Sydney FC has announced UNSW Australia as the Sky Blues’ major partner for the AFC Champions League 2016 campaign.
UNSW is a leading university in Australia, home to more than 50,000 students including some 15,000 international students.
The UNSW logo will be associated with the Sky Blues Champions League endeavours and will appear on marketing collateral and throughout the Sydney FC social media channels and website.
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata said he was pleased to have UNSW on board to support the Sky Blues in Asia.
“UNSW is one of the most recognised and highly regarded higher education institutions in the country,” he said.
“As one of the leading clubs in Australian football we feel that this partnership is a great fit and will connect our strong brands in Asia.
“I’m looking forward to working with UNSW during our AFC Champions League campaign and I’m confident that we will enjoy success together.”
UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs said the University was pleased to team up with Sydney FC as they take on Asia’s best.
“Strengthening our social engagement and community links is a key part of the UNSW 2025 Strategy and sport is a great way to bring people together. We are working with all our sports clubs to increase opportunities for students in both recreational and competitive sports,” Professor Jacobs said.
“Many of our 35,000 domestic students and 15,000-strong international student body enjoy watching football. Through this partnership with Sydney FC we are opening up access to some of the best football in the country right next door to UNSW.”
The University’s Foundation Studies pathway program for international students, run by UNSW Global, has joined UNSW as a major partner.
Professor Jacobs said the AFC Champions League partnership builds on a strong relationship with Sydney FC, which has supported Football United, a social development program creating opportunities for youth from disadvantaged communities. Founded by UNSW’s School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Football United has been a charity partner of Sydney FC since 2007 and Alex Brosque is a program ambassador.
Sydney FC kick off their AFC Champions League campaign away to Urawa Red Diamonds at Saitama Stadium on Wednesday 24 February (kick off 9:30pm AEDT).
Sydney FC welcome Guangzhou Evergrande to Sydney Football Stadium for their first home AFC Champions League match of the group stage on Wednesday 2 March (kick off 8pm AEDT). Get your AFC Champions League Membership today and see the Sky Blues take on the best in Asia at home!
