Goal: council votes to become community partner of our A-League club

The region’s first ever professional sporting club will today reveal the team name and colours.

But last night Macarthur South West A-League club kicked a massive goal when Campbelltown Council voted to become its local government community partner for five years.

With just nine councillors in attendance at the meeting, as well as the mayor, George Brticevic, the proposal received eight votes in favour, with only Councillor Paul Lake voting against it.

One Labor councillor, Darcy Lound, who is the chairman of Macarthur Football Association, declared an interest and did not participate in the debate or the vote.

However the seven remaining Labor councillors and the mayor were joined by Cr Warren Morrison in voting in favour of the partnership, which will cost ratepayers around $2.7 million over the five year period.

Cr Lake told council he wasn’t opposed to the proposal, but wanted to know more about it.

He moved that a decision on the partnership be deferred but it was defeated when put to the vote.

Cr Lake did ask several questions, which were answered by Ms Jenny Franke, the director or department head of City Lifestyles.

Ms Franke told council that the club’s community programs would be run by a non profit entity made up of a separate board from that running the football club.

Mayor George Brticevic told council before the vote was taken that Macarthur South West A-League club would be the first ever full time professional club in the area.

“This is going to be great for the area, the club will be using our stadium, and it’s important that we are on board with the community program they will be running,’’ he said.

According to a report tabled at last night’s council’s meeting, the aim of the community partnerships is to “provide a strong foundation for young and upcoming football players and increase player participation at grassroots level.”  

“The club is currently in the process of recruiting corporate and community partners. There are a number of different partnership opportunities including coach sponsor, community partners (five), foundation packages, signage and advertising opportunities and sponsorship opportunities,’’ the report said.

“Community Partners will help the A-League team link with local schools, the football community and community groups. Council has existing links with these parties and so is in an ideal position to support and enhance the club’s participation in social, educational and wellbeing programs as well as promoting participation in sport and physical activity.

“These programs will target a range of groups within the region including the multicultural community, the Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander community, people with disability, older people, young people and people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“This partnership will provide a range of programs which are not currently in place or will enhance existing programs.

“Council and the club will agree on an annual plan with key deliverables to ensure that they are in line with council’s strategic direction and value for money proposition.

“An annual evaluation of the programs will be reported to council and the community,’’ the report said.

“The second part of the community partnership is the academy programs. They will provide children and young people unique local skill development opportunities and access to high performance coaching without having to leave the area.

“The academy provides pathway programs for players with potential as well as for grassroots participation through all age groups.

“The academy will target the growth of participation of females in football and will also provide specialised disability programs as well as an Indigenous program.’’

• Macarthur South Sydney A-League club will reveal its name and colours at a sold out charity luncheon in the Campbelltown Catholic Club from noon today.