Western United and HART Sport strengthen relationship into a fifth season

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Image credit: Western United official website

Western United has announced that it will continue its partnership with HART Sport for a fifth season, having been together since October 2020.

HART Sports has played a key role in supplying Western United’s A-Leagues, Academy and Community programs with a multitude of training equipment and sporting goods.

Nathan Perrone, Western United Commercial Partnerships Executive, said regarding the extended partnership:

“We are grateful for the opportunity to extend our partnership with HART Sport. Andrew, Matt and the team have been fantastic supporters of the Club for a long period now, highlighted by their strong presence across our community programs,” he said via a media release on the club’s website.

“The quality and service the team provide has been incredible throughout the partnership and we look forward to this continuing.”

Andrew Mills, HART Sport National Sales Manager, voiced his excitement to continue supporting Western United into the new season:

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with United in what is an exciting period for the club, as they settle into their new facilities. The decision to continue our support into a fifth season was quite straightforward and we look forward to the 2024/25 season,” he said via a media release on the club’s website.

HART Sport will continue to have a significant presence helping A-Leagues ball kids on matchday and supporting The United Football Program, which aims to support local football clubs in the Western region.

HART Sport has also been a big supporter of the WE ARE WEST community rewards program, which gifts community clubs in the west of Melbourne and Victoria with experiences, surprises and products when they sign up as a member of the club for the upcoming season.

The sports equipment manufacturer has provided $5,000 worth of vouchers for rewards potentially going to junior clubs in the West and will continue to help equip those clubs with the necessary gear for training and match days with this agreed extension.

HART Sport has been a massive contributor to Western United; having provided the essential training equipment and goods for not only their men’s and women’s teams but also their academy and community programs.

For more information about HART Sport, visit their website.

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Premier League clubs record huge losses despite record revenue

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Image Credits: Arsenal FC

A report from Deloitte says Premier League clubs are facing a growing financial challenge after combined pre-tax losses reached $1.8 billion (948 million pounds) in the 2024-25 season.

The figure marks a huge rise from the $258 million (135 million pounds) recorded the previous season. It comes despite clubs generating record revenue of $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds).

Revenue keeps rising

Premier League clubs increased their revenue by 8% during the season. Commercial income and matchday revenue both climbed. Broadcast income also increased. But higher revenue has not translated into stronger profits.

Wage costs rose by $730 million (381 million pounds). Player transfers also played a major role in the rise in losses. Only eight clubs reported an operating profit. That was down from 13 clubs the season before.

Spending drives losses

Transfer spending remains one of the biggest pressures on Premier League finances. Clubs continue to invest heavily to compete for trophies and European places. But those costs can quickly outweigh the extra revenue generated by success.

Net debt also increased. It reached $6.9 billion (3.6 billion pounds) in 2024-25. That was up from the previous season.

The financial pressure is not limited to the Premier League. Only three Championship clubs in the second tier reported a profit.

A warning for English football

The Premier League remains the financial powerhouse of English football. Its clubs generated $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds) in revenue. The Championship generated $1.8 billion (942 million pounds).

But Deloitte warned that football cannot rely on simply adding more matches to create future growth.

European competitions have expanded. The international calendar has also become more crowded. Yet there are concerns that the market could become saturated.

Clubs face tougher choices

The figures highlight a difficult balance for Premier League clubs. They need to spend to remain competitive. But rising wages, transfer fees and debt are putting greater pressure on their finances.

New regulations will also change how clubs manage their spending from 2026 onwards. The focus is now shifting towards sustainable growth and stronger commercial income.

The Premier League remains the richest domestic league in Europe. But these figures show that wealth does not guarantee profit.

For clubs across England’s top flight, financial discipline is becoming just as important as success on the pitch.

NSW Government opens $4.65 million Local Sport Grant Program

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Image Credit: Football Australia

The NSW Government has opened applications for the 2026–27 Local Sport Grant Program, with up to $4.65 million available to support grassroots sporting organisations across the state.

The program will provide grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for incorporated not-for-profit sporting clubs and associations.

Funding is aimed at increasing participation, improving governance and enhancing community sporting facilities.

Applications opened on 27 July and will close at 1pm on 24 August 2026, with successful applicants expected to be announced in December 2026.

The Local Sport Grant Program forms part of the NSW Office of Sport’s ‘Everyone Plays Here’ strategic plan.

The plan is designed to strengthen community sport by supporting initiatives that encourage regular participation and improve long-term member retention.

Funding is also available for projects that reduce barriers to participation and create more inclusive sporting environments, particularly for women and girls, multicultural communities, people with disability, First Nations people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to participation initiatives, the program will support projects that improve the financial sustainability and governance of community sporting clubs, while also investing in the quality, adaptability and environmental sustainability of sporting facilities across New South Wales.

Successful projects must be completed by June 2028, with applicants required to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

The NSW Office of Sport has encouraged eligible organisations to submit applications before the closing date, with grants awarded through a competitive assessment process.

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