Nike, in partnership with Football Victoria, is proud to announce Nike FC Accelerator Program, a new program designed to drive gender equity in sport and inspire the next generation of athletes. Predominately based at the brand-new Home of the Matildas, Nike FC Accelerator Program, is part of a long-term commitment which will provide access to certified coaching programs, opportunities to use the world-class facilities and the ability to play football more than ever.
With a focus on increasing female leadership, removing barriers to entry and prioritising female access to pitches like never before, Nike FC Accelerator Program will expand the potential of female athletes and teams. The program comes following the success of a recent coaching education investment, which has already doubled the number of female C-Licence coaches in Victoria. This month 30 more coaches will graduate leading to 593 female accredited coaches in Victoria – Nike’s latest investment will increase this number by 26% in year one.
Over four years, Nike FC Accelerator Program will fuel female athletes by:
- Access to coaching programs – Fully funded coaching programs to increase the number of female coaches and also elevate existing coaches
- Access to elite facilities – the Nike Football Community will have access to Home of the Matildas facilities beyond just the pitch. This includes the gym, wet facilities, recovery tools, office and media spaces
- More opportunities to play – The Nike Football Community will have access to the dedicated Nike FC pitch, with at least 21,060 minutes to be played per year
- Elevate community stories – More opportunities to give important visibility to community stories through Nike channels
Ashley Reade, Nike Pacific General Manager and Vice President says, “We’re committed to making meaningful investments in women’s sport, deepening our support for young female athletes and building a better game. The Nike FC Accelerator Program is the latest way we are elevating the game and helping the next generation fall in love with football and sport.
We look forward to seeing the incredible impact of this partnership with Football Victoria over the next four years. Even beyond that, we hope that the changes and investments we make now accelerate the opportunities for female athletes as we look to celebrate the biggest decade of women’s sport through to Brisbane 2032.”
Nike FC Accelerator Program is an extension of an existing five-year partnership with Football Victoria as the naming rights sponsor of the Victorian women’s state knockout tournament, known as the Nike FC Cup which has been a growing success. As part of the partnership, Nike covers the funding of entry to help remove financial barriers, opening the opportunity for more teams to enter and to help create an equal playing field for all.
Mandy McCarter, Executive Manager Marketing, Engagement & Legacy at Football Victoria says, “We couldn’t be happier to extend our partnership with Nike and provide those taking part in the new program and Nike FC Cup access to Home of the Matildas facilities. Those lucky enough to take part in the new Nike FC Accelerator Program will not only get access to a dedicated Nike FC pitch but the full facility including the gym, wet facilities, office and media spaces.”
The Nike FC Cup final was held at the new Home of the Matildas as part of an exciting double header that saw Casey Comets FC and Essendon Royals SC verse off in the Nike FC Cup Community Final, with Essendon Royals lifting the inaugural Steph Catley plate, before Calder United SC defeated FC Bulleen Lions in the Nike FC Cup final in front of a record crowd.
Congratulations to Calder United SC and Essendon Royals on claiming victories on this historic day in Victorian football.
Nike F.C. Cup Champions: Calder United.
Nike F.C. Community Champions: Essendon Royals. pic.twitter.com/LdMNmJAFkr— Football Victoria (@footballvic) August 13, 2023
The new partnership expands Nike’s existing commitment to grassroots community initiatives giving access to sport and play for kids around Australia. This includes Fitzroy Lions Soccer Club, Helping Hoops, National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA), and the Dylan Alcott Foundation.
This new program is another way Nike is using the power of the momentum behind women’s sport to leave a legacy from this moment and beyond. Other initiatives driving better visibility, leadership, education and access to sport include a female journalism mentorship program called ‘The Training Squad’, a grassroots football program in partnership with Rebel known as Goal Girls, and a deepening partnership with FEMMI to drive education and community.
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