CANBERRA FC MEDIA RELEASE

Canberra FC have applied for the NSWPL 12th and remaining spot. Let's hope it's lucky 12th for them in NSW and for the Canberra A-League side in the A-League.

Then we'd have a marvellous pathway for our juniors. Full release below.

CANBERRA FC MEDIA RELEASE
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> > 16 October 2008
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> > for immediate release
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> > HUGE WAVE OF SUPPORT FOR CANBERRA'S INCLUSION IN NSW PREMIER LEAGUE
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> >
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> > An army of supporters ranging from Socceroos past and present, politicians,
> > football officials and media personalities have gotten behind a push, to
> > encourage Football NSW to include Canberra FC as the 12th team in the 2009
> > NSW Premier League.
> >
> >
> >
> > Ned Zelic, Ivan Slavic, and Walter Valeri, father of Carl and former
> > Capital Football president, were quick to stand up and applaud the club's
> > initiative in applying for inclusion in Australia's number two competition.
> >
> >
> >
> > Ivan Slavic, head of the Canberra's A-League bid said "A team from our
> > region in the New South Wales Premier League would, I believe, provide a
> > crucial and exciting link in our region's developmental pathway and provide
> > further opportunities for our players. It would also add increased quality
> > to the NSWPL both on and off the field."
> >
> > "Canberra FC has a proud 50 year history in our city. They have set
> > professional standards, producing many outstanding players including Joe
> > Simunic and Ned Zelic. They continue to be the benchmark in Canberra. The
> > Deakin Stadium has been completely rebuilt this year and provides an
> > excellent venue for Premier League football. Canberra's A-League bid is
> > fully behind Canberra FC's New South Wales Premier League bid. They
> > complement each other" added Slavic.
> >
> >
> >
> > Zelic and Walter Valeri, both proud Canberrans who have played for their
> > country, were positive of any initiative by Football NSW and the Canberra
> > football community to provide enhanced talent identification.
> >
> >
> >
> > As a former player and coach of the Club, I think that in its 50th
> > anniversary it would be a fitting celebration for Canberra FC to be
> > accepted into the NSW competition. My son Carl, who spent some of his
> > junior days at Canberra FC was also excited by the possibility of Canberra
> > participating in the NSW Premier League. It will again become a pathway
> > for many players and keep them at home instead of heading interstate and
> > overseas searching for a career in football." said Valeri
> >
> >
> >
> > Ned Zelic will be at the Canberra FC function on the 6th November 2008
> > promoting Canberra's A league bid, and this week was sounded out about
> > coaching Canberra FC in the NSW Premier League by club director Bernie
> > Lustica.
> >
> >
> >
> > "Ned knows how hard it is for young Canberra players to travel the same
> > pathways as their Sydney and Melbourne counterparts and is right behind our
> > push for a NSWPL spot. While he wouldn't commit to the coaching role, yet,
> > I am sure he is available to assist us in any way he can." said Lustica.
> >
> >
> >
> > Capital Football CEO Heather Reid weighed in with her support.
> >
> >
> >
> > "Canberra FC have previously participated in the NSW Youth League with much
> > success and with the possibility of an A-League club in Canberra in the
> > near future, we are keen to support appropriate opportunities that will
> > assist the pathway of male players from local to national leagues." said
> > Reid.
> >
> >
> >
> > "In the absence of a Canberra A-League club, one way to do this would be
> > through other levels of competition such as the NSW Premier League." she
> > added.
> >
> >
> >
> > Canberra FC president Marko Vrkic, was overwhelmed by the support of his
> > club in the lead up to its 50th year celebrations in December.
> >
> >
> >
> > "I am so proud of our club at this time" said Vrkic. "We have competed
> > locally, nationally, and internationally for a long time now, and have
> > produced a number of Socceroos and overseas based stars. We want to
> > continue to lead the way in fostering the game in our city, and we are also
> > now focussing on the entire southern NSW region, with a new emphasis on
> > women's football. Our future is bright thanks to the strong backing of our
> > licensed club, our sponsors and our large membership and supporter base.
> > Our stadium is being continually upgraded. We want to be a strong
> > component of the NSW Premier League, and the football communities that we
> > represent" he added
> >
> >
> >
> > "You look at the two clubs in this year's NSW Premier League Grand Final.
> > Canberra's Steve Hayes was man of the match, and both clubs boast
> > Canberrans such as Shane Lyons, Michael Katz and Ilija Prenzoski. Ilija
> > and Michael are both former Canberra FC players. Canberra needs our own
> > team playing at this level, as well as the A-League. Football needs us
> > too." said the dynamic club boss.
> >
> >
> >
> > Vrkic emphasised that this bid was for all of southern NSW, and that the
> > club plans to take games and coaching structures to the Riverina, South
> > Coast, Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands football communities.
> >
> >
> >
> > "The more professional Sydney clubs also want us in the league, because
> > they know it is good for all football across the state." said Vrkic.
> >
> >
> >
> > ENDS