Liberals pledge $1.69m for Launceston City FC upgrades

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Liberals pledge
Image Credit: Tasmanian Liberals

The Tasmanian Liberals have promised to provide $1.69 million to complete Launceston City FC’s precinct redevelopment if they are elected to government.

Founded in 1958, Launceston City is one of Tasmania’s largest sporting clubs, with around 750 registered players competing for the club across NPL Tasmania and the NTJSA.

Since 2021, Launceston City has been engaged in upgrading their home ground facilities at Prospect Park to account for the rapid growth the club has achieved, and to future proof the ground for the next generation.

The initial upgrades saw the construction of the Peter Mies Pavillion, named after a club legend, the pavilion added two modern changerooms to the club. However, rising costs prevented the development of another two changerooms and renovations to crucial club amenities such as parking, lighting, clubrooms and spectator facilities.

Liberal candidate for Lyons, Susie Bower pledged a Liberal government would fund the second stage of the project and help Launceston City build the facilities it required during a press conference at Prospect Park.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to be here today at Prospect Vale to announce that a Dutton-led Coalition Government will commit $1.69 million for stage two of the Launceston City Football Club masterplan,” she said.

“Now, this masterplan for stage two actually includes two more sets of change rooms, which we know are absolutely critical for this football club because they have over 615 juniors signed up and over 150 senior players.”

In a club statement, Launceston City FC expressed gratitude for Susie Bower’s visit and accompanying pledge.

“We sincerely thank Susie for this election commitment as well as her ongoing support. This funding will future proof our club for generations to come and help us achieve our strategic vision to have the modern and inclusive facilities and infrastructure our community deserve,” the statement read.

The 2025 federal election takes place this Saturday May 3, for information on how or where to vote, visit the Australian Electoral Commision website. 

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Adelaide United renews StudyAdelaide partnership for Asian campaign

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Image Credit: AFC

Adelaide United has brought back a familiar commercial partner for its return to continental competition, with StudyAdelaide signing on as front-of-shirt sponsor for the club’s 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two campaign.

The partnership reconnects two South Australian organisations after StudyAdelaide previously featured on Adelaide United’s shirt during their 2010 AFC Champions League campaign.

Adelaide commenced their six-match group-stage campaign on Thursday at Hindmarsh, defeating Hong Kong’s Tai Po 3-0.

For StudyAdelaide, the value of the partnership extends beyond traditional football sponsorship. The organisation, a partnership between the South Australian Government and more than 50 education institutions, is using Adelaide United’s Asian competition to promote South Australia as an international study destination.

The club’s continental schedule provides exposure in several key Asian markets, with Adelaide travelling to face BG Pathum United in Thailand and Lion City Sailors in Singapore during the group stage.

StudyAdelaide chief executive Jane Johnston said the partnership would provide a great opportunity to connect with young people across Asia.

“Having StudyAdelaide featured throughout this international competition is a unique platform to connect with young people across Asia and highlight the many reasons South Australia is their best option to study, live and build a career,” Johnston said.

The deal illustrates how football’s international competitions can provide commercial value beyond traditional brand exposure, particularly for organisations looking to promote to a specific or new region.

The Reds’ ACL Two campaign continues against BG Pathum United in Thailand on October 15.

Arncliffe Aurora’s Riverine Park investment creates a platform for growth

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Image Credits: Arncliffe Aurora

Arncliffe Aurora Football Club has started a new chapter with the launch of Riverine Park, creating a larger platform for football, community engagement and long-term growth in Sydney’s St George region. More than 2,500 people attended the community opening on 8 August, marking the club’s first matches at its new home and showcasing a significant upgrade in its operating capacity.

Riverine Park provides two full-size natural turf football fields, modern player and community amenities, and a new clubhouse. The additional capacity responds to strong growth in Arncliffe Aurora’s football programs, particularly at junior level. The club has also highlighted a $2.5 million investment in facility upgrades. Together with its existing Arncliffe Park base, Riverine Park gives Aurora two homes and a stronger physical platform for its football operations.

More capacity allows the club to accommodate more teams, players and programs, while updated facilities can support stronger member retention and recruitment. They create more opportunities for coaching, development programs, events and community activities. The new site can also strengthen the club’s commercial proposition; a modern facility gives sponsors greater visibility and provides more opportunities to activate partnerships around football and community events. It can also help the club build relationships with schools, community organisations and football bodies. That matters as grassroots clubs increasingly operate as community hubs rather than simply sporting organisations.

Riverine Park also creates opportunities for the wider football ecosystem. Football St George has identified the facility as a platform to grow participation and provide opportunities for players of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. Bayside Council’s project includes upgraded change rooms, toilets, canteen facilities, lighting, seating and solar panels, adding further functionality to the precinct.

For Arncliffe Aurora, the investment is therefore about more than adding fields. It creates infrastructure that can support participation, player development, community programs and commercial activity over the long term. The challenge now shifts from construction to utilisation. The club must maximise the new capacity, maintain the assets and convert greater participation into a sustainable operating model to benefit the community long-term.

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