U.S. Soccer and TST join forces to grow the game

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The U.S. Soccer Federation and The Soccer Tournament (TST) have announced a new partnership to grow the tournament, broaden access, and engage the next generation of fans.

This partnership helps U.S. Soccer stay true to its mission while reaching new fans through exciting formats like TST.

Together, they’re creating more ways to connect with fans, grow participation, and expand the game nationwide.

It also shows U.S. Soccer’s continued push for innovation, building on events like the Brandi Chastain Cup and increased support for the U.S. Open Cup.

U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson says the partnership with TST reflects a commitment to growing the game.

“This new partnership reflects that we recognise new formats of soccer help to grow interest and participation in the game,” he said in a press release.

“We’re excited to work with TST and support new soccer competitions— staying true to our mission of working in service to soccer.”

TST’s fast-paced 7v7 format, with $1 million ($1.541 million AUD) prizes for both men and women, has quickly become a cultural sensation, mixing sport, entertainment, and innovation.

The 2025 event in Cary, North Carolina, drew 50,000+ fans, 64 teams, and 134 matches, and aired on ESPN for the second year running.

It also featured The Pat McAfee Show and stars from top leagues and former U.S. national teams, along with celebrities and influencers.

TST CEO Jon Mugar says teaming up with U.S. Soccer will fuel growth, highlight talent, and meet rising fan demand.

“TST is proud to partner with U.S. Soccer to grow our event and the broader game even further in support of expanding the soccer ecosystem,” he said in a press release.

“There is extraordinary demand from both fans and participants eager to experience our festival.

“This partnership will help us meet that demand and continue building a high-profile pathway that showcases young talent, brings star players back into meaningful competition, and excites new fans.”

This unique partnership draws on U.S. Soccer’s expertise, connections, and strategy to boost the event’s reach and impact.

It also promotes new formats that keep fans involved long-term, helping grow the game from local fields to the highest level.

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Victory unites with Roasting Warehouse in culture-led partnership

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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

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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.

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