Athletic Club and Castore forge dynamic deal with tradition and innovation

Shramith Surya15/06/2023 5:55 am14/06/2023

Image credit: Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez via Shutterstock

Athletic Club Bilbao, one of Spain’s most esteemed football clubs, has embarked on an exciting journey of collaboration with Castore, the cutting-edge British sportswear brand.

Castore brings a fresh perspective to Athletic Club’s sporting endeavours and their collaboration marks a significant step forward for both entities – combining a shared vision for innovation, high performance, and unwavering respect for the heritage and tradition of the beautiful game.

Castore is a dynamic sportswear brand revolutionizing the athletic industry. Known for combining cutting-edge technology, innovative materials, and meticulous craftsmanship to create high-performance apparel that enhances athletic performance. With a focus on detail and commitment to excellence, they aim to elevate sporting experiences by delivering unparalleled comfort, style, and functionality to their clients across the globe.

Co-Founder at Castore, Tom Beahon spoke about the partnership via press release:

“We are incredibly proud to announce our partnership with Athletic Club today. The club is full of heritage and tradition, but also shares Castore’s desire for innovation which will be the key to our success as partners. Together we look forward to getting fans excited about our bespoke product and retail offering which will cement Castore’s position in the Spanish & Basque football market.”

At the forefront of this partnership is the commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering cutting-edge performance solutions. The first team, women’s team, and youth academy sides will all benefit from this partnership, as Castore’s expertise in technical fabrics and advanced garment technology will provide state-of-the-art training and matchday attire.

President at Athletic Club, Jon Uriarte added via press release:

“Castore is a leading sportswear manufacturer that already works with some of the most important entities in the world. It is another example of the club’s intention to be at the forefront of innovation and high performance.”

This partnership signifies an exciting chapter for Athletic Club and will witness the unique fusion of modernity and tradition, as Athletic Club’s players proudly sport Castore’s cutting-edge apparel aligning the club with a brand that shares their vision and values.

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Victory unites with Roasting Warehouse in culture-led partnership

Patrick Irving16/04/2026 8:55 am16/04/2026

Image credit: Melbourne Victory

The Melbourne-based anf family-owned business will join the Victory family, uniting two institutions which represent the city’s culture and identity.

A partnership with local roots

As the newest partner of Melbourne Victory, Roasting Warehouse joins forces with a vital part of the city’s sporting landscape.

The club’s Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, outlined why the partnership bears so much value to both parties.

“We are excited to collaborate with Roasting Warehouse, a community-oriented destination for high-quality coffee, proud of its foundations in Melbourne,” said Carnegie via official media release.

“Football and coffee sit at the epicentre of Melbourne’s culture. The two go hand-in-hand, consistently at the centre of the conversation that stirs Melburnians, which is no different to the conversation sport and Melbourne Victory stir in the State.”

Indeed, this is a partnership which combines the identity, passions and culture of an entire city, therefore giving it the foundations required for long-term, mutual success.

Representing the best of Melbourne

Both Victory and Roasting Warehouse are hugely successful in their respective industries. They are institutions with community-oriented philosphies, who pride themselves on craft and quality.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Melbourne Victory, a club that represents the heart, passion, and ambition of Melbourne,” revealed Roasting Warehouse Head of Brand, Alexander Paraskevopoulos.

“As a Melbourne-founded, family-run business, supporting a team that means so much to the local community feels very natural for us.”

Furthermore, through their high-quality blends, Roasting Warehouse will look to prepare Victory’s players and staff for high performances on the pitch as the seasons nears completion.

But this is about far more than just fueling athletes.

This is a partnership which embodies and unites two of Melbourne’s greatest strengths and cultural markers – a connection forged from the city’s very own DNA.

For more information about Roasting Warehouse, click here.

Marie-Louise Eta makes history as new Union Berlin head coach

Patrick Irving15/04/2026 6:05 am14/04/2026

Image credit: FC Union Berlin

In an historic appointment, Eta will take over as head coach of Union Berlin until the end of the season.

History in the making

Previously the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history with Union Berlin, Eta will now take the reigns of the men’s first team on an interim basis.

Currently, the club sit in 11th place in the Bundesliga table, but with only two wins so far in 2026, relegation appears an all-too-real prospect, and one which the club is desperate to avoid.

“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” said Eta via official media release.

‘I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations.”

Eta will begin as Union’s new head coach with immediate effect, and will be in the dugout for the club’s matchup against Wolfsburg this weekend.

A step into an equal future

Eta’s appointment signals a major step towards a more level playing field in the football landscape.

Furthermore, Eta joins other coaches including Sabrinna Wittmann, Hannah Dingley and Corinne Diacre who, in recent years, have blazed a trail for female coaches to step into the men’s game.

Wittmann currently manages FC Ingolstadt in Germany’s third division, and was the first female head coach in Germany’s top three divisions.

In 2023, Dingley became caretaker manager of Forest Green Rovers, and thus the first woman to lead a men’s professional team in England.

Diacre, now head coach of France’s women’s national team, managed Ligue 2’s Clerment Foot between 2014 and 2017.

Final thoughts

The impact therefore, is that Eta’s appointment will show future generations of aspiring female coaches that men’s football is an equally viable and possible pathway as the women’s game.

The time is now to level the playing field.

And while it may be a short-term role, its effect on attitudes towards equality and fair opportunities in the game will hopefully resonate long after the season ends.