Campbelltown born and bred Socceroo great Brett Emerton has thrown his support behind the United for Macarthur A-League bid.
Emerton, who played 95 times for the national team, says he is proud to accept the invitation to be an ambassador for the local campaign to bring top tier football to the region.
One of several Macarthur region football players who have gone on to represent Australia, Emerton grew up in Macquarie Fields.
He started playing football for Gunners Soccer Club at the age of five and by the time he retired from the game he had become the fourth most capped player for Australia.
“Growing up, I would have loved to have been able to play A-League in my own backyard,’’ says Emerton.
The number of players registered in the Macarthur region is more than 11,000 and is growing every year.
Based on his work with local players in the region, Emerton says, “the interest in football is growing and the community are excited by the idea of having their own team.
“With the region set to grow, an A-League team in this region will expand the current football reach and overall footprint,’’ he said.
“And importantly, an A-League team will bring many benefits to the local community, foster local pride and provide professional pathways for the many young footballers I work with.
“Another reason I am so supportive of this bid is that it is all about the community.
“It will be a family club, owned by the community and running a range of community programs that will benefit our region.”
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr George Brticevic, welcomed Brett Emerton to the “team’’.
“Brett is a role model for young football players, and has community at the heart of what he does,’’ he said.
“He knows first hand the importance of professional pathways in fostering talent, and how playing on home turf, in front of local fans, can motivate young players on to bigger and better things,” he said.
Locals are being encouraged to rally behind a Campbelltown City Council-led bid for an A-League team, United for Macarthur, to play out of Campbelltown Sports Stadium from the start of the 2019 season.
Football fans can find out more, or register their support by visiting unitedformacarthur.com.au, or join in on the #U4M conversations on Facebook
