ASA: The Australian Soccer Association (ASA) announced today that it has formed a significant new partnership with Nike, which will have a positive impact on the future of soccer in Australia.
As the new official supplier of apparel, footwear and ball to ASA, Nike will provide all the national soccer teams with the most innovative product on the market.
ASA Chief Executive John O’Neill was delighted with the partnership agreement reached with leading sportswear giant Nike, highlighting the close association of Nike with the global soccer world.
“ASA is proud to announce today that we have secured Nike as our official supplier of apparel, footwear and ball to all our national soccer teams, both men’s and women’s,” said John O’Neill.
“As we begin to re-vitalise our organisation to lead the whole of soccer in Australia and help the Socceroos qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Germany 2006, it is appropriate that we establish strategic partnerships with leading global companies, especially when they are so closely associated with our sport around the world, with some of the most famous soccer countries and clubs.
“ASA will continue to look at ways of capitalising on commercial opportunities that will help us grow soccer within Australia, both at the elite level through all our national teams and via the burgeoning grassroots numbers, and with Nike now on board we can work closely together to further develop initiatives and programs to help us achieve our goals,” said Mr O’Neill.
Nike Pacific Managing Director Tony Balfour said: “This is an era of change which Nike is excited to be a part of. We have been keen to have an association with soccer in Australia due to our global commitment to the game and the enormous popularity of the sport at a grassroots level.
“The opportunity arose and the timing is perfect for us to help the game fulfil its potential in Australia. This partnership is significantly more than a traditional sponsorship arrangement. Nike and Australian Soccer will be working with a shared sense of purpose and a united vision for the game which includes the development of a grassroots program.
“That said Nike will play a significant role in giving coach Frank Farina and the Socceroos the best opportunity to qualify for the World Cup in 2006 by providing the team with a new line of footwear and apparel to give players an on-field advantage.”
Development of the Socceroos playing strip is well underway and is due to be launched mid-year. The first on-field Nike presence will be 30 March 2004 when the Socceroos play South Africa in London.
Australia national soccer teams will join an illustrious group of Nike teams, including World Champions Brazil, English Champions Manchester United, Premiership giants Arsenal, Spanish legends Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan of the Italian Serie A, and European glamour team Holland. They also join an emerging powerhouse of soccer nations including the USA and Korea.