UTS elevated to premier division

UTS have been admitted into the AFL Sydney Premier Division competition for the 2011 season. UTS’ admission will mean that both the Premier Division and Division One competitions will have eleven teams next year.

The announcement was made on Wednesday night by UTS President John Colbert in conjunction with AFL Sydney Football Operations Manager, Garry Burkinshaw and Simon Laughton, AFL State Manager – NSW/ACT Development.

Colbert said the club’s promotion to Premier Division is the greatest achievement in the UTS’ eleven year history.

“This is, without a doubt, the most historic moment in the history of the club,” Colbert said.

“The premierships we’ve achieved, the mates we’ve created and the milestones that have come along the way for us as a club in that timeframe to then be given the opportunity by the AFL to play at the highest level in Sydney is a massive achievement – the biggest thing we’ve ever done as a club.

“A lot of people have worked hard to get the club to where it is today and tonight’s announcement is a reward for all of the hard work.”

UTS have been a dominant force over the past six years winning 96 of the 110 games played over this period. This has resulted in four premierships, including the last three in a row, a runners-up and a third place finish.

The club has also won the AFL Sydney Club Championship Trophy for the past three years for the most consistent club in all competitions.

While UTS’ on and off field success has ultimately led to the club’s elevation, the decision to move the Bats up a division was not an easy one to make.

“Ideally we like the Premier Division to consist of eight to ten teams however UTS’ claims were too strong to ignore,” Burkinshaw said.  

“With the likely inclusion of AFL Sydney teams in the new North East Australian Football League in 2012 the competition will reduce back to within the preferred parameters in 2012.”

Burkinshaw did add however that the club would be only able to play one home match at its preferred ground, Trumper Park.

“The club is aware that Trumper Park, in its current state is not suitable for Premier Division football, and they are looking at their options in relation to a home ground with Henson Park and Blacktown Olympic Park obvious options.”

Sydney University was the last team admitted into the Premier Division competition back in 2007 and UTS will be happy if they can emulate the same success which included a Grand Final berth this year.

The competition structure for all grades will be announced at the AFL Sydney Planning Meeting on 24 November 2011 with the clubs required to submit their team nominations by 12 November 2011.