Australia NewsTassie Boys Receive Cash Boost |
TASMANIA'S push for A-League football received another boost today with the state government pledging cash for the cause.
The Minister for Sport and Recreation Michelle O'Byrne said the government would contribute $40,000 to assist the A-League taskforce finalise a feasibility study into the viability of a team.
Tasmania is battling with the likes of western Sydney, South Coast and Canberra for a place in the A-League.
The taskforce team met recently with government officials in the hope of persuading them to dig into their pockets and their efforts have met with success.
"The A-League competition will expand to 12 teams in 2010-11 and the Government is keen to ensure that Tasmania has every chance to secure a team licence in this current expansion, or when further opportunities are presented," said O'Byrne.
"Having a team in the national competition has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits to the State, as well as providing a marvellous opportunity for our young talent to play at the elite level.
"The feasibility study would allow a determination to be made as to whether a Tasmanian A-League team was viable and whether the taskforce would then proceed to preparation of a full-blown business case."
O'Byrne said the government would consider further support once the feasibility study was completed.
"The feasibility study will look at a wide range of issues including supporter base, potential stadium facilities and costs, administrative/training facilities, and potential revenue streams such as membership, gate revenue, sponsorship, merchandising, and broadcast rights revenue," she said.
Taskforce chair John McGirr thanked the Minister and the state government for their backing.
"We would particularly like to thank the Tasmanian government for the funding announced by the Minister to assist us in the presentation of our bid," McGirr said.
Martyn Wells, another Tasmania taskforce team member, told au.fourfourtwo.com: "We're feeling very positive and we will now look to complete the study as quickly as possible and then put the presentation to the FFA."
The Tasmanian team have not enjoyed the bright lights and publicity stunts of some other bids but they have no problem with that. Wells said it was about dealing with tangible reality and not dreams - with all the team anxious not to disappoint Tasmanians desperate for A-League football.
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