Sydney FC lock in renewal with home appliance manufacturer

Alex Bagdasarian08/02/2023 6:05 am08/02/2023

Image credit: Sydney FC

In a collaboration that started in 2021 between Sydney FC and global prestige appliance manufacturer Smeg, an agreement has been made to a two-year extension until the end of 2024.

The establishment of Sky Park, Sydney FC’s new world-class Centre of Excellence, will see the facility include several of Smeg’s state-of-the-art domestic and professional kitchen appliances.

Smeg is an Italian home appliance manufacturer based in Guastalla, near Reggio Emilia in the north of Italy, the kitchen appliance company has subsidiaries worldwide, overseas offices and an extensive sales network.

Smeg has originated innovative household appliances for everyday use since 1948, the vision, intuition and international reach are the values that surround the business culture of which who places the most attention to detail on quality and technological content with maximum focus on energy savings.

Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Adam Santo said via press release:

“Smeg and Sydney FC’s family values and teamwork are at the forefront of why our partnership has been so successful over the past two seasons and we couldn’t be happier to be continuing the relationship, Smeg are a premium brand with whom we are very much aligned and are a very popular member of our Sydney FC corporate family.”

Smeg Australia Managing Director Wayne Campbell added via press release:

“While the Smeg and Sky Blue families have integrated very well, I’m excited to continue to strengthen our bond with Members and fans as we enter a very exciting period in the club’s history, the Sky Park precinct will showcase Smeg’s total kitchen solution, from award-winning small appliances to major domestic cooking, dishwashing and refrigeration collections.”

Sydney FC and Smeg will carry on with their successful social media series including players such as Andrew Redmayne, Adam Le Fondre and Taylor Ray designing in the Smeg kitchen, the famous Italian brand will continue to enjoy a range of benefits at Sydney FC’s home games.

To find out more about any relevant information relating to Smeg and its products, click here.

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Football Victoria Backs Campaign to Shield Junior Players from Gambling Harm

Declan Chan15/06/2026 8:17 am15/06/2026

More than 600 sporting clubs across Victoria have enrolled in a state government program designed to limit young players’ exposure to gambling, with Football Victoria now urging its community clubs to join before a late-July registration deadline.

The Love the Game initiative asks clubs to formally commit to a set of principles: refusing sports betting sponsorships, developing internal harm prevention policies, and building environments where coaches, parents and players are equipped to discuss gambling risks with children.

The program’s public health rationale has a sharper statistical edge than its community-facing materials suggest. A 2025 study of Victorian secondary school students aged 12 to 17 found that nearly 30% had gambled at some point, and among those who had gambled in the past year, 7.5% met the criteria for problem-gambling and a further 26.8% were classified as ‘at-risk’. The research, commissioned by the state government and published earlier this year, also found that students exposed to gambling venues and advertising were more likely to gamble or to do so in a risky manner.

The most recent Victorian Population Gambling Study found that Victorians aged 18 to 24 are the group least likely to gamble overall, yet carry the highest rates of harmful gambling across all age groups. Young people aged 18 to 34 are around five times more likely to bet on sports than older cohorts.

When the data lands at the clubhouse door

Football Victoria’s support for the program reflects a broader recognition within community sport that participation rates and club culture are connected. The environments clubs create shape whether young people stay in sport and what norms they carry with them into adulthood. For football specifically, which draws participants across a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, that responsibility is not evenly distributed. Approximately 440,000 Victorians, or 8.5 per cent of the state’s population, are classified as being at some risk of experiencing problem gambling.

The Victorian Government’s program gives clubs more than symbolic membership. Registered clubs receive practical tools to develop governance frameworks around gambling harm, resources for coaching staff and volunteers, and standing as part of a growing network of clubs taking a formal position on the issue.

Researchers have described the current framing of gambling harm as a matter of personal responsibility as inadequate, arguing it is a public health issue requiring a systemic response. Community football clubs, with their reach into households across the state, are one of the institutional levers available to make that response visible.

Melbourne Victory driving strong partnerships with BYD

Patrick Irving15/06/2026 5:55 am14/06/2026

TY Lim / Shutterstock.com

The innovative vehicle manufacturer will join the Victory family as a Major Partner and Exclusive Motor Vehicle Supplier in a 12-month deal.

Elite performance, accessible for all

The alliance between Melbourne Victory and BYD reflects both parties’ commitment to progress, efficiency and high performance. It brings together two organisations who share vision and values, two fundamental aspects of any successful partnership.

On one hand is a rapidly growing and community-connected manufacturing company with over 100 sites, intent on providing reliable vehicles to Australian families. On the other, a successful club in the heart of Melbourne, with ambitions to progress on the pitch while regularly engaging with the community.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, commented on the strong foundations of the partnership with BYD.

“Founded only a decade apart, there is a shared history of, and ambition for, continued accelerated growth between Melbourne Victory and BYD.”

“Not only is there a clear alignment of our vision and values to lead, unite, connect and inspire, but a mutual commitment to creating a better future for our communities.”

Delivering for the community

As part of the partnership, BYD’s branding will feature on Victory’s home and away jerseys, as well as across the Academy, media and Community assets.

Moreover, the agreement comes as a response from Victory to members and fans’ wishes for not just any vehicle partner, but one which is appropriate and coherent to their day-to-day lives. And as BYD Australia Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Collins, explained, the new energy vehicle manufacturer is driving far more than just passengers.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Melbourne Victory, a club that shares our relentless drive for performance and innovation,” expressed Collins.

“As the exclusive vehicle supplier, we’re not just providing new energy mobility; we’re supporting the team’s journey towards a more sustainable future.”

New energy, new partner and new ambitions for Melbourne Victory, who will compete on the international stage next season in the AFC Champions League Two.

And with a partner like BYD to back them, players and fans in the Victory family will be hoping it is the start of a journey to success.