Sydney FC’s Community Program has once again had a huge impact on local schools, clubs and associations with the Sky Blues spending more than 1,000 hours benefiting the local community during the 2012/13 season.
Sydney FC-s Community Program has once again had a huge impact on local schools, clubs and associations with the Sky Blues spending more than 1,000 hours benefiting the local community during the 2012/13 season.
Players and staff attended more than 200 events across Sydney ranging from Penrith in the west to Hornsby in the north and Sutherland in the south.
On average 345 hours of community work was undertaken each month with the first team playing squad accounting for a large portion of that time.
“It-s one of the parts of the job the players get real enjoyment from, going out and meeting local people,” said Community Football Officer Daniel Barrett.
“They love to integrate, especially when it involves helping young children improve their skills and learning, and also enjoy their football more.”
In total the club racked up a massive 1,065 hours working in the Community, with the players each completing an average of 16.4 hours per month in off the field work.
It was work that hasn-t gone unnoticed.
Aytec Genc, General Manager of Football at St George Football Association said: “Sydney FC have been fantastic at supporting us with player appearances at our representative sessions and grassroots training.
“They-ve also supported our functions particularly at our Centre of Excellence when they sent down Brett Emerton and Pascal Bosschaart last season, it was a great night.
“We had many other player appearances including one night when eight or nine of the senior Sydney FC players came to our training session to sign autographs and help with our training.
“Our local players were also used as ball boys at Sydney FC home games which was exciting for them.
“Sydney FC play St George each year in a friendly game at Kogarah and it allows us to showcase our younger players, so overall the support from the club has been excellent,” he concluded.
The Sky Blues are embarking on another large Community Program this season and will be looking to extend the influence it can add to the local Sydney area.
“We want to be able to touch as many people as possible with Sydney FC,” said Daniel Barrett. “We are here for the local community and are willing to help in any way we can.”
If any schools, clubs or associations would like to receive a visit from Sydney FC players and staff in the next few months and during the 2013/14 season then please get in contact with Sydney FC-s Community Football Officer Daniel Barrett on danielb@sydneyfc.com or by calling 02 8314 5100.
