The stage has been set as 72 soccer teams will lock horns at venues across Sydney this Sunday, October 11 for the 2015 Champion of Champions semi finals with a prestigious grand final spot up for grabs, reports Mark Stavroulakis.
In what has been a very competitive field of teams across the 18 age groups, from under 12s right through to the over 45 men, as many as 1150 players across NSW will face off in what will be a fantastic weekend of football.
Synthetic venues such as Valentine Sports Park, Cromer Park, Blacktown Football Park, Arlington Oval, Charles Bean Oval and Kareela Oval will be used in what will be a mammoth day for grassroots football.
Associations from all over NSW will compete for the right to earn a spot in this year’s finals to be held at Valentine Sports Park, home of Football NSW, a week later on Sunday,October 18.
Combined, south west region will field eight teams, five from Southern Districts and three from Macarthur.
But Granville Association will head into the semi finals with as many as eight teams, the highest of any other single association.
Michael Briggs, Granville association general manager, said he was proud of what the clubs have achieved thus far in the historic competition that commenced way back in 1968.
“It’s a huge achievement to see our clubs well represented in this year’s Champion of Champions.
“To get to the semi finals of any major tournament is impressive, but to have eight of our own is fantastic news.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“This association has a strong history of developing male and female footballers as well as having very strong local competitions.[/social_quote]
“I wish all the teams nothing but the best and hope that they can do the area proud by reaching the finals at Valentine Sports Park.”
Along with Granville, there will be various club representatives from associations such as Canterbury (7), Manly Warringah (7), Sutherland (6), Blacktown (6), Eastern Suburbs (6), Southern Districts (5), Northern Suburbs (4), Nepean (4), Football South Coast (4), Macarthur (3), St George (3), Central Coast (3), North West Sydney Women (1), Sydney Amateur League (1), Gladesville Hornsby (1) Bathurst (1) and two clubs from Albury Wodonga.
Club wise, two associations will have three teams representing with Southern Districts’ AC United and Granville’s Castle Hill United topping the charts.
AC United president and avid football advocate Brunella Parr said she was very pleased with her club’s achievements thus far.
“As a club we are very excited to see our three teams represent us in the up-coming Champion of Champions semi finals.
“We are very confident that all three teams will do the club very proud and hopefully take part in the big final up at Valentine Sports Park.”
A club boasting over 600 players and as many as 45 teams, AC United is one of the biggest clubs in the Southern Districts Association.
“We are very happy on how we have progressed as a club and we are looking at getting bigger and better each season.”
Castle Hill United president Eyman Ahmed was also ecstatic about his club’s representation in the Champion of Champions.
“We are extremely delighted to have such representation in the Champion of Champions and it’s a great reflection on the talent we have in this area.
“It’s also a good reflection on our coaches as well – most of whom are ex-footballers but are fathers coaching teams.
“Castle Hill United is a real community club and we want to wish each player and coach the best of luck.”
