Shorts: Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle United Women
Aston Villa have unveiled their third kit for the 2025/26 season, designed in collaboration with adidas and inspired by Villa Park’s architecture.
The kit has drawn direct inspiration from the stained glass windows of Villa Park, which have featured in the stadium since it opened in 1897. It has introduced the adidas Trefoil logo to an Aston Villa kit for the first time.
The jersey has combined a light base with abstract patterns in shades of blue, pink, and purple, reflecting the appearance of light through stained glass, and has incorporated maroon trims on the shoulders alongside the club’s lion emblem.
This launch follows growing trends in football kit design in the UK, where clubs have increasingly focused on linking kits to stadium heritage and cultural identity.
Aston Villa Football Club said, “We are delighted to present this unique third kit for 2025/26, which includes the adidas Trefoil logo for the first time.
“The stained glass windows are synonymous with Villa Park and are a unifying factor of the matchday experience for generations of fans. We are very pleased that adidas have brought their unique brilliance to life with this design.”
Everton Football Club have announced a new strategic partnership with Japanese J.League side Nagoya Grampus.
The partnership builds on a shared relationship with The Friedkin Group, owners of both Everton and AS Roma, and follows the successful alliance that has been in place between Nagoya Grampus and AS Roma since 2022.
The collaboration will span football, community and commercial activities, underpinned by values around player development, coaching excellence, and social responsibility.
The two clubs will work together on developing emerging talent, academy tours, and joint youth training opportunities, with regular collaboration between coaching and performance staff across both men’s and women’s football.
Beyond the pitch, the partnership will explore opportunities to deliver positive impact in local communities and creates a platform for future commercial collaboration, including joint ventures and sponsorship opportunities in Japan, Asia and European markets.
Angus Kinnear, Everton’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “This partnership reflects Everton’s ambition to build purposeful, rewarding and long-term relationships with organisations and clubs who share our values and vision.
“Nagoya Grampus is an organisation with a deep community focus and a clear commitment to development, and we’re excited about the opportunities this collaboration presents across football, commercial growth and social impact.”
Newcastle United Women have appointed Grace Williams as the club’s new Director of Women’s Football.
Williams joins from Crystal Palace where she held the role of Head of Women’s football, helping the Eagles achieve promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League for the first time last season.
She brings a wealth of experience in the women’s game, having previously overseen promotions at both Watford Women and Bristol City Women. Williams started as General Manager at Watford, securing their promotion to the Championship in the 2020/21 season.
Following a spell with FA Wales where she supported the restructure of the domestic women’s football pyramid, she joined Bristol City Women, where she was responsible for reshaping their football operation and securing their promotion back into the WSL.
Grace Williams, Director of Women’s Football, Newcastle United Women, said, “I am extremely proud to be joining Newcastle United Women as the Director of Women’s Football. It is clear just how ambitious this club is, and they have a clear vision for success, so it felt like the perfect fit for me. I can’t wait to get started and to help build on the really strong foundations that are already here.”
Premier League club Burnley FC have signed a new partnership with UK-based brewer Favela Cerveja.
The deal sees the brand become the Premier League club’s new official lager partner.
Founded in 2016, Favela Cerveja is inspired by the culture of Rio de Janeiro and produces a gluten-free, vegan, and organic lager using Brazilian hops.
Through its partnership with the Favela Foundation, the brewer dedicates a percentage of profits to social welfare and education projects in Brazilian communities.
The lager will be available for supporters to purchase at Turf Moor from the opening home fixture of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
James Holroyd, Chief Executive Officer, Burnley, commented, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Favela. Burnley is built on passion and community, and Favela shares those same values. We’re excited to be working with Charles and his team to bring a new offering to Turf Moor that enhances the matchday experience and adds something special for our supporters.”
The Rugby Players Association has partnered with N-Pro to provide advanced head protection for rugby players and support the charity Restart.
The collaboration has made N-Pro the preferred headgear supplier of the RPA and has offered Academy Players access to head guard fittings at the RPA’s annual Academy Induction Day at Rugby School in August. Members of the RPA have received exclusive discounts on N-Pro’s product range.
The partnership aligns with wider initiatives in the UK and Ireland to enhance player welfare and safety, with growing focus on concussion prevention and advanced protective equipment in professional and amateur rugby.
Christian Day , RPA General Secretary, said, “Player welfare is at the heart of everything we do at the RPA, and our partnership with N-Pro showcases this. N-Pro’s commitment to innovation, combined with their support of Restart, ensures that this collaboration will not only benefit players on the field but also those facing the toughest challenges off it.”
Legends of Football has appointed Peter Leathem OBE, CEO of PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited), as new Chair
Leathem succeeds Geoff Shreeves, who steps down after seven years in the role. Shreeves will remain with the organisation, continuing as its presenter and event ambassador.
Under Shreeves’ leadership, the annual event has raised around £8.5m for its partner music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins. In recent years, the event has honoured high-profile football personalities including Fara Williams MBE, Wayne Rooney, and Emma Hayes OBE.
The appointment is part of a wider leadership update which also sees Commercial Director Emily Philp promoted to CEO of Legends of Football.
Peter Leathem OBE, Chair, Legends of Football, said, “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and to follow in Geoff’s footsteps. Legends of Football has achieved so much under his leadership, not only celebrating the game we love but also raising vital funds for Nordoff and Robbins.
“I have been attending Legends of Football for over 15 years and seen it go from strength to strength. I look forward to working with Emily, Maggie, Geoff, our Board, and our partners to ensure the event continues to thrive and grow.”
Golf tourism event Elevate Golf has partnered with the Links Network to host a special networking event celebrating the achievements of women across the golf industry.
More than 120 women will come together for the event, which is designed to foster conversation and connection across all sectors of the industry.
The day will feature a panel discussion led by Sky Sports presenter and Elevate ambassador Di Stewart. The panel will explore the evolving role of women in golf, from leadership and representation to access, opportunity and equity, while celebrating the achievements of those driving meaningful change.
Tom Lovering, founder of Elevate Golf, said, “Our ambition with Elevate has always been to connect the industry in a more meaningful way and that includes ensuring space is created for important conversations like this. Women are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of the game, both on and off the course. This event is about recognising that, supporting one another and continuing the momentum.”
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