Decision Day: Will Canberra get a Youth team?

Capital Football website is reporting that today could be the decision day for Canberra/Wellington Phoenix based Youth team.

See Release below for details. And I'll have details later in the day of any decision.


Both side of the ‘ditch’ propose Capital Phoenix

The Football Federation of Australia will meet today to discuss the proposal from Capital Football and the Wellington Phoenix about entering a Canberra-based team in the new National Youth League.

The Capital Football Board of Directors has agreed to engage in formal discussions with the Wellington Phoenix football club but finer details have yet to be determined with logistical, financial, management and governance arrangements to be discussed.

Both parties are in full support of basing an under-21 development team in the ACT to take part in the inaugural season kicking off in August this year and therefore a decision is needed by the FFA as soon as possible.

The exclusive partnership would provide the Australian-born Phoenix players under the age of 21 with a development program and an opportunity for local players with A.I.S. scholarship holders, Premier League and ACT Academy of Sport graduates called upon.

The selection of players will be a wide process and one that’s not exclusive to current Canberra-based players with a trial and talent identification process open to all Australians.

The management of the youth team will be done so by the Wellington Phoenix but in return Capital Football would include support for player identification, match day arrangements, secretariat services, securing of media coverage, sponsors and other supporters.

Communications between Capital Football and the Phoenix are continuing with a formal agreement to be drafted regarding outstanding issues especially in relation to management and governance.

It’s anticipated that Capital Football and the Wellington Phoenix would be informed of FFA’s decision by the end of the week.