Sydney FC links with SEDA to run Sport & Business Program

Sydney FC are now accepting applications for the Sport & Business Program, with a one-year dual-diploma on offer.

Powered by SEDA Group, the Sydney FC Sport & Business Program will give students a chance to study in a practical and hands-on environment at Sydney FC.

The diploma will cost students around $14,000 for the year, with four face-to-face days of training and assessment set to take place each week, inclusive of facilitated online delivery for some subjects. Students are also required to complete 80 hours of practical placement in the industry.

Among the benefits, students will develop skills and knowledge across a variety of areas including sponsorship, project and event management, talent identification, social media and marketing. They will connect and learn from Sydney FC’s sports industry experts, coaches and elite players, providing a glimpse into the business elements involved in running a football club.

Students can study a curriculum matched to their interests, complete a practical placement, run major projects, and participate in football-specific high-performance activities which are all designed to further develop skills and experience.

Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Danny Townsend believes the program will open the door for some of the best young business minds in the country to come through.

“We’ve been working with SEDA now for a long time in a secondary school education program, and we felt that providing a tertiary extension to that would allow for more young, aspiring sports people to get into the game,” he said.

“We’re in the process of building our Centre of Excellence at Macquarie Park, and now we are able to utilise that facility to deliver this program in partnership with SEDA.

“We felt that it was the right time to do it, particularly with the Women’s World Cup coming, to also give young females the opportunity to engage in sports business.

Townsend was excited to use the new program as a tool to engage with and identify talent outside of their current way of recruiting stuff which was dependent on volunteers or internships.

“They will come out of that program with an understanding of the club’s inner workings and therefore be able to integrate if we need a role filled,” he said.

“But equally, we see it as a pathway to get some of these students into university.

“We are fortunate that we have a great relationship with the University of New South Wales and we’re working with them to determine how this program can bridge into a full-fledged degree.”

In comparison to what’s already available for sports-business education, Townsend sees more that can be done in specific areas.

“Academic education is great, and it’s important, but equally, having that practical experience goes a long way to really rounding future employees for any sporting landscape.

“Being able to do a course like this gives you exposure to every component of the runnings of a professional sporting club.”

Applications are open to all eligible year 12 graduate students, with the program set to begin in January 2022. You can find all details and register here.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Chelsea FC Partners with Ticketmaster on Digital Ticketing Strategy

Chelsea FC has secured a multi-year partnership with Ticketmaster, appointing the global ticketing company as its Official Ticketing Partner.

This agreement marks a significant operational shift, with Chelsea set to introduce a digital-first ticketing system for the 2025/26 season, designed to simplify access, enhance security, and combat ticket resale fraud.

This collaboration marks a significant upgrade to Chelsea’s matchday operations, aligning the club with world-class ticketing infrastructure already used by leading sports venues globally.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, digital tickets will replace physical tickets for all fixtures at Stamford Bridge, providing fans with a more efficient and secure access system. This move also aims to tackle ticket touting, a persistent issue in top-tier football, by leveraging Ticketmaster’s secure and traceable digital delivery platform.

Teaming up will grant Chelsea access to Ticketmaster’s suite of tools, including:

  • Seamless mobile ticket delivery
  • Anti-touting features
  • Scalable event ticketing for high-demand matches
  • Real-time ticket validation and fan data insights

Chelsea FC’s Chief Revenue Officer, Casper Stylsvig, reflected on the importance of the club’s new partnership with Ticketmaster.

“Partnering with a leading force in the industry brings significant value to our operations, ensuring we offer our fans a smoother, safer experience with best-in-class products, while continuing to address the issue of ticket touts,” he said via press release.

As one of the most recognised football brands globally, Chelsea’s shift to Ticketmaster’s platform underscores the club’s commitment to modernising fan engagement and match day experiences.

Managing Director at Ticketmaster Sport, Chris Gratton, shared his enthusiasm about the new partnership with Chelsea FC.

“Chelsea FC is one of the biggest clubs in football, and we’re excited to be part of their journey. Our goal is to make ticketing as simple as possible for fans,” he said via press release.

This move reflects a wider trend in the industry towards contactless, mobile-first stadium entry, which has become increasingly common in Premier League and UEFA competitions, especially after the accelerated adoption of digital solutions during the COVID era.

The alliance between Chelsea FC and Ticketmaster signals a new era for the club, introducing leading technology and expertise to elevate the match day experience for fans.

New initiatives advancing girls’ and women’s football participation

A Government program designed to increase female participation in sports will provide almost 50 clubs and organisations with support to upgrade and develop sporting facilities, programs and equipment.

Around $5.4 million has been allocated for the 2024-25 round of The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP), which aims to create more inclusive spaces for girls and women in sports.

The funded projects include things like unisex clubrooms, better lighting and playing surfaces, new uniforms and equipment, and opportunities for professional development.

The South Australian Government led by Peter Malinauskas launched the program to build on the success of the Matildas and the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

To support the growth of girls’ and women’s football, 14 football clubs will receive nearly $2.4 million in funding this round.

Other sports also benefit from the program, such as basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, gymnastics, and Australian Rules Football, providing more chances for girls and women to get involved and succeed in their chosen sports.

For example, Norwood Basketball Club is receiving $14,600 to launch their ‘Rising Flames’ program, helping girls progress to elite senior levels and develop local talent.

Other projects funded through the program include:

  • Metro United Women’s Football Club, Pooraka: $25,000 for new uniforms.
  • Booleroo Centre Tennis Club: $80,000 to resurface three tennis courts, replace fencing, and build a new equipment shed for their drought-affected club.
  • Cove Netball Hub: $392,700 to build four new netball courts in Hallett Cove.
  • Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club: $750,000 (through the council) for a new clubroom, synthetic soccer pitch, and multi-purpose oval at Munno Para Regional Sportsground, Davoren Park.

So far, over $7.6 million has been distributed through the IPP, with the second year providing more than twice the amount of support compared to the first round.

Nearly half of the infrastructure project recipients this round – including Jervois Bluds Netball Club and Murraylands Gymnastics Academy – are located in regional and greater metropolitan areas, showing the broad impact on communities across South Australia.

The State Government has committed $18 million to the IPP over three years, with $10 million specifically set aside for football.

This effort is part of a wider push to eliminate barriers to female participation, including support for clubs with period products and menstrual health training.

South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily MLC Bourke highlighted the importance of supporting women in sport at a grassroots level.

“Our Government recognises the importance of supporting grassroots sports to ensure girls and women have opportunities to thrive in whichever sport they pursue,” she said in a press release.

“Having the right facilities, programs and equipment in place gives girls and women the space and confidence they need to get involved and stay active with their local club.

“As The Power of Her investment continues to grow, it’s inspiring to see clubs and organisations finding new and creative ways to grow female participation and facilitate high performance pathways in their communities.”

For more information, you can find the full list of 2024-2025 IPP grants here.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend