Page 3 – Ministry of Sport

Wrestling Australia Announce Partnership with Playbk Sports

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Courtney

Wrestling Australia has announced a partnership with digital product builder Playbk Sports to develop a bespoke digital learning platform aimed at expanding grassroots participation and coaching capability across the country.

Scheduled for an initial launch in September, the initiative will deliver introductory coaching and officiating courses tailored for teachers, schools, volunteers, and club communities, establishing vital pathways outside traditional club environments.

The collaboration addresses structural growth challenges for smaller footprint sports by leveraging scalable technology to remove geographical barriers and provide consistent education nationwide. Content development is being managed collaboratively by Playbk Sports, sports consultant Mike McLaughlin from McLaughlin Sports Consultancy, and community coaches, ensuring contemporary digital design aligns with practical grassroots expertise.

Commenting on the partnership, Playbk Sports co-founder and COO, Damian Hecker, said: “for sports with a smaller footprint, digital learning provides a way to reach further than has often been possible in the past.”

“Schools are where many young Australians experience a sport for the first time.

“By providing teachers with accessible education, we can help sports like wrestling reach new audiences and create stronger connections between schools and community clubs.

“Digital learning removes geographical barriers, supports volunteers and gives sports the ability to build capability at scale.

“Ultimately, it is about giving more young people the chance to experience a sport they may not otherwise have discovered,” Hecker

Highlighting the implications of the agreement, and noting that the platform reinforces recent governance enhancements while positioning the organisation for long-term growth. Wrestling Australia president, David Barns, added: “as a volunteer-run National Sporting Organisation, we have to think carefully about how we build capability and support our members.”

“This partnership gives Wrestling Australia a digital platform that provides coaches, officials and teachers with access to consistent learning at a time and place that works for them.

“It complements our existing education programs and helps us reach communities that have traditionally been difficult to service.

“Importantly, this initiative builds on the governance improvements Wrestling Australia has made in recent years and creates a resource that will continue to evolve with the sport.

“As we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, it also gives wrestling a practical way to build awareness and participation ahead of a home Olympic Games,” Barns said.

The platform will expand following its initial rollout to include comprehensive educational resources, creating a connected digital learning journey designed to support wrestling’s multi-discipline footprint as momentum builds toward the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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Netball Players Face Contracting Uncertainty Amid ANZ Premiership Crisis and Ongoing Collective Bargaining Delays

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Courtney

Netball players and team staffers are facing severe professional and financial uncertainty ahead of the new season after Netball New Zealand informed personnel from the Stars, Mainland Tactix, and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic that the organisation is “not in a position” to extend their contracts in 2027.

This announcement arrives as the commercial future of the ANZ Premiership remains in question for the third consecutive year, compounded by stalled negotiations between Netball New Zealand and the New Zealand Netball Players Association regarding a new collective bargaining agreement.

The contractual standstill leaves several high-profile athletes in limbo, including core members of the national Silver Ferns squad currently preparing for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The administrative turmoil compounds twelve months for Netball New Zealand, which recently conducted an internal review into the Silver Ferns after players lodged formal complaints alleging that the team environment was “psychologically unsafe”.

Although national coach Dame Noeline Taurua was stood down during the subsequent investigation before being reinstated to lead the squad through the international window, the broader governance and operational challenges continue to cast a shadow over domestic competition viability.

Stars assistant coach Leana de Bruin admitted on Newstalk ZB’s Sportstalk with D’Arcy Waldegrave that the lack of communication from Netball NZ is the most disappointing aspect of the crisis, noting that players are left in a “very worrying and uncomfortable” situation as they wait to learn if the competition will continue in 2027.

Without a locked-in broadcast deal or a comprehensive strategic plan for the upcoming year, the commercial viability of New Zealand’s premier domestic league faces an unprecedented test.

Meanwhile, across the Tasman Sea, Australian Suncorp Super Netball athletes are also navigating contract delays as Netball Australia works to finalise its own collective bargaining agreement ahead of all player contracts expiring on September 30.

Unlike the ANZ Premiership, Australian players have long-term commercial certainty that there will be a competition next season after securing a lucrative five-year broadcast partnership with Nine, though questions remain regarding team alignments and upcoming free agency windows.

WNBA All-Star Game Breaks League Attendance Record

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Courtney

The WNBA reached historic milestones as the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center in Chicago drew a record-shattering crowd of 19,783 fans.

Surpassing the previous All-Star benchmark of 19,487 set in Washington in 2007, the showcase event highlighted the explosive year-on-year growth of the league and featured star-studded courtside attendance, alongside a surprise visit from former U.S. President Barack Obama during team practices at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center.

On the hardwood, Team Spoon, named after WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon and featuring stars like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, secured a 129-122 victory over Team Coop, named after Cynthia Cooper and captained by players including Paige Bueckers.

New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones put on an MVP performance off the bench, recording 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists for Team Spoon. Team Coop was led by strong performances from Kelsey Mitchell (28 points) and Marina Mabrey (23 points).

The milestone event adds to a banner year for league attendance records, following the regular-season milestone set earlier this month by the Toronto Tempo, who welcomed 20,996 fans to Montreal’s Bell Centre for a matchup against the Dallas Wings.

Gold Coast Secured as Host City for 2027 World Archery Para Championships

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Courtney

Queensland will host its first major international para archery event after the 2027 World Archery Para Championships were officially awarded to the Gold Coast Performance Centre.

Originally slated for Canberra, the prestigious global competition will now take place south of Brisbane from August 30 to September 6, 2027, following a successful collaborative bid by Archery Australia and the Queensland Government.

The tournament is expected to draw approximately 300 elite athletes representing 50 countries, who will compete across recurve, compound, W1, and visually impaired classifications.

Crucially, the championships will serve as a vital qualification pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, providing a major competitive milestone as Australia builds towards hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane 2032.

World Archery president, Greg Easton, welcomed the transition to the Gold Coast.

“We are excited to be bringing the World Archery Para Championships to the Gold Coast.”

“Queensland has the experience and ambition to deliver an outstanding event, showcase our sport to new audiences, and build momentum towards LA28 and Brisbane 2032,” Easton said.

Archery Australia CEO, Peter Bromley, echoed this enthusiasm.

“We look forward to welcoming the global para archery community to the Gold Coast and delivering a championship that celebrates sporting excellence, inclusion, and the Paralympic spirit,” Bromley said.

Queensland Tourism and Acting Sport Minister, Andrew Powell, emphasised the broader economic and strategic impact of securing the event.

“Securing this event is another example of how the momentum towards Brisbane 2032 is helping Queensland attract prestigious global championships that may otherwise never have come to Australia.”

“Fans will have the opportunity to witness the world’s leading para archers competing for world titles and crucial Paralympic qualification places, creating an unforgettable sporting spectacle on the Gold Coast,” Powell added.

Para archery has remained a staple of the Paralympic program since Rome 1960, tracing its foundational roots directly to the historic Stoke Mandeville Games.

Basketball NSW Appoints Former Sport NSW Head Stuart Hodge as New Chief Executive Officer

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball NSW has officially appointed Stuart Hodge as its new CEO following a comprehensive national search process.

Bringing extensive administrative, commercial, and governmental expertise in the sports sector, Mr Hodge will assume the leadership role in October 2026, succeeding interim chief executive officer David Simpson, who has guided the organisation through a transitional period since January 2026.

Mr Hodge arrives at Basketball NSW after spending the past three and a half years as CEO of Sport NSW, the peak representative body for state sporting organisations across New South Wales.

Prior to that tenure, he served for five years as CEO of Football NSW, where he successfully directed major commercial restructuring, facility development, and competition reform across one of the country’s largest sporting bodies.

Highligting that the Board’s appointment followed a rigorous and independent assessment, Basketball NSW chair, Lisa Yen, said: “Stuart brings commercial acumen, deep understanding of the NSW sporting and government landscape and a genuine connection to our sport.”

“He’s exactly the leader Basketball NSW needs as we pursue opportunities and tackle the big challenges ahead, particularly facilities, where demand for our sport continues to far outstrip access across the state,” Yen said.

Reflecting on his upcoming appointment, Mr Hodge emphasised the urgent need to address participation demand at the community level.

“Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in New South Wales, and I’ve seen first-hand, as a parent, a coach and a volunteer, just how much demand there is at grassroots level.”

“I’m excited to bring my experience to Basketball NSW, and to work with the Board, staff and basketball community to build on the strong foundations already in place,” Hodge shared.

With participation rates surging across the state, Mr Hodge’s leadership will focus heavily on expanding infrastructure, strengthening commercial partnerships, and supporting grassroots growth as the organisation enters its next strategic phase.

NSW Government and GBOTA Reach Agreement to End Greyhound Racing at Sydney’s Wentworth Park in October 2026

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

The New South Wales Government has secured a formal agreement with the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA) to conclude greyhound racing at Sydney’s historic Wentworth Park, scheduling the final race meeting for October 2026.

The landmark agreement will culminate with the prestigious Million Dollar Chase event, drawing a close to ninety-four years of racing at the venue and allowing the land-use licence to terminate ahead of schedule so that remediation and infrastructure removal can commence before Christmas.

To assist the racing sector through the transition, the NSW Government has committed to a $10 million Greyhound Capital Grants Program aimed at funding infrastructure upgrades at metropolitan and regional tracks to meet updated safety standards.

NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris acknowledged the historical weight of the closure for participants, noting that Wentworth Park has contributed significantly to the sport since initial race meetings commenced in 1932.

Acting NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Kate Washington, emphasized the long-term community benefits of returning the land to public control.

“Wentworth Park has played an important role in New South Wales’ sporting history, and today we’re beginning an exciting new chapter for this iconic public site.”

“The Government is delivering on its commitment to return this land to the community, creating new sporting fields, more open space, thousands of new homes and lasting community infrastructure for a growing inner Sydney.

“This is about unlocking public land for public benefit, creating more homes and ensuring future generations have great places to play, connect and enjoy,” Washington said.

Once restoration works are complete, the site will be transferred to the City of Sydney to be integrated into an expanded fourteen-hectare public park featuring multipurpose sporting fields, open green spaces, and community recreation facilities.

Located adjacent to the upcoming Pyrmont Metro station and near existing light rail and ferry transport networks, the revitalised precinct will form a core component of the broader Pyrmont-Ultimo renewal, which includes the nearby Sydney Fish Market redevelopment and plans for thousands of new residential dwellings.

The announcement coincides with international regulatory shifts, arriving as New Zealand prepares to host its final commercial greyhound race meeting at Hatrick Raceway in Whanganui on July 31 following the passage of legislation ending the industry nationwide due to animal welfare and injury rate concerns.

Mark Cuban and Harbinger Sports Partners Acquire Minority Stake in Major League Baseball’s Athletics

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

Harbinger Sports Partners has acquired a minority ownership stake in Major League Baseball’s Athletics ahead of the franchise’s planned relocation to Las Vegas.

Led by principal figures including billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, Atlanta Falcons minority owner Rashaun Williams, former MLB chief financial officer Jonathan Mariner, and former AMBSE CEO Steve Cannon, the deal marks the first deployment from Harbinger’s targeted USD750 million (AUD1.07 billion) sports fund.

While the specific financial terms, equity stake size, and overall team valuation were not disclosed, Forbes previously valued the franchise at USD2 billion (AUD2.8 billion). The transaction gives Harbinger a foothold in a high-profile sports property as ownership prepares for the club’s permanent transition to a new 33,000-capacity stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, scheduled to open in 2028.

Currently playing home fixtures at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento following their departure from Oakland in 2024, the team continues to operate without a geographic market identifier amid ongoing trademark considerations.

Rashaun Williams emphasised that the private equity investment is strategic rather than a financial rescue for majority owner John Fisher.

“All of the money required to build the stadium has already been committed two years ago,” Williams said.

Williams also noted that public-sector funding is capped at USD380 million (AUD544 million) while private financing covers the remainder of the escalating construction costs.

“Fisher definitely doesn’t need our money, we’re not coming to bail anyone out by any means,” Williams added.

Furthermore, Williams expressed strong confidence in the Las Vegas market’s commercial potential, pointing to the city’s steady annual influx of tens of millions of tourists and extensive demographic research conducted by league stakeholders.

Mark Cuban underscored his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the operational expertise brought by his partners.

Harbinger plans to complete between 10 and 12 investments from its initial fund, targeting North American sports franchises.

Williams noted that having veteran baseball executive Jonathan Mariner lead the negotiation provided the firm with a distinct advantage in navigating MLB team dynamics.

Catapult Launches IMPECT Video Scouting Platform to Transform Professional Football Recruitment

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

Sports technology leader Catapult (ASX: CAT) has announced the global launch of IMPECT Video Scouting, an advanced video scouting solution powered by IMPECT’s proprietary Packing data and contextual football intelligence.

Designed specifically for professional football clubs, the newly launched platform features a revolutionary discovery engine that allows scouting departments to define precise performance criteria and instantly surface exact match footage where candidates demonstrate those qualities, significantly accelerating recruitment decisions.

Grounded in the vision following Catapult’s October 2025 acquisition of IMPECT, the platform utilises Packing metrics, a validated method for quantifying player impact and illustrating how teams break down opposition structures. By combining these quantitative metrics, validated across more than 180,000 matches, with context-rich video across 150-plus men’s and women’s competitions, recruitment teams can examine a true visual representation of player performance behind traditional statistics.

Underscoring the platform’s technological integration, chief product officer at Catapult, Matt Bairos, said: “The future of football is about clarity and connection.”

“By bringing all of our intelligence and video workflows into one integrated view, we’re eliminating the friction that slows clubs down and empowering clubs to build winning strategies from a single, unified platform,” Mr Bairos said.

Highlighting the analytical advantages of the software, head of product strategy for Global Football Scouting at Catapult, Stefan Reinartz, added: “By using contextual football data to surface the most relevant moments, we’re helping clubs validate players faster, reduce bias, and make better recruitment decisions.”

“We are giving clubs the advantage of having deeper, more contextual data to help with overall scouting strategy and recruitment accuracy,” Reinartz stated.

IMPECT Video Scouting integrates directly into Catapult’s Pro Video Suite, enabling a seamless workflow from initial player identification to detailed video review, telestration, and decision-ready presentations for professional soccer organizations worldwide.

Franchise Equity Partners Acquires Planet Fitness Australian Franchisee Bravo Fit

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

Private investment firm Franchise Equity Partners has acquired Bravo Fit, the exclusive Australian franchisee of global fitness brand Planet Fitness, from existing shareholders including Planet Fitness, Inc.

The transaction marks Franchise Equity Partners’s first direct investment in an Australian-headquartered business and enables Planet Fitness to exit its minority ownership position while continuing its core role as the international brand franchisor. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The acquisition provides Bravo Fit with a flexible capital to accelerate its national club development and enhance member experience. Bravo Fit currently operates 32 Planet Fitness locations across Australia and holds exclusive area development rights for up to approximately 100 additional clubs spanning Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.

The company’s existing executive team, led by Chief Executive Danielle Monroy, will remain in place to oversee regional growth. Furthermore, former BT Financial Group and Craveable Brands Chief Executive Rob Coombe has been appointed Chairman of Bravo Fit.

Emphasising the importance behind the acquisition, Planet Fitness CEO, Colleen Keating, said: “We are thrilled by the performance of the Planet Fitness brand in Australia since first entering the market seven years ago.”

“We partnered with Bravo Fit initially to bring our brand promise of high-value, low-price fitness to the region, and our model has resonated well in the country.

The sale of our ownership stake in Bravo Fit to Franchise Equity Partners validates our approach, and we are confident that Franchise Equity Partners and Bravo Fit will continue to further scale Planet Fitness’ presence and growth in Australia,” Keating said.

Highlighting the strong market fundamentals driving the acquisition, Franchise Equity Partners managing director and head of investments, David O’Donnell, added: “Bravo Fit is exactly the kind of partner Franchise Equity Partners is built to support: a proven operator with a clear runway in a high-quality, globally recognised franchise system.”

“Our flexible capital and experience scaling franchise businesses are designed to help the management team accelerate that buildout while preserving the operating discipline and member focus that have made Bravo Fit successful,” O’Donnell said.

Campbell Construction Co Sports Lunch Raises Record $52,500 to Support Sunshine Coast Grassroots Sport

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

The annual Campbell Construction Co Sports Lunch has set a new fundraising benchmark, collecting a record $52,500 to support grassroots sports programs across the Sunshine Coast.

Hosted at Surf Club Mooloolaba and bringing together more than 160 members of the local sporting community, the event directly benefits the Brisbane Broncos Game Development Program, Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, and the Sunshine Coast Falcons Women’s Game Development Program, creating vital new opportunities for regional athletes and the next generation of sporting talent.

Highlighting the continuous growth and community backing of the annual lunchtime gathering, Campbell Construction co-founder and CEO, Ben Campbell, said: “The event has grown every year over the past four years.”

“As more people have come to understand the purpose behind it and see where the funds are going, the support has continued to build.”

“I see what Jack does in the community and what that means to the youth of the Sunshine Coast. It’s fantastic, and there’s not enough of it.

“Giving young kids the opportunity to be part of the program is second to none. It helps them understand what it means to be not only an athlete, but also a good person,” Mr Campbell said.

Emphasising the vital role of strong regional partnerships in sustaining junior sports initiatives, broncos development officer, Jack Reed, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Ben and Sara, who created and supported this year’s Sports Lunch, and to our major partner, The Surf Club Mooloolaba, for allowing us to use their beautiful venue.”

“This day doesn’t happen without the commitment of our program partners and the local community, whose support makes events like this possible.

The funds raised will have a lasting impact, helping us continue our school-based initiatives and junior rugby league support across the Sunshine Coast,” Reed said.

Attendees at the luncheon also heard from an esteemed panel of accomplished Australian sports figures, including Scott Prince, Julia Robinson, Chris Flannery, Jimmy Cassidy, Joel Parkinson, and Steve Menzies, who shared professional insights and career experiences from elite levels of competition.

TCS Sydney Marathon Becomes First Worldwide to Offer Free AI Mindset Coaching to Every Participant

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Courtney

The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS announced a world-first partnership with sports psychology platform Marathon State of Mind, making it the first marathon globally to provide every participant with free access to personalised mindset coaching.

More than 40,000 registered runners will receive free access to the platform as they enter the final six weeks of preparation before race day on August 30, a period widely regarded as the most mentally demanding phase of endurance training.

Valued at more than $1,500 per participant, the initiative represents the equivalent of more than $60 million in coaching support across the full field, making it one of the largest investments in mass-participation sports psychology programs ever delivered through a sporting event.

Co-created by two-time Australian olympian, Eloise Wellings, and performance psychology researcher and coach, Dr Rory Darkins, Marathon State of Mind combines evidence-based sports psychology with personalised artificial intelligence coaching to support runners through the psychological demands of marathon preparation.

Unlike generic wellness applications, the platform uses personalised artificial intelligence to adapt to each individual runner, delivering coaching that responds to where that person is in their preparation rather than a one-size-fits-all program.

Noting that the platform addresses a major oversight in endurance sports, Wellings, said: “Most runners have a plan for their training, their nutrition, and their race-day strategy, but very few have a plan for when things become difficult.”

Echoing his sentiments, Dr Darkins, added: “By combining established performance psychology with personalised artificial intelligence coaching, we are able to deliver support at a scale that would have been impossible only a few years ago.”

“Our hope is that by making this kind of support more accessible, more people are encouraged to discover what they are truly capable of,” he said.

For the TCS Sydney Marathon, the partnership marks a deliberate investment in sports technology at scale, positioning the event as a pioneer among the Abbott World Marathon Majors and setting a new benchmark for what a world-class marathon can offer participants beyond race day.

TCS Sydney Marathon race director, Wayne Larden, said the partnership signals both a commitment to participant experience and a deliberate step into the future of endurance sport.

“Anyone who has run a marathon knows that physical preparation gets you to the start line, but it’s what happens in your head when things get tough that often determines how your race unfolds.”

“We want every person who crosses that finish line to feel genuinely supported, not just on race day, but in every training run, every moment of doubt, and every step of the journey that gets them there.

“Investing in Marathon State of Mind is also a statement about where we believe sport is going.

“Artificial intelligence-powered coaching that adapts to the individual, at this scale, delivered through an Abbott World Marathon Major, is something that has not been done before.

“We are proud that the TCS Sydney Marathon is the event leading that charge,” Mr Larden said.

Participants will receive exclusive access to a comprehensive suite of features, including personalised coaching sessions, weekly live sessions with Wellings and Dr Darkins, a live panel at the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show, and in-run audio support mapped to the Sydney course and delivered at every five-kilometre mark, from the Sydney Harbour Bridge through to the final kilometres.

Furthermore, the program extends beyond the finish line with two dedicated post-race check-ins to support participants in reflecting on their achievement and exploring how mental skills can be applied to everyday life.

The event is owned by Athletics Australia, managed by Pont3, and supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Graham Sports & Entertainment Partners and Bolt Ventures Launch Pin High Golf Platform with Acquisition of MyGolfSpy

Posted on July 23, 2026July 23, 2026 by Courtney

Graham Sports & Entertainment Partners (GSE) and Bolt Ventures, the single-family office of sports investor David Blitzer, have announced an investment in MyGolfSpy (MGS), a leading independent golf equipment media and testing platform.

Completed in May 2026 through the newly formed Pin High Golf platform, the transaction is designed to accelerate MyGolfSpy‘s growth while preserving the rigorous, testing-led editorial independence that has established the brand as a trusted resource for golfers worldwide.

Founded in 2008 by Adam Beach in Yorktown, Virginia, MyGolfSpy utilises fifteen years of proprietary testing data, an advanced in-house facility equipped with five simulators, and an engaged community of more than 300 volunteer testers.

Its “Most Wanted” and “Tested & Approved” frameworks have become industry benchmarks for objective golf equipment reviews.

The newly established Pin High Golf platform aims to leverage these core assets to expand direct and programmatic advertising, scale video and affiliate commerce, deepen relationships with golf OEMs and retailers, and selectively pursue strategic acquisitions across golf media, data, and experiences.

David Blitzer highlighted the strategic value of the acquisition.

“We view MyGolfSpy as a trusted, category-defining brand with a differentiated data asset and a deeply engaged audience.”

“The community of over 300 disciplined equipment testers has created a reliable leader in the space,” Blitzer said.

Co-Founder and CEO at GSE, Shervin Mirhashemi, added: “Through the creation of Pin High Golf, we are excited to build upon the success of MyGolfSpy as we seek to scale the business as the anchor asset of an innovative, preeminent independent media and experiences platform in golf.”

MyGolfSpy Founder and CEO, Adam Beach, commented on the partnership, said: “When we started MyGolfSpy, we believed golfers deserved the truth, not marketing.”

“That belief became the foundation of everything we’ve built.

“Partnering with Bolt and GSE gives us the resources to accelerate our mission, expand our testing and technology, and help more golfers make smarter decisions than ever before.”

Federation University Australia and Victorian Institute of Sport Partner to Expand Elite Regional Pathways

Posted on July 23, 2026July 23, 2026 by Courtney

Federation University Australia and the Victorian Institute of Sport have announced a strategic partnership designating the university’s Mt Helen campus as a preferred regional training location for Victorian Institute of Sport athletes.

Representing the first arrangement of its kind for the VIS outside Melbourne, the collaboration is designed to eliminate geographic barriers for regional Victorian athletes by providing local access to elite training facilities, high-performance environments, and expert support services without the burden of extensive travel.

Under the agreement, eligible Victorian Institute of Sport athletes can utilise Federation University’s advanced gymnasium facilities free of charge while remaining fully integrated within the VIS high-performance pathway.

High-profile regional competitors set to immediately benefit from the arrangement include Ballarat-based Paralympic bronze medallist and world champion para-cyclist Alanah Forster, alongside nationally recognised para-equestrian athlete Kelly Frost.

Federation University WestVic Academy of Sport CEO, Scott Allison, underscored the immediate regional impact of the initiative.

“For many regional athletes, accessing elite sporting support can involve several hours of travel for a single training session or appointment.”

“This partnership brings those opportunities closer to home and creates a more accessible and inclusive high-performance environment for athletes across western Victoria and beyond,” Mr Allison said.

Victorian Institute of CEO, Nicole Livingstone, emphasised the broader mission of equity and athletic development across the state.

“This partnership is about expanding access to elite training environments and making sure regional Victorian athletes are given every opportunity to thrive within the high-performance system.”

“By working with Federation University and the WestVic Academy of Sport, we are extending the reach of the Victorian Institute of Sport and ensuring more athletes can access the support, structure and opportunities they need without leaving their communities behind,” Ms Livingstone stated.

Beyond athletic training, the partnership fosters institutional knowledge-sharing between Victorian Institute of Sport personnel and Federation’s academic staff, led by Exercise and Sports Science head of discipline, professor Rob Aughey.

NASCAR and Front Office Sports Announce Content Partnership

Posted on July 23, 2026July 23, 2026 by Courtney

Front Office Sports, the multiplatform media and news organisation covering the business of sports, and NASCAR have announced a new content partnership designed to bring audiences closer to the sport through access-driven, behind-the-scenes storytelling.

Under the agreement, Front Office Sports will produce original business-focused creative content surrounding marquee NASCAR events, key Chase race weekends, and tentpole showcases such as NASCAR Championship Weekend in Miami.

Emphasising the shifting demands of modern sports fandom, CEO of Front Office Sports, Adam White, : “Today’s sports fans are looking for a deeper connection to the leagues they love, extending far beyond what happens on race day.”

“We are thrilled to be working with one of the largest spectator sports leagues in America on a partnership that will bring fans closer than ever to the exciting world of stock car racing,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, VP of Brand and Content at NASCAR, Jess Smith, highlighted the growing appetite for behind-the-scenes access.

“There’s tremendous momentum around NASCAR right now, and fans and industry audiences alike are increasingly interested in what happens beyond the race itself.”

“Front Office Sports has built a trusted platform for telling the business of sports, and together we’ll showcase the innovation, personalities and defining moments that continue driving NASCAR forward while giving audiences an authentic look at everything that goes into our sport,” Smith said.

With this announcement, NASCAR joins an elite roster of major sports organisations—including the NFL, PGA Tour, WWE, and NWSL—to partner with Front Office Sports for specialised creative content.

The partnership follows a strong period of recognition for NASCAR, which was named one of Front Office Sports’ Most Innovative Leagues in 2025.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Expand Iron Armour Academy Partnership Across New Zealand Pathways

Posted on July 23, 2026July 23, 2026 by Courtney

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced a partnership with Melbourne-based organisation, Iron Armour Academy.

Building upon an initial collaboration established in Victoria in 2025 under the guiding mantra that iron sharpens iron, this expanded initiative is designed to widen the club’s talent acquisition network far beyond traditional domestic catchments, ultimately unearthing elite prospects for future National Rugby League pathways and first-grade campaigns.

Rabbitohs head of pathways, David Furner, recently evaluated talent during intensive training camps in New Zealand, expressing particular admiration for the exceptional standard observed in Christchurch.

“Iron Armour is one of our partnership groups, which first started in Melbourne, and they still are.”

“They’ve gone into New Zealand, they’ve put on some really good camps and games in Auckland at the start of the year, and now they’re looking in Christchurch, which is the one I was recently involved with,” Furner said.

Highlighting the region’s proven pedigree for producing elite athletes, Furner noted the striking athleticism, physical size, and technical execution displayed by local participants.

“Christchurch is one of the biggest areas where the All Blacks identify their top talent.”

“Amongst all the kids there, girls and boys as well, they were very skilful with their catch and pass and their aggression in defence.

“The other notable asset is their athleticism and size,” Furner added.

The Christchurch camp successfully brought together approximately ninety to one hundred players aged fourteen to sixteen for a comprehensive day of professional instruction covering defensive systems, attacking structures, and full-scale match simulations.

Operating alongside existing high-performance pipelines such as Keebra Park High School in Queensland, the expansion into New Zealand ensures the Rabbitohs remain competitive in securing top-tier talent across Australasia.