Western Sydney University will extend its support of the GIANTS to become the major partner of the club’s AFLW program.

The University has been a long-standing partner of the club, joining the GIANTS family in the club’s inaugural season in 2012.

Across the years, the University has partnered with the then-NEAFL team as the naming rights partner, and collaborated on schools and community programs. The two organisations have also worked together to provide professional development and leadership opportunities on both sides.

Western Sydney University will now become the major partner of the GIANTS’ AFLW team, with its logo to feature on the back of the playing jumper for the final two games of the season and into season 2023, as well as being the official education partner of the club.

Chief Executive Officer David Matthews said the GIANTS are delighted to extend and elevate the club’s partnership with the University.

“Our partnership with Western Sydney University is a long-standing and overwhelmingly successful one as our two organisations have worked together for over a decade on a unique and exciting partnership that builds on our club’s ongoing engagement with our western Sydney community,” he said.

“The extension of this partnership to become a major partner of our AFLW program and official education partner of the club is another exciting step in our journey together.

“This announcement recognises the University’s commitment to support women’s football in our state and ensure our AFLW program is of the highest quality. There’s also a focus on working together to continue to develop Indigenous pathways in both the education and sporting spheres, which is something we’re both passionate about.

“Both Western Sydney University and the GIANTS are committed to making a positive and lasting impact within our western Sydney community and recognising the important role education plays within our sporting landscape.”

Western Sydney University Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock, warmly welcomed the announcement and said the University community is pleased to deepen its relationship with the GIANTS family.

“Western Sydney University is delighted to strengthen its long-standing partnership with the GIANTS by becoming the major partner of the GIANTS’ AFLW team and the official education partner of the club to promote the important role that sport plays in the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Professor Pollock.

“As a leading advocate for gender equality and diversity we are particularly pleased to support the women’s competition and encourage more women and girls to be part of the game.

“Equally, the University is passionate about opening up educational opportunities for our diverse and vibrant western Sydney population, including for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This partnership has a strong emphasis on promoting the transformative power of education and developing innovative pathway programs, both on and off the field.

“Western Sydney University and the GIANTS share the same energy and passion for western Sydney, with our respective organisations sharing similar values and mission. We look forward to working further with the club to showcase the extraordinary talent of our region."

The Western Sydney University logo will feature on the back of the GIANTS’ AFLW jumpers for the remainder of the NAB AFL Women’s competition.