Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today thanked the Western Sydney football community for making the Western Sydney Wanderers FC the success story of the year in Australian sport, just one year to the day after the formation of a new club was announced.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today thanked the Western Sydney football community for making the Western Sydney Wanderers FC the success story of the year in Australian sport, just one year to the day after the formation of a new club was announced.
On 4 April 2012 at the home of Football NSW in Glenwood, Prime Minister Julia Gillard in conjunction with FFA announced government funding for football in Western Sydney which gave birth to the project to build a club.
FFA CEO David Gallop today acclaimed the community engagement at the heart of the Wanderers.
“On day one, the ambitious goal was to establish a new club ‘for the people, by the people’. It’s easy to say, but hard to do,” said Gallop.
“But everything that happened stayed true to that goal. The fan forums, the online polls and the formal engagement with local associations and clubs all contributed to deciding the name, colours and culture of the club.
“The real heroes of this story are the people of the Western Sydney football community. They are the members, volunteers, supporters and local business sponsors who make the club what it is today.
“Many of the players and staff are also from the region, including Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman and Head Coach Tony Popovic who have led by example in creating a culture and set of values that truly reflects this proud community. It’s a fantastic example of how sport can unite people in society from diverse backgrounds and build a sense of belonging in a community.”
With community engagement at its core, including schools programs and clinics, and with the incredible Premiers Plate winning performances on the pitch, including a record breaking 11-match winning streak, the Wanderers have quickly become a focal point of Western Sydney pride.
To look back over the history of the Western Sydney Wanderers visit www.a-league.com.au/wswanderersfc
Now a certain starter for the 2014 AFC Champions League (ACL), Wanderers fans will have even more opportunity to sing for their team with a guaranteed three matches in next year-s ACL. And with the spotlight of Asia focused on Western Sydney it-s time for the Western Sydney football community to demonstrate their passion, desire and support for Western Sydney Wanderers FC on a world stage.
With a Hyundai A-League 2013 Finals Series about to kick off the Wanderers have the chance to make history.
Hyundai A-League Semi Final
Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest Ranked Elimination Final Winner | Friday 12 April 2013 | Parramatta Stadium | Kick Off – 7:30pm (AEDT) | Live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS 2
