BLACKTOWN COUNCIL PARTNERSHIP

Blacktown City Council has provided a major boost to support Blacktown City FC through a significant new partnership, which will support local youth and female players.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said Council is proud to support the strengthening of programs for women and the kickstart of a brand-new program targeting youth, particularly young people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background.

“Council is a long-time supporter of Blacktown City FC, a club with a long, successful history, and a high profile, which continues to do our City proud,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Blacktown City’s men’s team were the 2022 NSW NPL premiers and the team did us proud once again this season, finishing third in the NPL.

“We were all excited to see so many of their former players star for Australia at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup, and the success of the CommBank Matildas in the recent 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has injected even more excitement into the sport.

“Our Council is committed to bettering the community through sport and ensuring everyone has the chance to get involved in the game they love, regardless of their background or financial situation.

“This partnership lies at the heart of Council’s investment in a broad range of sports, to give residents of all ages and abilities the best chance to be healthy, happy and active.”

Council is building on its partnership with Blacktown City FC to kickstart a game-changing training program for young people through the Momento Grassroots Community Program.

The development program will offer up to 1,000 boys and girls, aged 5 to 11 years of age, the opportunity to train with Blacktown City FC’s 2022 NPL NSW Championship-winning team over 8 weekly clinics.

The program is designed to assist families who might not otherwise be able to afford the fees of Skill Acquisition Programs or a junior NPL team, which can cost around $1500 – $2600 per season.

Participants will receive training gear and a ball, and will also have the chance to receive a scholarship to play in a Blacktown City FC youth team in the 2024 season, free of charge.

Blacktown City FC Executive Chairman Bob Turner said the club was committed to strengthening female participation, from juniors through to an international level.

“Blacktown City has assisted in the development of over 30 Socceroos and the goal in building our women’s program is to quickly find our first Matilda,” Mr Turner said.

“We have only been through two seasons, but the commitment from the club board is to match all aspects of the proven men’s program to attract the best female talent in Blacktown.

“We have a 5-year plan to compete at the NPL 1 level. The support of Council, coupled with their solid backing of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, will drive talent out of the woodwork for Blacktown City to achieve that objective.”

Mr Turner said he was delighted to strengthen the club’s partnership with Council.

“Blacktown City FC has a proven 70-year history as one of the best in the country at developing young players,” he said.

“We are extremely proud of our name and are committed to promote both the club and the City we represent at a state, national and international level.

“The partnership with Blacktown Council is one that will provide benefits to footballers in Blacktown and continue to enhance the City’s reputation as a ‘sporting City’.

“The support of Council will accelerate the Momento Grassroots Community Program and our training initiatives at local schools to take the game to the Blacktown community”.

Blacktown City Council provides a broad range of support to dozens of sporting organisations and clubs in Blacktown City.

“We are sporting City,” said Mayor Bleasdale, “And are always looking at how we can help our sporting clubs deliver for our residents.”