Saints name change unveiled

AFL NSW/ACT General Manager Tom Harley said the name change would give the club an opportunity to better engage the local community in their activities.

“The Randwick City Saints have always had close ties with their local community, so this name change allows them to identify with the area that supports them so enthusiastically,” Harley said.

“Clubs that have close ties with a particular geographic area in this way can attract more local talent to their ranks, which is a positive step for the club’s sustainability.”

The club applied to change their name prior to the commencement of the 2013 season to better reflect their close ties with the Randwick City Council local government area, and to enhance their identity within the local sporting community.

Mayor of Randwick, Councillor Tony Bowen said he welcomed the alignment of the Saints with the area.

“We’re proud to be associated with the Saints, and this name change further strengthens the bond between Randwick City and the club. Randwick is often referred to as the ‘sporting coast’, and there is no shortage of sporting champions in our City,” he said.

On behalf of Randwick Council I’d like to congratulate the club on the name change, and wish them the best for the upcoming season.”

Saints AFC trains at Pioneers Park in Malabar and competes in the AFL Sydney Men’s and Women’s competitions, and also fields a team in the AFL Sydney Under 18s competition.

Please note that the junior Australian football club Maroubra Saints is not included in this name change, they will remain the Maroubra Saints. Additionally, the newly formed senior women’s club has not confirmed their team name for season 2013.