Shop front opens for more apparel brands in Series Futsal

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Series Futsal Victoria is opening the shop front for new apparel brands to enter the sport.

After a five-year exclusive deal with Nike, Series Futsal organisers have decided to open the opportunity for all sporting brands to support a club.

To allow teams to sort out its sponsorships, the new deals will be permitted from the start of the 2017 Series Futsal Victoria season in April next year.

Nike, through its Team Sports Australia distribution, will continue to be a supporter of Futsal Oz, but according to Series Futsal CEO Peter Parthimos, it is time to bring more brands into the emerging sport.

“We’ve had a solid five-year partnership with Nike Team Sports Australia. The partnership has served us very well and has been a win-win for both parties, but it is in my belief we need to re shape our deal and open the market to other apparel brands, and in turn, create healthy competition,” he said.

“Although Nike wants to continue the exclusive arrangement, it is in my belief we need to reshape our deal and open the market to other apparel brands

“Another long term exclusive deal with Nike would be great for our Futsal Oz company, but it is time to add value to the Series Futsal clubs and our growing fan base.

“I’ve been approached many times before to add different brands, but we have been loyal to those who have supported us. Now, it’s time to expand and create new interest in the game.”

The new apparel deals will see each club, and its sponsor, forced meet a number of strict rules, including a two-year contract, home and away jerseys, training gear and sponsorship support.

In addition, any brand that supports a club will have access to feature in all Futsal Oz Shops – formerly an exclusive domain of Nike.

Parthimos says that the time is right to make the change.

“The crowds have been growing every Sunday, star players are arriving, our online live stream viewers are increasing, our social media followers are huge, and the general interest in this competition has never been higher,” Parthimos said.

“There simply isn’t a better time to get involved in the game.”

Each club was notified of the new arrangement late last week, and SeriesFutsal.com understands that at least three clubs have already had preliminary discussions with top-end brands who may enter the sport next season.

Pascoe Vale FC manager Paul Vidic says that opening up the shop front is exciting for the sport.

“Typically, our gear has been Nike-only, which has been awesome apparel, but it has always been at the cost of the clubs,” Vidic said.

“Now that we are being given the chance to use other brands, it gives us the chance to form new partnerships and grow the sport and our own club.”