Optus Sport counts down to Euro 2020 with release of ‘Football Belongs’

Europe’s immeasurable contribution to Australian football will be celebrated by Optus Sport over the next 100 days, culminating with kick off for UEFA Euro 2020 on June 13.

‘Football Belongs’ is an Optus Sport-produced series including a feature-length special exploring the impact that Australia’s European football and social clubs have had on Australian communities.

Seen through the eyes of a host of international and Socceroos stars, ‘Football Belongs’ is a celebration of immigration stories and traditions, incorporating song, dance, food, wine and festivals.

The 13-part series and feature-length special, features over one-hundred interviews with prominent Australians and legends of the game, including with two of Australia's FIFA World Cup coaches, Ange Postecoglou and Rale Rasic, along with coaching great Frank Arok.

Legendary Socceroos John Aloisi, Adrian Alston, Mark Bresciano, Milan Ivanovic, Zeljko Kalac, Tony Popovic, Ray Richards, Mark Schwarzer, Josip Skoko and Sasa Ognenovski share their experiences of the unique culture of Australia’s European migrant communities.

Popular media personalities such as Santo Cilauro, George Donikian and Nick Giannopoulos also tell of how football shaped their own lives.

“Australian football has been woven with European thread, and ‘Football Belongs’ captures the culture and passion of the people for whom football was the foundation of their second home,” Optus’ Director of Sport Richard Bayliss said. 

“The series and long-form special will highlight just how integral European culture is to our sporting landscape, and what it has contributed to our nation as a whole.”     

For the first feature, which will premiere on Wednesday March 11, Optus Sport visited NPL club Preston Lions to profile the Macedonian football community.  

Each Wednesday thereafter will be a new community profiled; including Albania, Croatia, England, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Serbia and Turkey. The series will culminate with a feature length special on all communities.

The series will be available to watch for free on selected Optus Sport platforms (data charges may apply).

UEFA Euro 2020 is being held from June 13 to July 13 (AEST), and for the first time in the competition's 60-year history, matches are being hosted in 12 countries across the continent.

Optus Sport will be the only place to watch every match of the tournament live, complimented by a host of football talent providing analysis and opinion throughout the tournament on Optus Sport produced programming.

HOW TO WATCH OPTUS SPORT IN AUSTRALIA

Watch Optus Sport on the big-screen via Fetch, Apple TV, Android TV compatible Smart TVs, Apple Airplay, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox or desktop, or on-the-go via tablet, mobile, or laptop.

Optus Sport is available as an optional extra on eligible Optus plans for no extra cost, or for Optus prepaid customers, a $5 Optus Sport Add On is now available. Non-Optus customers and Optus customers ineligible for a monthly subscription may subscribe to Optus Sport for $14.99 per month (data charges may apply).

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Media Enquiries:

Optus Corporate Affairs

(02) 8082 7850

media@optus.com.au