Australian Democrats (ACT Division)
Sad day for Canberra football, say Democrats
Yesterday’s announcement that Canberra will not be getting a football (soccer) team in the A-League competition has robbed young Canberrans of a pathway to top-grade football participation, says ACT Democrats President, Darren Churchill.
The announcement that Federal government money and Football Federation of Australia (FFA) reserves would be used to fund a second Sydney team came as a bitter disappointment to loyal supporters of the Canberra A-League bid.
“This is a kick in the guts for young Canberrans who aspire to play at the top level and achieve excellence in the sport!” said Mr Churchill
“The ACT has more junior footballers than anywhere else in Australia. In football, as in other sports, we have to give our young players something to aspire to.
“Democrat policy aims to promote junior sport and participation in sport at all ages. Canberra football is a prime example of the need for government support for player development pathways.” Mr Churchill continued.
“The loss of the Canberra Cosmos from the old National Soccer League and the Belconnen Blue Devils from the New South Wales Premier League has left a vacuum in ACT football which needs to be filled.
“This decision highlights a totally wasted opportunity for young Canberrans. One only has to look at the success of the Canberra United (women’s) W-League team to realise that football has a future in Canberra. Canberra needs an opportunity for young men to progress in football too.” Mr Churchill said.
DARREN CHURCHILL
ACT Democrats President
darren.churchill@act.democrats.org.au
Tel: 0412 196 473
4th April, 2012
Darren Churchill: Australian Democrats Campaigns 
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