Hyundai A-League 2010 Champions Sydney FC and the Canterbury District Soccer Football Association (CDSFA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will assist the two bodies strengthen their ties and foster grassroots participation in the area.
Sydney FC-s Head of Football Stefan Kamasz and Canterbury President Frank Parisi were at the association-s Ashfield offices to formalise the landmark agreement that will continue providing each with a raft of new and far reaching benefits.
The centrepiece of the three-year agreement is that Sydney FC will provide every child aged 12 years and under registered with the Canterbury association with a FREE Bronze membership to the club.
The agreement will allow Sydney FC to engage with the thousands of junior registered players in the Canterbury District through clinics, player appearances and match day experiences while also offering discounted ticketing and club merchandise.
Further, Canterbury coaching staff will have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with Sydney FC-s championship winning counterparts, attend specific Sydney FC training sessions, have promising young players- trial with the newly established Sydney FC Academy and host matches between the two.
Sydney FC has already entered into a similar agreement with a number of other associations and will announce further alliances in the coming weeks.
“We are really happy to have entered into this MOU with the Canterbury Association because it will benefit both parties greatly but also the code. The free membership to our club for every boy and girl aged 12 years and under is a real boost for Canterbury region,” Kamasz said.
Parisi said the two bodies had worked together in the past but formalising an agreement will assist the Canterbury association from the grassroots level to right to the swapping of coaching tactics.
“The MOU will give our kids the chance to meet and interact with the Sydney FC players as well as our giving our staff the opportunity to ask questions and learn from the clubs coaches and then apply that information,” Parisi said.
“The free membership for our registered players aged 12 years and under is a wonderful initiative and our kids will be over the moon.
“The agreement with Sydney FC will benefit the Canterbury association and sport in the region for many, many years.”
The CDSFA is affiliated with Football NSW and responsible for the administration and development of football within the local government areas around Canterbury, Leichhardt, Canada Bay, Strathfield, Marrickville, Ashfield and Burwood.
The MOU will commence on Saturday 1 May 2010.
For more information on the Canterbury Association – www.footballcanterbury.com.au
