by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
Greater Western Sydney club has further expanded its brand making a 10 year agreement with the ACT. The new deal will see the team play 30 regular season and ten pre-season games in Canberra over the next ten years. The club will also reach out to the community through local schools and clubs and help young players through development programs which will enhance their chances of being drafted. Club CEO Dale Holmes said the club had made it clear that support from the local community and businesses would be needed.
A team of club and ACT officials had been working for four months to secure the necessary support in the form of at least 5000 memberships. At the time of the announcement, that goal had been met. It has taken the ACT, AFL and GWS over two years to secure this new partnership. Holmes stated that the ACT and NSW have been seeking the establishment of an AFL presence throughout the region.
Key points of the agreement::
The establishment of a GWS ACT Academy to help develop young local talent
Year-round engagement of GWS players, coaches and staff in the local community, including school visits, football development and other community activities
An ACT representative on the GWS Board
Representation of the ACT community on the playing jumper and an ACT-specific stylized jumper for games played in Canberra
Participation of the GWS reserves team in the peak local competition to further enhance the local league and improve talent pathways
Annual Community Camp conducted in the ACT
Source: Jessica Ries, Club Media Release
Article last changed on Friday, November 19, 2010 - 7:57 PM EST
