Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today announced that Western Sydney will be represented by a new club in the Hyundai A-League 2012/13 season.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today announced that Western Sydney will be represented by a new club in the Hyundai A-League 2012/13 season.
The establishment of the new club was announced today at the Football NSW headquarters at Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood, where the Prime Minister Julia Gillard unveiled an $8 million funding package for football development in Western Sydney.
“I-m delighted that the funding from the Gillard Government will help create a fertile environment for the new Hyundai A-League club in Western Sydney,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
“From day one of its existence the new club will have a core focus on community engagement. The community will have a say in the culture, colours, name and logo of the new entity and we will explore a model that would allow for community ownership.
“In partnership with Football NSW, FFA will ensure the club is truly integrated in community football, schools programs and the elite player pathway.
“We intend to build a model that will be driven by the passion of the football people in Sydney-s west.
“This represents a major investment by FFA in the future of the game and aligns with FFA-s Strategic Plan endorsed by the recent Smith Review.”
Mr Buckley said the inclusion of the new Western Sydney club would be a boost for all clubs in the national competition.
“I know that the prospect of having a fierce rival in Sydney and all the passion of a derby game will excite everyone associated with Sydney FC,” said Mr Buckley.
The $8 million funding package includes $1 million to be allocated to the development of women-s football and the Westfield W-League and $3 million for the redevelopment of the Football NSW headquarters at Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood.
