With Soccer growing faster than Rugby League and with thousands turning out every week Sony could well have hit the jackpot following the announcement of a major deal with soccer organisers in Australia.
Sony who already has a strong brand presence in Australia, have jumped onto the Soccer bandwagon announcing a major sponsorship deal with Football Federation Australia.
As part of the deal Sony has become an official supplier of the FFA and its national teams. Internationally, Sony Corporation has an existing global relationship with football’s world body, FIFA. Sony Australia also gets access to the Qantas Socceroo players, games, branding and merchandise.
The agreement between Sony, the FFA and the Socceroo’s will extend through to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In addition, Sony has also struck a relationship with star player Tim Cahill who will feature in upcoming Sony Australia promotional activity.
Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley, said: “The FFA is delighted to add another global company to its prestigious list of partners and suppliers.”
“Sony has a tremendous partnership with football worldwide and we look forward to working with Sony on programs to develop football in Australia.”
“With the Qantas Socceroo’s in action against Uruguay on 2 June in Sydney and the AFC Asian Cup just around the corner, it continues to be a very exciting time for Football in Australia.”
Carl Rose, Sony Australia’s Managing Director, said: “With the popularity of football in Australia going from strength to strength following the excellent performance of the Socceroo’s at the World Cup 2006, we’re proud to become an official football partner here in Australia.”
“We have great respect and admiration for the energy, enthusiasm and dedication to the sport in Australia shown by the FFA and all the Socceroo’s players. We look forward to working with the FFA to drive forward football in Australia and exciting our Sony customers along the way.”
“Partnering with Tim Cahill – already a Socceroo legend – is very exciting for us. We’re developing programs with Tim that will help motivate and inspire young footballers in Australia.”
Tim Cahill rose to prominence in 2004 by assisting the underdog UK team Millwall to the FA Cup final against pros Manchester United. This performance earned him a place on the Premiere League’s Everton side. Tim scored 12 league goals in that season to help Everton finish fourth on the table. His international career began, however, at the age of 14 when he represented Western Samoa, since then he became eligible to play for his native country Australia. His career here began with Sydney United, he made his debut for Australia in 2004, and played with the Socceroos in the 2006 World Cup. In the season ending 2006, he made 32 appearances and scored six goals for Everton. Cahill is well-known for his aerial ability, scoring goals from headers, and his energy on the field.
