Soccerscene

15/01/2025

LATEST NEWS: Adidas apparel deal under threat for Manchester United: Manchester United's season goes from bad to outright embarrassing as each week passes, and a new report suggests that their massive apparel deal with Adidas is under threat due to their on-field failures.

According to The Telegraph, Adidas holds the right to terminate the deal with a one-year notice period should the Red Devils face relegation to the Championship.

United’s Form Sparks Concerns Over Lucrative Partnership

Manchester United’s long-standing relationship with German sportswear giant Adidas is under serious threat as their poor form continues to raise relegation fears.

Adidas first supplied Manchester United's apparel in 1980 to 1992 before reuniting with the clu in 2015 following a 23-year gap.

The two parties recently inked a lucrative 10-year extension in June 2023, worth $1.8 billion AUD (£900 million). However, United's current Premier League struggles could jeopardise this deal.

Premier League Woes Could Prove Costly

Sitting in 13th place, Manchester United are only seven points above the relegation zone, with Ipswich Town breathing down their neck.

It comes after the club had the least amount of points after the halfway mark to a Premier League season in the club's history (22 pts), a record they seemingly find themselves breaking every year.

In the unlikely event that relegation does happen, the financial blows would be critical for the club.

Adidas’ Relegation Clause Explained

Adidas reportedly has a clause in the contract that allows them to reduce payments by 50% if Manchester United are not in the Premier League. Moreover, the club stands to lose an additional $20 million AUD (£10 million) annually if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

If United were relegated, their payout could shrink to a mere $70 million (£35 million) next season—a massive drop from the initial agreement.

Relegation Battle Heats Up

United manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged the reality of the relegation battle his side faces.

Even if the concept of a Red Devils relegation seems impossible, the mere discussion of it is an indictment on the club.

Conclusion

If Manchester United’s downward spiral continues, the club not only risks relegation but could face severe financial consequences.

Their lack of Champions League football and a potential season without European football as a whole would mark a historic low point for the club and bring significant commercial repercussions.

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15/01/2025

LATEST NEWS: The importance of a strategic plan for clubs: For any club aiming to survive, thrive and endure, a strategic plan is a vital tool that needs to be implemented. 

Strategic plans provide a direction, goals, and timeline to clubs to ensure they continue on the right track into the future, by detailing the actions and steps the club will take.

These plans also help to determine the principles and values of the club, highlighting the way a club presents itself to the world.

Additionally, having a strategic plan lowers the amount of risk a club undertakes, and can act as a guide in times of emergency or uncertainty.

Strategic Planning Resources

Creating a strategic plan can be a long process, which may require outside help to gain fresh perspectives and guidance.

Fortunately, many states and territories host an array of freely available resources such as fact sheets, videos and guides that directly address strategic planning. Additionally, a range of organisations provide consultancy assistance.

* Queensland - ClubIQ

* Queensland - Sports Grants Queensland (Offers paid consultancy)

* New South Wales - Office of Sport

* New South Wales - Sport NSW (Offers free resources and paid consultancy,)

* South Australia - Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing

* South Australia - SportSA

* Victoria - Leisure Networks - ClubHelp (Offers free resources and paid consultancy)

* Victoria - Vicsport (Offers free resources and paid consultancy)

* West Australia - Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

* West Australia - SportWest (Offers services and resources to members)

* Tasmania - Active Tasmania

* Canberra/ACT - ACT Government Sport and Recreation

* Northern Territory - Department of People, Sport and Culture

* Australia wide - Clearinghouse for Sport

* Australia wide - Football Australia - Club Changer (Provides resources and education to members)

* Australia wide - Belgravia Sports Community (Offers free resources, paid consultancy and training programs)

* Australia wide - Australian Sports Commision - Game Plan (Free platform and toolkit for sport clubs)

Strategic Planning Processes

Strategic planning will differ from club to club depending on how each approach the situation, especially if working groups are consulted.

However, the phases of a strategic planning project will share similarities.

Stage 1

Clubs will often begin strategic planning by scrutinising club documents and key matters in order to review the health of the club and to understand the club's identity.

This process will evaluate a wide breadth of material such as the club's guiding constitution, policies, rules, financial documents, fundraisers, membership, club infrastructure, social media profiles, programs, teams, levels of success and more.

After completing the first stage, clubs may undertake a member survey. They can be a very useful tool, as they gather a valuable understanding of the attitudes a club's community may have about its stature, culture, future, and what they want to see from it.

Stage 2

Next, a club would begin to discuss its future by highlighting goals it wishes to achieve.

Goals can be diverse and range from off-field to on-field matters, however they should always be relevant to the club and achievable. By setting objectives, you ensure that the club is working together towards something every day.

Across this process, timeframes and actions should be explored to create a plan of how to achieve the outlined goals. It can be advantageous to delegate goals to specific people or boards to ensure that multiple projects can be worked on and tracked at once, instead of having them all be lumped on one individual or being nebulously attached to no one.

This phase also presents the opportunity to reflect on the principles and values of the club. While it can appear superfluous, a small selection of small meaningful words can be incredibly impactful. A club's chosen values describe the club to those outside of it, reminds club members of its purpose, and can also help formulate the goals, objectives and vision of the club.

Stage 3

Once a club has moved past goal setting and is beginning its action plans, reaching out to legal and accounting firms to review materials and provide advice can be highly valuable.

These organisations can provide comprehensive details on where to make adjustments for governance and how to budget effectively.

Stage 4

Finally, the club will begin to formulate the final document of the strategic plan before presenting it to members.

When creating the document, ensure it can be easily understood by a wide array of audiences.

Additionally, include a concise yet detailed summary of the plan so it doesn't require members to read the document fully.

Conclusion

As time passes it is important to check in on the strategic plan to ensure that the club is on track for its goals and that the document is still relevant. Circumstances can change, so it can be beneficial to amend the plan to ensure it is still applicable to the club.

However, it is important to note that strategic plans are a long-term investment, and can take years to fulfill, so do not be over eager in manipulating them.

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14/01/2025

LATEST NEWS: Football NSW to Build on 2024 Participation Record in 2025: Football NSW are aiming to develop on the extraordinary numbers of the 2024 season that saw more than 260,000 players take to the pitch. The announcement comes as part of the national Play Football campaign.

With NSW being one of Australia’s largest participation states for football, the federation’s push for more numbers is a welcome target for football in the country.

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas spoke with enthusiasm about the sport's trajectory, highlighting its inclusive nature.

"Football continues to be the sport of choice for the NSW and Australian community, providing a positive environment for participants of all ages and abilities," Tsatsimas mentioned via Football NSW official press release.

"We have had unprecedented growth in players, coaches, referees and volunteers, with exponential growth in the female game."

The statistics paint a promising picture of the sport's expansion, with 2024 registering a 9% increase in player numbers from the earlier season. This translates to over 20,000 new participants.

Perhaps most significantly with the effect of the Women’s FIFA World Cup of 2023, female participation surged by 17%, with more than 9,000 women and girls joining the sport, accounting for nearly half of the total growth.

Maintaining and increasing Women and girls’ levels in the sport are crucial points for development of the Australian game and will be key for the continued rise in participation numbers.

The organisation is now actively encouraging early registration for the 2025 season to ensure players can secure spots with their preferred local clubs, with help from the updated Play Football website.

Beyond player participation, Football NSW is expanding its focus on supporting roles within the sport. The 2024 season witnessed record numbers in coaching, refereeing, and volunteering positions, all crucial components of the game's ecosystem.

The need for more people joining non-player roles through all levels of the game in NSW is evident with John Tsatsimas pointing out himself the necessity for the 2025 Season.

"There's a place for everyone in our sport, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning participants for the 2025 season," Tsatsimas explained via Football NSW official press release.

For those interested in contributing to the sport beyond playing, Football NSW has established comprehensive pathways.

The Football NSW Coach Hub provides resources and guidance for aspiring coaches looking to shape the next generation of footballers.

Additionally, the Referee Hub offers opportunities for individuals to engage with the sport from a different perspective while maintaining an active lifestyle.

With football’s exciting growth continuing in Australia with the expansion and promising viewership numbers of the 2024-25 professional A-leagues, it is always important for the sport that the participation numbers of state leagues and amateur local clubs follow the trend.

Register now for 2025 by clicking here.

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14/01/2025

LATEST NEWS: Keisuke Honda’s venture capital secures $158M to back AI startups: Former Japanese soccer star Keisuke Honda has scored another win off the pitch, his venture capital firm, X&KSK Fund, has secured $158 million to invest in tech start-ups specialising in AI and cutting-edge business solutions.

Over 20 investors are supporting Honda's fund, including prominent Japanese financial institutions like Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp, Nomura Holdings, and SBI Holdings. Notably, SBI Holdings and SBI Shinsei Bank have contributed a combined $20.46 million (¥2 billion), making them the fund's largest stakeholders.

Shohei Yamada, a partner at SBI Investment, highlighted that the goal of this investment is to expand its network of international investors and promote Japanese start-ups. In Japan, where the number of so-called “unicorn” companies—those valued at over $1.61 billion—remains limited, this initiative represents a significant step forward for the local start-up ecosystem.

Keisuke Honda, known for his stellar performances at CSKA Moscow, AC Milan, and three consecutive World Cups, has been expanding his business ventures. Together with American actor Will Smith, he co-founded Dreamers VC. His goal is to create a "decacorn"—a private company valued at over $16.17 billion in Japan.

Honda is aware establishing a decacorn is rare in Japan, however, he is assertive it can be achieved.

“I’m aware that creating a decacorn in Japan is a very difficult challenge, but considering what the Japanese have already achieved, I believe it is possible,” he said via email interview.

The former AC Milan midfielder recognized that his soccer fame opens doors to profitable investment opportunities. He also pointed out that, unlike in the U.S., celebrities in Japan are typically reluctant to openly talk about their investments.

Although the number of start-ups in Japan is on the rise, the country still falls short in producing unicorns. A report from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry highlights that fostering start-up growth requires improved access to significant funding.

In 2022, Japanese start-ups raised a record ¥978.2 billion (10.01 billion AUD), but this figure dropped to ¥803.9 billion (8.22 billion AUD) in the following year. Despite the decline, it still represents a fivefold increase compared to 2014.

The X&KSK Fund seeks to back innovative projects and promote cutting-edge technologies. This initiative marks a significant milestone for Keisuke Honda and Japan’s emerging start-up ecosystem, bringing fresh momentum to its expansion.

Keisuke Honda’s involvement in the X&KSK Fund represents a significant shift in how athletes, especially football players, are positioning themselves within the broader business and tech world.

Historically, athletes, particularly in football, have often focused on careers post-retirement that include media ventures, sponsorships, or brand endorsements. However, Honda’s active role in venture capital, particularly in sectors like AI and tech innovation, signals a new wave of athlete entrepreneurs taking a more hands-on approach in shaping the future industries.

This shift is particularly important because football players, given their fame and influence, have the potential to leverage their personal brands to foster meaningful change within industries beyond sports.

Players such as Honda, who have gained global recognition, can access exclusive investment opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to reach for traditional investors.

By actively participating in initiatives like Dreamers VC, Honda is not just a figurehead—he’s an active contributor to the creation of business ecosystems that can have a lasting impact on both the tech industry and Japan’s start-up scene.

Moreover, for footballers, particularly those who achieve global success, such investments can be a smart way to secure long-term financial stability post-retirement, as they can often face a shorter career span.

The increased involvement of athletes in high-level investments allows them to diversify their portfolios and contribute to industries that influence the future of society. This trend is beginning to reshape how sports figures are perceived, from being athletes to being influential business leaders and investors.

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14/01/2025

LATEST NEWS: Auckland FC welcomes Alvarium as Premium Partner: Auckland FC has embraced New Zealand based wealth management firm Alvarium as a premium partner to the club.

As a part of the collaboration, Alvarium logos and advertisement material will be featured on Auckland FC's game day shirt sleeve.

This provides Alvarium with exclusive and highly prized visible branding, enabling the club to be seen more easily by a wealth of A-League fans.

Chief Executive Officer of Alvarium, Malcolm McKinnon, outlined his organisation's enthusiasm for the partnership.

“Our team is always looking for opportunities to support commendable partners who combine high performance with great community engagement. We believe we have found that in abundance with Auckland FC,” McKinnon said in a press release.

Chief Executive Officer of Auckland FC, Nick Becker highlighted the shared aims of both organisations.

“Like Alvarium, we at Auckland FC are focused on bringing together the right mix of ideas and opportunities to achieve the best possible outcomes,” he said via press release.

Auckland FC expresses the deal with Alvarium is reflective of the club's commitment to "With Everyone, For Everyone", as the firm has a history of supporting the community. The organisation was a founding advocate of The King's Trust, which helps enable young people for the future ahead of them.

Additionally, the firm is a key partner of SailGP, a team that seeks to protect ocean welfare and advance environmental concerns across New Zealand and on the global stage.

Furthermore, Alvarium is also a team supporter of the New Zealand Paralympics team, demonstrating the company's commitment to social change in sport to help positively boost community awareness of diversity and disability.

As a company, Alvarium is excited to join forces with Auckland FC to bolster the firm's brand to a local audience across New Zealand through a new and lively club with a passionate fanbase, whilst expanding the company's advertising to an Australian market.

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13/01/2025

LATEST NEWS: Mariners partner with ASICS to boost performance and community: The Central Coast Mariners have announced a new partnership with ASICS, naming the renowned sports performance brand as the club’s Official Footwear Partner and Corporate Supporter.

Under this agreement, ASICS will supply high-performance footwear designed to help Mariners players maximize their performance both on and off the pitch.

Known globally for its advanced sports footwear and apparel, ASICS will offer the team cutting-edge technology aimed at improving agility, comfort, and overall athletic performance.

For the Mariners, this partnership marks another step toward elevating their competitive edge and expanding their corporate portfolio with a big named sportswear brand.

Alyssar Narey, CEO of Central Coast Mariners FC spoke on the shared values between the two parties.

“ASICS is a global leader in sports technology and having them as our Official Footwear Partner is an exciting development for the club,” Narey said in a press release.

“Their commitment to innovation and performance will empower our players to perform at their best and we’re proud to have them as a supporter of our journey moving forward.”

Mark Brunton, Managing Director of ASICS Oceania spoke with excitement about the potential opportunity through this partnership.

“Our new partnership with the Central Coast Mariners is an exciting one for the ASICS brand. With our unique heel gradient technology, a key feature of our football boots providing extra player support, we’re excited to help some of the league’s top players perform at their best whether at training or on game day," Brunton said in a press release.

“ASICS, derived from the Latin phrase anima sana in corpore sano meaning ‘a sound mind in a sound body,’ is committed to promoting active, healthy lifestyles.

"We are therefore proud to support the Mariners in inspiring the benefits of sport and movement and supporting the Central Coast community.”

This partnership highlights the Mariners’ continued focus on excellence in the A-League and underscores their dedication to strengthening ties within the Central Coast community.

By joining forces, ASICS and the Mariners are committed to inspiring the local community through active living, promoting health, and supporting wellness initiatives across the region. It’s a great initiative from the club to benefit their fans.

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13/01/2025

LATEST NEWS: Senix and Newcastle Jets unveil exciting multi-year deal: The Newcastle Jets have announced a multi-year partnership with power tool and equipment company Senix.

Through the deal, Senix branding will feature on Newcastle Jets Women's and Men's teams' shorts across the 24/25 and 25/26 seasons.

This grants Senix with extremely visible advertising, highlighting the Jet's dedication to the collaboration and providing a significant marketing opportunity for Senix as the company seeks to grow its new portfolio in Australia.

As a rapid developer within its industry, Senix has grown to operate in American, Southeast Asian, and recent Australian markets, with plans to move into New Zealand, Japan, Korea, India and the Middle East.

Vice President of Senix Australia & New Zealand, Tim Paton, described his pride and excitement for the partnership between Senix and the Jets.

“We are excited to partner with the Newcastle Jets as they embark on their new journey,” he said via press release.

“Senix is the fastest growing power tool company in the world and the Australian market is a key focus area, so it was a natural fit to partner with the Jets given their footprint in New South Wales.

“Jets fans and people of the broader Newcastle region will love our products. We create powerful but affordable products that remain eco-minded with low-to-no-emissions. Bottom line, we deliver premium performance at an exceptional value.”

Newcastle Jets CEO, Maurice Bisetto, outlined the benefits of the deal.

“Senix are a global powerhouse in the power tool and equipment category so for the Jets to be able to partner with them is a real coup for us,” he said in a press release.

“Senix are supporting the club as a whole with branding on our A-League and W-League teams and we are excited to work with them to grow their footprint in the Australian market and give Jets fans the opportunity to win some of their tools.”



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13/01/2025

🚀 Exciting news in the sports industry! Discover how Signality is transforming sports data with cutting-edge AI technology and an automated cloud-based platform. Join the revolution in sports analytics and elevate your game to the next level! 🌟

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3PxbESb

12/01/2025

LATEST NEWS: Signality: Revolutionising Sports Data with AI Technology Read here 👇

12/12/2024

💪 "Foreigners I’ve met say they didn’t expect the APL to be so strong.
It’s a great step up from NPL to APL as the pace and pressure is so much more demanding." Jaiden Kucharski's opinion of the A-League

Read in full 👉 https://zurl.co/STf0d

10/12/2024

LATEST NEWS: DAZN gains free-to-view exclusivity deal for FIFA Club World Cup Read here 👇

British sports streaming mega platform, DAZN, has gained a free-to-view exclusivity deal with FIFA for the Club World Cup 2025.

09/12/2024

LATEST NEWS: Bundesliga secures $7.39bn domestic broadcast deal Read here 👇

The German Football League (DFL) has secured new domestic broadcast contracts for the Bundesliga worth $7.39 billion over four seasons.

09/12/2024

LATEST NEWS: QLD Government Joins Brisbane Roar and Football Queensland’s Community Program Read here 👇

Brisbane Roar, FQ, and the QLD Government have partnered to give more young people the chance to play football.

08/12/2024

LATEST NEWS: Mingle: Elevating your grassroots club Read here 👇

Founded in 2021, Mingle is a Dutch sports startup aiming to elevate grassroots clubs through its impressive expansive technology portfolio.

08/12/2024

LATEST NEWS: Together More Active Program to grow sport participation Read here 👇

Together More Active 2023-27 has opened by offering grants to help organisations boost participation in sports and active recreation.

05/12/2024

LATEST NEWS: Football West and Persebaya Surabaya FC sign three-year MoU Read here 👇

Football West and Persebaya Surabaya FC have formalised their partnership by signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding.

05/12/2024

LATEST NEWS: Bank of America confirmed as Official Partner of Club World Cup Read here 👇

FIFA has confirmed Bank of America as the newest Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, building off of their World Cup 2026 deal.

04/12/2024

LATEST NEWS: Football Queensland Academy leads Northern player development Read here 👇

Football Queensland (FQ) has celebrated a successful year of player development in the Northern region, through the FQ Academy.