Almost three years ago Flinders University became the Major Partner of Adelaide United and this relationship has been built on innovation, collaboration and a mutual understanding of each other’s values.
A lot has happened during that time and following the announcement Flinders University has committed its support of the Club for another two years. Now is an appropriate time to highlight some of the key milestones of this fearless partnership.
October 2019 – Flinders University enter partnership with Club
Flinders University and Adelaide United forge ground-breaking partnership and are named as the Reds’ new premier partner, with their logo featuring on the front of the Men’s home jersey for the 2019/20 season.
The association further provided a unique pathway for Flinders’ students into professional sport, with the Club also gaining access to Flinders’ first-class facilities and network to advance its sports science program.
November 2019 – Work integrated learning (ongoing)
Since the beginning of the partnership, various students from Flinders University have completed work integrated learning and gaining real world experience in the process. Exercise science students assisted Reds staff to collect data during pre-season testing ahead of the Liberty A-League 2020/21 season, while other students have been attached with the team for portions of a season with either the A-League Men’s or Women’s sides. Business and media students have also completed placements, understanding the football operations from an administration perspective.
Flinders University media and communications student Courtney Pedlar undertook an internship within the Club’s media and marketing department and later was hired in a full-time role.
February 2020 – Flinders University Support #BookThemOut campaign
Adelaide United, Flinders University, and the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) align their support for the #BookThemOut campaign after the devastating bushfires that ravaged Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island. Flinders University helped aid the initiative by allowing the Club to wear its away jersey with the #BookThemOut logo at Coopers Stadium against Western United in March.
February 2020 – Flinders O’Week
During Flinders University’s Orientation Week, Reds players were star attractions on campus during the week, handing out tickets, meeting fans and signing autographs, while also playing FIFA on PlayStation4.
April 2020 – Digital integration during COVID-19 pandemic
At the height of the coronavirus pandemic and during lockdown we looked at various ways to integrate our corporate partners. Beginning in early April and lasting just over a month we launched the Isolation Icon, presented by Flinders University where fans across our social media channels voted each day in a round of 32 knockout style bracket with Eugene Galekovic prevailing past Craig Goodwin in the final head-to-head match up.
May 2020 – Re-living the Grand Final
To mark the fourth anniversary of our Grand Final triumph, we premiered a replay of the 2016 title decider against Western Sydney Wanderers which was presented by Flinders University. To celebrate the occasion we live tweeted the game.
November 2021 – Flinders University elevates partnership
Flinders University hold co-major status after its support extended to the Women’s program, and as a result their logo appears on the back of the Reds’ Liberty A-League home and away shirts. The upgraded deal further enabled opportunities pertaining to elite testing as part of projects in physiology and dietetics.
February 2022 – Flinders University become Co-Major Partner of inaugural Pride Game
Flinders University alongside McDonald’s were major event partners of the maiden A-Leagues Pride Game. Both organisation’s values aligned around fostering and promoting social inclusion and equality. An article was also written demonstrating how Flinders University are on the front foot when it comes to creating a safe environment for the LGBTQIA+ community.
May 2022 – Joshua Cavallo receives honorary doctorate
Adelaide United utility Joshua Cavallo is awarded an honorary doctorate for his exceptional contributions as a role model in professional men’s sport and an advocate for equality in broader society. Cavallo made international headlines in October 2021 after coming out as the only active openly men’s gay footballer in a top division anywhere in the world at the time.
August 2022 – Flinders University re-sign until 2024
The Club is proud to announce Flinders University has continued its steadfast commitment for another two years, until the end of the 2023/24 campaign. The Reds will also be wearing Flinders’ new logo for the first time after recently unveiling its bold new brand. There will be increased work integrated learning opportunities, in addition to the development of a school curriculum and football scholarship initiative.
It has been a fearless journey so far. Here’s to another two years!
