Western United announce Genius Childcare as Platinum Partner

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Western United have announced Genius Childcare as a Platinum Partner for the 2021/22 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.

Genius Childcare is an innovative early learning centre for pre-school aged children, embodying United’s ‘Future is Now’ motto by teaching young kids fundamental life skills to take into the rest of their lives.

Genius Childcare is committed to educating children about all-important, contemporary issues in society. Genius seeks to form an early connection with the environment, encouraging children to be mindful of their surroundings and how to take care of them.

Genius also champions diversity, positive relationships and health and wellbeing of all children in its care, forming social skills and respectful relationships at an early age.

Western United CEO Chris Pehlivanis noted the alignment in both organisations’ values and was excited to see Genius join the United family.

“This is a really important partnership where we have found a natural alignment in our values and our shared plans for the future of Melbourne’s west,” he said.

“Both Genius Childcare and Western United are organisations that promote learning, growth and diversity. We want to support Genius Childcare in their expansion into the west of Melbourne as it is a community that is close to our heart and the people of the west are part of our DNA.

“The partnership with Genius is not only about today but it’s about what we can achieve together in the future.”

Genius Childcare Head of Marketing Kate Balme looked forward to the organisation growing alongside Western United and becoming part of the Club’s community efforts.

“We know all the great work that Western United does with communities, schools and clubs and we’re really excited to play a part,” she said.

“Our centre footprint is constantly expanding and we really identify with Western United’s ethos of growth and looking ahead to the future. I think our organisations will be great for each other and we can’t wait to get to work.”

With 30 centres currently operating across five Australian states, Genius is looking to add new venues across the West of Victoria, further enhancing Western United’s commitment to its heartland.

Genius Childcare will sponsor United’s Fan Friday promotions for the season, as well as contributing to innovative and engaging fan content on the Club’s owned platforms.

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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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