Melbourne Victory is delighted to announce that it has formed an exciting new three-year partnership with Football Federation Tasmania (FFT) that will see Australia’s biggest football club have a substantial presence on the Apple Isle from 2013.
Melbourne Victory is delighted to announce that it has formed an exciting new three-year partnership with Football Federation Tasmania (FFT) that will see Australia-s biggest football club have a substantial presence on the Apple Isle from 2013.
The deal means Melbourne Victory will make a significant financial contribution to FFT-s new state-wide competition in return for naming rights – to be known as the ‘Victory League- – while also having a hands-on approach to the growth and development of football right across the state.
In a major coup for both parties, Melbourne Victory will take its entire senior squad to Tasmania on an annual basis for a pre-season tour, which will include games in the north and south of the state, while players and coaches will be made available for Tasmanian football events as well as grass roots and community initiatives.
Managing Director, Richard Wilson, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to grow, not only the game itself, but also the Victory brand in a rapidly developing sporting landscape. We are extremely proud of the breadth and impact of our community and grass roots programs throughout Victoria and this is a way to further broaden our reach and to add value.”
FFT President, Sean Collins, is equally as excited about the joint-venture, “In Melbourne Victory we have a major partner who can deliver huge benefits both on and off the field. We-re delighted with their commitment and look forward to a strong partnership,” he said.
Two fixtures have already been confirmed for next month, with Melbourne Victory to take on a select Tasmanian XI in Hobart on August 21, while three days later the squad will get its first pre-season taste of A-League opposition when Adelaide United makes the trip to Launceston on August 24.
Mr Wilson went on to say “Melbourne Victory has had a strong affinity with Tasmania having played in Launceston six times over the past seven years and we-ve developed a strong following. This landmark deal ensures we continue to support the growth and development of football in the state.”
“Our new partnership with FFT will only strengthen that foothold in an ever growing market,” Mr Wilson said.
Mr Collins echoed those sentiments, “We know the football community are keen for more A-League content in Tasmania and we-re delighted that Australia-s biggest football club, Melbourne Victory, have agreed to spend a week in Tasmania on a pre-season tour.”
“Having Victory in the state for a long stretch of time enables us to run clinics for junior footballers, visit schools, run sessions for up and coming coaches and to engage the whole football community,” Mr Collins added.
Furthermore, FFT-s Elite Player Pathway will also become a feeder into Melbourne Victory-s youth system, ensuring that talented Tasmanian players within the National Training Centre (NTC) program have every opportunity to reach their full potential.
“This is a great chance to provide young Tasmanians with a pathway into professional football, and it gives our club the first opportunity to pick from some of the best young talent coming through the ranks,” said Mr Wilson.
As was the case last season, Melbourne Victory has committed to playing its Hyundai A-League community round fixtures in Launceston and this will continue until at least the conclusion of the 2015 season, subject to FFA approval.
Melbourne Victory will also develop Membership and Ticketing models exclusive to fans in Tasmania in order to provide them with a convenient and cost-effective way of attending Hyundai A-League matches played in their state, as well as those in Melbourne.
