Sydney FC have continued to expand their commitment to the Eastern Suburbs Football Association (ESFA) and Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA) with the appointment of two new Fan Development Officers servicing those regions.
Alice Kriesler (ESFA) and Pat O’Shea (SSFA) will be tasked with driving collaboration between participants of football at local clubs and driving support for the professional game in Sydney.
By investing in these areas, both organisations are aiming to collectively grow support and avidity to football through increased local touchpoints over the coming years, with a key focus of the partnership looking at fostering relationships with the local football fraternity, helping junior player development and developing fans for the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League.
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Danny Townsend hailed the expansion and welcomed the duo to their roles.
“Over the past 18 months Sydney FC have committed more time and resources to the football community than we ever have, and this role will allow us to increase that commitment on a daily basis,” he said.
“We’ve nurtured a number of young footballers at our successful Holiday Clinics and Skills Training Programs already.
“These appointments will allow us to expand on that and provide us with the opportunity to deliver even more football programs to the grassroots which will build a new generation of Sky Blue fans.
“We want our new stadium filled with Sky Blue Members and this community program commitment will go a long way to doing that.”
Eastern Suburbs Football Association General Manager Bill Kostandas said he’s excited to be able to work with Sydney FC to deliver a professional pathway link for ESFA’s many young kids.
“Having Alice come on board shows ESFA’s commitment to the player pathway for both boys and girls in our local community and to help them achieve their aspirations in football,” he said.
“It is great to be working with Sydney FC in combining our resources and football knowledge with a focus on local youngsters working on their football skills through the holiday clinics and skills training programs, as well as developing life skills with a strong focus on delivering a fun experience.”
Sutherland Shire Football Association General Manager Jeff Stewart said he’s looking forward to seeing SSFA’s participants flourish under the new partnership.
“This appointment is the culmination of a long and collaborative working relationship with Sydney FC and will help to bring the grassroots and the professional portion of the game closer together.
“Engagement with the community is of paramount importance and the appointment of Pat is a fantastic initiative,” he said.
“We at the SSFA look forward to continuing to work with Sydney FC for the betterment of local players and to ensure they have the opportunity to be supported by, and to support, Sydney FC.”
For more information on the partnered Holiday Clinic and Skills Training programs, click here.
