Blackmores backs younger and exciting Sydney W-League team full of Matildas
Blackmores, Australia?s leading natural health brand, has joined the Sydney FC W-League team, which boasts eight Australian internationals, three New Zealand Internationals and six players who have represented Australia at underage level (U17 and U20).
Leading the way will be Westfield Matilda?s Kyah Simon, Ellyse Perry, Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Alanna Kennedy as well as Kiwi Internationals Annalie Longo, Hannah Bromley and Emma Kete.
Kyah Simon, who turned down approaches from Western Sydney to stay loyal to Sydney FC, will take over from Danielle Brogan as Team Captain after Brogan was unfortunately ruled out for the season after rupturing her ACL in pre season.
W-League coach Alen Stajcic described the team as exciting. ?We?re thrilled with the team we have been able to put together for the 2012/13 season,? Stajcic said. ?We have selected a younger team with pace, mobility and some of the most exciting players in Australian women?s football.
?Kyah will captain the team, which is a sign of the younger, more exciting squad we have selected. She takes over from Danielle Brogan, who was going to play a big part in the season until she unfortunately suffered the knee injury.
?We have been training well and we?re really looking forward to the season kick off against Newcastle on 21 October.?
The surge in corporate support enjoyed by Sydney FC has also spilled over into the W-League with Blackmores becoming shirt sponsors for the women?s team for the 2012/13 season.
Blackmores becomes the first company to invest money directly into the Sydney FC W-League team, a sign of the increased popularity of women?s football. The Blackmore?s logo will be proudly displayed on the front of the Sydney FC W-League and National Youth League strips.
?Blackmores is thrilled to be partnering with Sydney FC?s Women?s and Youth Leagues, and wish them the best of luck for the season ahead,? said Blackmores Director, Sales and Marketing, Jim Van Bruinessen.
?As Australia?s leading natural health brand, Blackmores understands the benefits of being more active. Through our sponsorship of the Blackmores W-League and Youth League we hope to inspire many more Australian Women and kids to give this fast-growing sport a try.?
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata welcomed Blackmores to Sydney FC and also wished the W-League team every success in the 2012/13 season.
?Sydney FC is grateful for the support of Blackmores with the W-League and National Youth League teams,? Pignata said. ?We have received a lot of corporate support but for Blackmores to commit to helping our women?s team is a testament to the growth and popularity of women?s football.?
Sydney FC W-League squad:
Kyah Simon forward Westfield Matilda
Ellyse Perry defender Westfield Matilda
Caitlin Foord forward Westfield Matilda
Samantha Kerr forward Westfield Matilda
Renee Rollason defender Westfield Matilda
Alanna Kennedy midfielder Westfield Matilda
Teresa Polias midfielder Westfield Matilda
Nicola Bolger midfielder Westfield Matilda
Emma Kete forward New Zealand International
Hannah Bromley defender New Zealand International
Annalie Longo midfielder New Zealand International
Sian McLaren goalkeeper Westfield Young Matilda (U20s)
Brittany Whitfield forward Westfield Young Matilda (U20s)
Amy Harrison forward Australian U17 representative
Sham Khamis goalkeeper Australian U17 representative
Elizabeth Ralston defender Australian U17 representative
Megan McLaughlin midfielder Australian U17 representative
Chloe Logarzo forward
Larissa Crummer forward
Natalie Tobin midfielder
