We have done it! We are on top of Asia for the second time in a month after winning Club of the Year in AFC’s annual awards night.
Having made history in becoming the first Australian club to win the Champions League, the award was a fitting tribute to what has been an incredible beginning to our long journey as a Club.
The silverware now joins the 2013 Hyundai A-League Premiership and 2014 AFC Champions League in the trophy cabinet.
Tony Popovic was recognised too as he became the first Australian to win AFC Coach of the Year.
While the award is a direct result of our performances on the pitch it also tells the story of the fans and Western Sydney community who have so passionately supported this club.
From day one we have strived to represent the whole of our region with pride and spread the name of Western Sydney across the world.
By the fans and for the fans is what we live by and so it is on behalf of all those who identify themselves as West that we accept this award.
“It is a very proud moment for our club,” said Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas.
“We had our first foray into the AFC Champions League competition as a club of only two and half years old and it was a very proud moment not only for the club but the country as well. Winning the AFC Champions League was a significant milestone in Australian football history.
“The achievements that have been accomplished by this club have been nothing short of outstanding. Did we have high expectations? Yes, but did those expectations incorporate what has transpired in this two and half year period? Absolutely not. But our prime focus was success and representing the people of Western Sydney as best we can on the global stage.
“This award and recognition provides a fantastic platform for the future of Australia to leverage off the success of the Wanderers, it’s certainly a unique achievement considering the parameters the club has in terms of salary cap and squad numbers but it certainly provides the youth of Australia something to aspire to from a youth perspective.”