more opportunities for local Queensland kids to engage in football, aiming to expand the sport’s reach and impact across the region.

“We’re delighted to be able to provide more opportunities to local Queensland kids to play football as we endeavour to continue growing the game across Queensland.”

The partnership kicked off last Thursday at Suncorp stadium.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend