Sydney FC and Macquarie University have signed the most significant partnership in the club’s history, agreeing a five-year deal with the innovative educational institution to become the Sky Blues’ principal partner.
The partnership continues a long-established relationship with the University, cemented recently by the opening of Sky Park, Sydney FC’s elite Centre of Excellence at Macquarie University’s Sports Fields.
The Sky Blues training facility has been based at the University for the past 17 years and the signing of this agreement begins a new and exciting association.
Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow said: “This is the start of a new era in our partnership with Macquarie University.
“Over the last 17 years we have forged a strong relationship, and with the opening of Sky Park, we are now able to take this partnership to a new level.
“We are excited to work closer than ever before with Macquarie University to positively impact the lives of young people and our community through football.
“Our commitment to develop and inspire young men and women to succeed is central to our club’s philosophy and these values align perfectly with Macquarie University.”
The partnership will focus on significant engagement between the club and the University’s community and health and wellbeing programs.
Macquarie University’s logo will be proudly displayed on both Sydney FC’s Men’s and Women’s front of jersey and will appear for the first time in tomorrow’s Australia Cup Final against Brisbane Roar at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7.45pm).
Macquarie University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Rorden Wilkinson said: “Sydney FC has used Macquarie University as a training base for the last 17 years and this new collaboration is a natural evolution of our relationship.
“We are delighted to be deepening our partnership. Our value systems come together very well, given our shared commitment to nurture and develop talent in both education and sport.
“The partnership is a natural alignment for both organisations supporting grass roots health and wellbeing initiatives to do good in the world.
“There is shared commitment to inclusion and Sydney FC has an extraordinary heritage in its support of the A-League Women’s and Men’s competition and that’s something the University is delighted to help progress.
“The partnership is a unique opportunity for Sydney FC and Macquarie University to embark on a range of health and community support projects as a team. We want to use football as a vehicle for community participation and empowerment. We are both very keen to expand our shared accessibility agenda.
“We are also very happy that Macquarie University will be providing pathways to help players to transition to new careers at the right time. Through our college and other entry pathways we have been increasing access to University for decades and we can’t wait to welcome some famous Sydney FC faces as our students.”
Sydney FC first began training at Macquarie University Sports Fields during the A-League 2006-07 season.
