You’ve got to love the attitudinal arrogance of Sydney towards the 12th A-League team. “Unbackable choice” screamed the SMH last week of western Sydney’s chances of picking up the 12th spot from the 10/11 season on. But you get the sense they’re a little nervous of Canberra’s bid. And so they should be.
Ivan Slavich is leading the way in pushing hard for a Canberra A-League team:
“We’ve demonstrated to the FFA that there is support for football in the region, we’ve got the financial backing and we’ve got strong support from the local government, so we’ve got all the criteria covered,” he said
“Our distinct preference is to be included for the 2010-11 season, and the concern I have is that if we don’t get admitted, there will be a consolidation period and no more expansion for a few years.
“That would leave the 700,000 people in our area without a team to support. That would be a great opportunity lost for the sport and for Canberra. And let’s not forget there’s already a team in Sydney.”
The decision keeps being pushed back. Latest word in the CT today is that the decision will be made in July, only giving the 12th team 13 months to prepare.
The Canberra A-League bid site can he found at A-League4Canberra.com.au.
Categories: Canberra · Sport
Another excellent initiative from ACT Labor is the announcement of further grassroots support of a healthy and active Canberra.
On Saturday Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and Minister for Sport Andrew Barr announced a range of community based services and facilities that will help underpin a re-elected ACT Labor Government’s push for an active and healthy community.
Highlights of the $40 million investment in capital and recurrent expenditure include:
* Investing $20 million to fund the construction of a new aquatic and recreation centre
for Gungahlin;
* $8.5 million to deliver stage two of the Lyneham Sports Precinct;
* $3 million to develop a basketball centre for excellence including a stadium
and player amenities for the Canberra Capitals, Gunners and club basketball teams;
* $2.5 million to help establish Canberra’s A‐League football team once the bid
is successful;
* $800,000 to help ACT school kids get active and healthy through the SmartStart program;
* $670,000 to upgrade and expand the Woden Gymnastics club;
* $200,000 to begin the feasibility and design work for a pool in the new community of Molonglo and Weston Creek;
* An additional $300,000 to support the important work of the Children’s Physical Activity Foundation; and
* $225,000 over four years to give 15 young Canberrans each year the opportunity to complete an Australian School Based Apprenticeship in the sport and recreation industry.
Categories: Health · Sport
