Football Federation Australia (FFA) has teamed
up with creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi and media agency Starcom
as part of a fresh approach to growing attendances and broadcast
audiences across Football, including the Hyundai A-League.
A number of high profile agencies were involved in a competitive selection process that began in February.
FFA's head of commercial, digital and marketing, Luke Bould, said the
arrival of the new agencies would complement a range of initiatives for
the next Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League seasons aimed at
increasing attendances and viewership.
Says Bould: "Football is the world game and the biggest club-based
participation sport in Australia. We have seven million people in
Australia who identify as football fans.
"The aim of our marketing will be to get them engaging more directly with our professional leagues, clubs and national teams.
"We
were delighted with the response to the pitch, with outstanding work
from a number of agencies, making it a tough decision. We are excited to
be working with Saatchi and Saatchi and Starcom, whose passion for the
game and strategic thought really shone through."
"With the
Caltex Socceroos taking part in the FIFA World Cup this month, defending
their title at the AFC Asian Cup in January, the upcoming Hyundai
A-League & Westfield W-League 2018/19 seasons, and the FIFA Women's
World Cup in June 2019, we have a lot to look forward to," concluded
Bould.
Says Anthony Gregorio, CEO, Saatchi and Saatchi: "It's an
honour to be appointed and we are delighted to be working with the FFA
to promote and grow the premier football code in the country. As a
self-confessed football tragic, the fact this allows me to indulge my
passion during work hours is a massive bonus."
Says Martin
Hadley, general manager, Starcom: "Our Starcom team is excited and
energised to be joining with Saatchi & Saatchi to partner with the
FFA. Together we will further develop and execute a powerful
communication and channel solution to help Football realise its true
potential and fuel the passion for the sport in an exciting and pivotal
year."