Business Sydney, was honoured to join with Sydney FC for this special occasion, bringing together more than 300 guests from across government, business, sport, and the community to celebrate the start of the 2025/26 A-League season.

Held at the stunning Shangri-La Sydney, the event captured the energy, pride, and excitement that make Sydney FC such an important part of our city’s spirit. Guests included the club’s ownership, board members, coaches, full playing squads, and Sydney FC's valued partners such as Macquarie University, Under Armour, Cancer Council NSW, Acronis, Navarra Venues.

Attendees heard from Dr. Jan Hendrik Voss, Chairman of Sydney FC, who spoke with optimism about the club’s future, and The Hon Sophie Cotsis MP, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work Health and Safety, who addressed the audience on behalf of the NSW Government, acknowledging Sydney FC’s role in inspiring the city both on and off the pitch.

A major highlight of the morning was when Sydney FC Owner and Board Director Alina Barlow and the Club’s coaches personally presented the new 2025/26 season jerseys to each of the players — marking an exciting new chapter for both the A-League Men’s and Women’s teams.

The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion, facilitated by Paul Nicolaou with Ante Juric, Sydney FC Women’s Head Coach, Ufuk Talay, Sydney FC Men’s Head 
 Coach, Marcel Tisserand, Sydney FC Men’s Team, Madison Ayson, Sydney FC Women’s Team.

Together, we explored the upcoming season, the dedication of both squads, and what it means to represent Sydney in Sky Blue.

The morning was a wonderful reminder that Sydney FC is more than a football club — it’s part of the heartbeat of our city. It unites people, celebrates diversity, and showcases the passion, teamwork, and determination that make Sydney a truly world-class city.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to Rob Weeden and his team at the Shangri-La Sydney for being such a generous host.