Australia's football elite, Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill joined with Optus today to announce a strategic partnership as Optus football ambassadors.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Lucas and Tim, especially as the Australian team progresses to another World Cup," Mr Paul O'Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive said.

"Communication is key to winning any football game and plays a crucial role in our business of connecting people with our products and services. Working with us provides opportunities for Lucas and Tim to reach more fans to continue growing football in Australia and encourage even greater participation in the game.

"As official telecommunications provider to Football Federation Australia, we are delivering unique mobile content direct to our customers," Mr O'Sullivan said.

"As Captain of the Qantas Socceroos, communication is essential in every part of our game. I am excited to be part of the Optus team as a football ambassador and support the work they are doing for football at an elite and community level in the cities as well as regional Australia," Lucas Neill, Captain of the Socceroos and Optus Football Ambassador said.

"Football really is a great game. It has taught me that there are no barriers you can always work to find a solution. I'm proud to be working with Optus who are doing great things for football in Australia. With its support, we can continue to encourage greater participation and the potential for football to be the sport of first choice for players and fans," Tim Cahill, Socceroo and Optus Football Ambassador said.

Media contacts:
Tracy Woodley
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850

Note to Editor: In October 2008, Optus became one of the biggest supporters of football in Australia as the Official Telecommunications Partner of Football Federation Australia which includes sponsorship of all the Australian national teams and the Hyundai A-League.