Weekly update: NPL Partnerships announced last week

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Read here for this week’s update on all the NPL partnerships for the upcoming season.

NPL VIC:

George Cross FC:

Galea Earthworks – A family-owned business based in Melbourne which offers reliable and quality service in concrete finishing, site cuts, rock and soil removal and more.

Westwood Wheels & Tyres – Based in Ravenhall, Victoria, Westwood Wheels & Tyres boasts over 20 years of experience in the tyre industry. They specialise in tyre fitting, rotation, wheel alignment and balance, puncture repairs and batteries.

JPC Group – An industry leader in integrated solutions across agriculture, mining and shipping. JPC Group is committed to efficiency and delivering success for its clients, without compromising on quality customer service and sustainability goals.

Cooper Mason Projects – A domestic building company based in Victoria, registered in 2025.

 

Heidelberg United:

SCS Group – Started in 2009 by Managing Director, Nicholas Pastras, SCS Group has grown into a leading cleaning services across Australia. They combine cutting-edge technology with a family-oriented approach to ensure that results never compromise relationships.

 

Preston Lions:

Genis Steel (recommitted partner) – With nearly 50 years of experience, Genis Steel operate across Melbourne, Adelaide and Geelong. The team prides itself on quality products and services in on-site measuring, in-house drafting, steel processing through to full site installation.

Majestic Caravans – Providing high-quality caravans with factory owned and operated outlets, Majestic Caravans are dedicated to excellent customer service. They balance quality with affordability to ensure their clients can find the best caravan for their needs.

Edge 3 Pools – Designer and builder of a range of swimming pools through expert craftsmanship and quality materials. From concept to completion, Edge 3 Pools maintain excellent client service and transparent communication.

OCAM – A 100% Australian-owned company dedicated to providing its clients with aftermarket 4×4 accessories at affordable prices. OCAM offers an extensive range of services, including vehicle protection, roof racks, towning and more.

NPL NSW:

Marconi Stallions:

Brydens Lawyers (recommitted partner) – After more than 50 years of growth, Brydens Lawyers has developed into one of the leading law firms in New South Wales. They offer advice and representation across injury law, family estates and wills, commercial enquiries, property enquiries and traffic & criminal enquiries.

ICM Property Services (recommitted partner) – Built on strong foundations of efficiency and reliability, ICM Property Services has expanded its services across both New South Wales and Victoria. Their services range across initial and final cleaning, labour hire, machine scrubbing, property management and more.

 

SD Raiders:

Crown Electrical Solutions – An innovative and dependable electrical contractor based in New South Wales. They offer solutions for a range of issues regarding electrical air conditioning, security, automation and audio visual fields.

Peter Warren Ford – Since 1966, Peter Warren Ford has been providing quality Ford vehicles to clients across Sydney’s South West suburbs. The team is committed to guiding customers every step of the purchasing journey, presenting all financial and insurance options available.

Cre8tive Platform – Cre8tive Platform delivers innovative solutions for retail spaces. The team offers practical in-store display solutions, creative ideas, local and overseas production and distribution to individual stores.

Katalyst Performance – The team at Katalyst Performance is dedicated to innovation, science and a relentless pursuit of excellence. They aim to foster a unique performance-driven community where everyone can feel included and empowered.

Entel Projects – Entel Projects specialises in transforming homes into spaces which are both beautiful and functional. For over 15 years, the team has offered services in custom kitchen fittings, full home renovations, cabinetry and joinery installations and project management.

Inner Beauty Skin – Experts in skin, brow and permanent makeup with over 19 years of experience. The team ensures that results are natural, long-lasting and tailored to the needs of the customer.

Pennytel – An Australian-owned telecommunications company. They provide mobile, internet and business phone solutions.

 

NPL Northern NSW:

Newcastle Olympic:

Harcourts (recommitted partner) – A trusted real estate company across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley areas. Operating since 1888, the team has developed into the fastest growing real estate brand across Australia, offering services across residential, commercial, rural & regional and property management.

 

NPL Queensland:

Brisbane City:

MICA – A Queensland-based boutique development and cosntruction company. The team at MICA offers services across high-end residential, multi-residential and commercial projects.

 

NPL South Australia:

Campbelltown City:

Strangio Structural Steel – Industry experts in providing structural steel services in SA. They aim to establish long-term contractors by committing to safety and exceeding expectations. 

Regency Timber – Family-owned business which provides high-quality timber supplies to its clients, whether industry builders or homeowner renovators. 

MDB Solar – Based in Adelaide, MDB Solar is a leading supplier of sustainable energy solutions. They are committed to staying up-to-date with new industry technology to provide their clients with exceptional service.

RCR Partners – An integrated business services and wealth advisory firm. It helps its clients by focussing on business success, profit improvement, cash flow management, tax minimisation and more.

Oriental 4WD & Commercials – A trusted 4WD wrecker and spare parts specialist. The team has more than 40 years of experience promising excellent customer service and high-quality products. 

Rocca Property Group – Adelaide-based development and construction company. With 35 years of experience offering solutions for residential projects, they are a highly regarded organisation in the industry.

Cafe Va Bene – An Italian-owned and operated eatery and function space since 1994. They combine authentic Italian cuisine with elegant function spaces to create a unique dining experience for customers.

Platinum Property Styling – Since 2007, Platinum Property Styling has presented some of the most elegant homes in Adelaide. They aim to create a unique emotional response in their clients when styling properties, promising professionalism and dedicated customer care.

Payneham Automotive – A highly-regarded automotive service provider in Evandale, Australia. The team specialises in car maintenance, and is driven by a highly-skilled team of mechanics dedicated to using quality parts.

Platinum Designer Joinery – An experienced producer of kitchen and home cabinetry since 2004. Led by Mr Frank Ammirato, they are the go-to choice for designing and planning kitchens tailored to their clients.

AC Podiatry – A modern Podiatry clinic built on foundations of patient care. For 17 years, they have offered an array of services to over 20,000 clients in Adelaide and the Eastern suburbs.

GTF Fencing – A South Australian-owned company offering expertise in fencing solutions. Whether for a home or business, GTF Fencing are committed to providing high-quality services through a highly-skilled team.

 

NPL WA:

Dianella White Eagles:

Butler Property Group (recommitted partner) – A leading boutique real estate agency based in Dianella. Built on integrity and dedication to supporting clients in the community, the team at Butler Property Group has delivered quality services since rebranding in 2023.

The Corner Butcher (recommitted partner) – As a family-owned artisan butcher for over 40 years, The Corner Butcher is a renowned institution in the Perth community. Meats are premium and locally sourced, and the customer service is of the highest quality.

 

NPL Tasmania:

Kingborough Lions United:

Maximum Solar – 100% Tasmania owned and operated, Maximum Solar offer services across residential and commercial solar. Their mission is to provide clients with reliable, efficient and exceptional quality products at a local and national level.

 

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Juan Mata Commits to Melbourne Victory’s Future with Ownership Stake

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Image Credit: A-Leagues.com

Melbourne Victory has announced that Spanish football icon Juan Mata has joined the club’s ownership group, marking one of the most significant investment moves by a current international footballer in Australian football history.

The agreement sees Mata acquire an ownership stake in Victory while continuing to weigh up whether he will extend his playing career beyond the 2025/26 A-League Men’s season. The investment is separate from any future playing contract and reflects a long-term commitment to both the club and the wider Australian football landscape.

Should Mata eventually retire from professional football, he will also take on a leadership role by chairing a newly established football committee at Melbourne Victory, helping shape the club’s football operations and strategic direction.

More than another football investment

While former elite players have increasingly entered football ownership around the world, Mata’s decision stands apart because he is investing directly into the club he currently represents.

The move places Melbourne Victory among a growing list of clubs benefiting from investment by globally recognised football figures. However, unlike celebrity ownership groups where players often become passive investors after retirement, Mata is embedding himself within the club while still competing at the highest domestic level.

Commercial terms of the transaction remain confidential, although the investment has been described as a significant long-term minority stake designed to strengthen the partnership between Mata and the club well beyond his playing career.

A vote of confidence in Australian football

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the announcement is what it says about the perception of Australian football internationally.

After arriving in Australia following spells with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Valencia, few would have predicted that Mata would choose to invest his own capital into an A-League club.

Instead, the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner has described Australian football as a competition with genuine long-term potential.

“Australian football has a future I genuinely believe in,” Mata said.

“From the moment I arrived at Melbourne Victory, I’ve felt the passion of this club and the potential of the A-Leagues, and I want to be part of building what comes next—not just for a season, but for the long term.”

Mata added that becoming a shareholder represented “the natural next step” after enjoying his first season at Victory.

Rewarding an outstanding first season

The investment follows what has been one of the finest individual campaigns by a marquee player in recent A-League history.

The 38-year-old registered five goals and 13 assists across 25 appearances during the 2025/26 season, earning the Johnny Warren Medal as the league’s best player while also claiming Melbourne Victory’s Player of the Year honours. His performances helped guide Victory back into the Finals Series and demonstrated that his influence extends far beyond his reputation.

Rather than treating Australia as a final destination before retirement, Mata has instead become increasingly involved in shaping the game’s future.

A growing portfolio of sporting investments

Melbourne Victory is not Mata’s first venture into sports ownership.

The Spaniard already holds ownership interests in Major League Soccer expansion club San Diego FC and Formula One outfit Alpine Racing. He has also invested in Mercury/13, the multi-club ownership group focused on developing women’s football globally.

These investments reflect a broader trend among modern footballers who are leveraging their experience and networks beyond their playing careers. For Melbourne Victory, securing someone with Mata’s global football knowledge, commercial experience and international connections represents an opportunity that extends well beyond the pitch.

Landmark moment for Melbourne Victory

Victory Chairman John Dovaston described Mata’s investment as a significant endorsement of both the club and the A-Leagues.

According to Dovaston, Mata is a discerning investor with stakes in elite sporting organisations worldwide, making his decision to back Melbourne Victory a strong signal of confidence in the club’s direction and the league’s future.

Managing Director Caroline Carnegie echoed those sentiments, describing the announcement as “genuinely groundbreaking” and highlighting Mata’s combination of world-class football intelligence, investor mindset and long-term commitment.

A statement beyond Melbourne

Australian football has long sought greater international credibility. Not only through marquee signings, but through meaningful long-term investment.

Mata’s decision represents something arguably more valuable than a headline player signing. By committing financially to Melbourne Victory, he is effectively betting on the future growth of both the club and the A-Leagues.

At a time when Australian football continues to pursue increased investment, stronger governance and greater global relevance, having one of the game’s most respected figures choose to become an owner may ultimately prove to be one of the competition’s most powerful endorsements.

Victorian Labor commits $500,000 to Thornbury Football Facility as State Election Advocacy Intensifies

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Image Credit: Kat Theophanous MP Facebook

The Victorian Labor Party has confirmed $500,000 in 2026-27 State Budget funding to upgrade facilities at Mayer Park in Thornbury, with Northcote MP Kat Theophanous joining Darebin United juniors for a training session earlier this month to mark the commitment. The funding follows a public campaign by Football Victoria highlighting the ground’s deteriorating conditions, and lands within an escalating advocacy effort by the sport ahead of the next Victorian election.

The money will go toward upgrading the playing surface and planning a new pavilion at a ground that has received no infrastructure investment in over a decade, according to Football Victoria, despite participation at Darebin United more than quadrupling in that time. The club fielded five teams in 2021. It now fields more than 20, with over 300 players including more than 130 children under 12 and over 70 female players.

That growth has collided directly with the limits of the ground itself. Mayer Park has no drainage and no synthetic surface, and Football Victoria reported that Darebin United lost 23 training sessions in 2024 alone due to unsafe, waterlogged conditions. Club President Michael Slaughter described a pitch that was uneven and at times dangerous, particularly for junior and female players.

“I have been there for six years, and the club is at a stage now that we need something new,” Slaughter said in comments to Football Victoria earlier this year. “There’s only so many training sessions you can cancel, and then there’s the cost of finding alternative grounds indoors or outdoors, which isn’t ideal.”

A campaign that found its target

Football Victoria published a dedicated article in March calling on Darebin City Council to urgently prioritise redevelopment of Mayer Park, explicitly linking the club’s case to its broader Level the Playing Field campaign. Three months later, the funding arrived, not from council, but from the state government, attached to the local member’s name and delivered with a photo opportunity on the training pitch.

A club’s need becomes visible through governing body advocacy, a local member adopts the cause, and the funding is announced as a direct response to community need rather than as a line item in a broader budget process. Theophanous’s own account of the announcement makes the local framing explicit, describing the investment alongside free public transport, school upgrades and registration discounts as part of what she has billed as “easier, safer and more affordable” support for Northcote.

“Community sporting clubs bring Northcote locals together,” Theophanous said in her budget statement. “Through our Get Active Kids voucher program, we’re making sure the cost of fees and equipment doesn’t keep kids from playing the sport they love. And we’re also investing to make local clubs even stronger.”

Earlier this year, Avondale FC secured $500,000 for lighting at Avenger Park and Hume City FC received $250,000 for upgrades at Nasiol Stadium, both delivered through the same budget cycle and both paired with local member announcements. Mayer Park follows the same pipeline, a state government commitment, a local seat, a community club whose growth has outpaced its facilities, and a governing body using the win as evidence in a larger campaign.

The equity dimension

What distinguishes the Mayer Park case is the explicit role gender and accessibility played in Football Victoria’s advocacy. The governing body noted that unsafe pitch conditions were particularly dangerous for junior and female players, and highlighted that Darebin United maintains 40% female representation on its committee with seven female coaches, alongside its status as one of Darebin’s first 2-Star Club Changer accredited clubs, a Football Victoria program recognising clubs that actively remove barriers to female participation.

A club building one of the more credible female participation pathways in the municipality was, until this announcement, doing so on a ground its own administrators described as unsafe. Infrastructure investment of this kind does not simply improve playing conditions. It determines whether programs explicitly designed to grow women’s and girls’ football can function as intended, or whether they remain constrained by the same ageing facilities that have shaped community football for a decade.

What it means for the campaign ahead

Football Victoria has framed the Mayer Park outcome as one data point within its Level the Playing Field campaign, which continues to call for more equitable government investment in football relative to other codes. The organisation has indicated further football-related announcements are expected from the 2026-27 Victorian State Budget, with the upcoming state election positioned as the decisive moment for the sport’s broader infrastructure future.

For Slaughter, the immediate outcome is more concrete. “The funding is extremely important,” he said. “It allows us to deliver our football program and to grow. This will give them a place to come, to have fun and to enjoy their soccer”.

Whether that template, governing body advocacy, local political adoption, budget announcement, repeats consistently enough to address the scale of Victoria’s grassroots facilities gap remains the open question Football Victoria’s campaign is designed to keep in front of both major parties as the election approaches.

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