Team GWS to call ACT home
The AFL today welcomed the announcement by the ACT Government of a 10-year partnership with Team GWS.
In Canberra for the announcement, AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn, said it was a historic day for the AFL, ACT community and Team GWS and would see a total of 30 Toyota Premiership Season games and 10 pre-season matches played in the nation’s capital over the next decade.
Ms Mostyn said the innovative and strategic partnership which would underpin the future of the code in the ACT and also support GWS would see the:
∙ Establishment of a GWS ACT Academy to help develop young local talent to its potential.
∙ Year-round engagement of GWS players, coaches and staff in the local community, including school visitation, football development and additional community activities.
∙ An ACT representative on the GWS Board.
∙ Permanent representation of the ACT community on the playing jumper and an ACT-specific stylised jumper for home games in Canberra.
∙ Participation of the GWS reserves team in the peak local competition, further enhancing the local league and improving talent pathways.
∙ Annual Community Camp conducted in the ACT.
“This is a strong partnership between Government, community, business, the AFL and Team GWS and will deliver for both Team GWS to the ACT community for the next decade,” Ms Mostyn said.
“This has come about after a spirited and committed ACT4GWS campaign where the community said it was ready, willing and able to support an AFL team that not only represented the ACT on the national stage but was also committed to the development of the game and local talent in the ACT,”. Ms Mostyn said.
“We congratulate and thank the ACT Government and Minister Andrew Barr for their work in building this long-term partnership to bring more AFL football to the ACT. Team GWS has also done a terrific job in embracing the local community and a long-term partnership that will expand the game in Canberra and provide greater opportunities for local talent.”
Ms Mostyn also paid credit to the local business community that had also committed support to Team GWS.
