Australia NewsCanberra $2.5m Club Bid Boost |
THE ACT Government has pledged a $2.5 million cash injection for the Canberra bid for an A-League club, they announced today.
The funding will assist the bid to have a Canberra team competing in the Hyundai A-League commencing in the 2010-11 season.Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Andrew Barr joined Canberra A-League bid leader Ivan Slavich and Capital Football Chief Executive Heather Reid at Canberra Stadium to make the announcement.
“The Stanhope Labor Government is committed to building better cities and stronger communities,” Barr said.
“A successful A-League team will add to the sporting life of Canberra, providing locals with more top-quality sporting entertainment and providing visitors with even more reasons to come to Canberra.
“I am pleased to announce the Stanhope Labor Government will provide $2.5 million to help a new A-League club meet Football Federation of Australia (FFA) financial requirements if Canberra’s A-League bid is successful.
"This funding will be crucial to ensuring a successful bid actually delivers a Canberra A-League team.
“A Canberra A-League club will be a win for soccer fans and a win for the ACT economy. We know from experience that the Raiders, Brumbies and Capitals all raise the profile of Canberra through the media nationally and attract visitors to games in the Territory.
"We also know that having access to elite sporting matches locally inspires young Canberrans in particular to get into sport and live more active
and healthy lives.”
Barr said thousands of Canberrans have proven their support for the A-League through playing the game and attending matches.
“We have more than 17,000 registered football players in the ACT," added Barr.
"Large crowds at A-League games like the recent clash between the Central Coast Mariners and the Newcastle Jets shows Canberrans are great supporters of the A-League and would love to have their own team."
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