Melbourne Victory can today confirm captain Mark Milligan has agreed to a new, three-year, marquee deal, while the Club has also welcomed Community Training Initiatives as its joint principal partner.
Milligan’s new contract will see the Socceroo remain at the Club as its Australian marquee until at least the end of the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season.
Milligan said he was thrilled to be staying at Victory and was looking forward to leading the team in the next A-League season and beyond.
“The squad Kevin (Muscat) has put in place for this season is one of the most exciting in the competition and all the boys, including me, are itching to get things underway in October,” Milligan said.
“Having missed out on a Grand Final spot by just one game these past two seasons, we are all desperate to go that one step further and are working extremely hard to achieve the success we know the fans of this Club deserve.
“As well this year, we’ve also got our first ever FFA Cup campaign to concentrate on and we are determined to be the first to lift that trophy in December.”
Melbourne Victory Head Coach Kevin Muscat said it was terrific news that Milligan, the 2012/13 Victory Medalist, would continue to contribute to Australian football in the navy blue and white.
“As captain, we’ve seen how important ‘Millsy’ is to our side, both on and off the pitch,” Muscat said.
“There’s no doubt in my mind he’s one of the best players in the country right now, so it’s terrific for everyone involved in the Club that Mark will be here for at least another three seasons.”
Melbourne Victory today also revealed Community Training Initiatives as its new joint principal partner, and they will feature on the front of the home shirt for the next two seasons.
Community Training Initiatives (CTI) are a leading company in the provision of customised training and assessment programs, helping people in trades get their skills and knowledge certified.
Melbourne Victory Chairman Anthony Di Pietro said today’s double signing news was an important day for the Club.
“It’s a very exciting time for our members, supporters, players, coaches and staff,” Mr Di Pietro said.
“With Mark agreeing to a new, long-term deal and Community Training Initiatives signing on as our newest joint principal partner, we can all agree that our Club is in a strong position and Kevin and the team are ready to contend for more silverware this season.”
“Community Training Initiatives has been part of our Victory in Business program for four years and we’re thrilled that they have further invested in the Club. Their logo will now adorn the front of our home kits for the next two seasons and we look forward to building on our already solid relationship.”
Community Training Initiatives CEO Ivan Brown, said he was delighted to be expanding his organisation’s partnership with Melbourne Victory.
“There’s no doubt Melbourne Victory is one of Australia’s most iconic sporting clubs and we are thrilled that we can further cement our partnership,” Mr Brown said.
“It’s exciting to be such a big part of the Club, in what is their 10th anniversary year and we have no doubt Kevin and the team will have plenty of success across both the FFA Cup and A-League this season.”
For more information about Community Training Initiatives, visit www.communitytraininginitiatives.com.au.
