Wagga Football ready for Mens State League Two
Wagga football has taken a huge step forward in its continual promotion of the sport after Football NSW announced its declaration of leagues recently with the club gaining entry into the Men’s State League Two competition for 2015.
Football Wagga President and keen football advocate Erwin Budde was delighted that the association’s successful application to Football NSW was accepted.
“This is possibly the most exciting thing that has happened for football in Wagga in a long, long time.
“The last time Wagga participated in anything remotely similar was in 1982, when a combined Wagga side entered the Southern NSW Federal League.
“More broadly, it will raise the bar to a new level for all sports in the city.
“Known as the City of Good Sports, this will add another feather to the sporting bow of Wagga Wagga.
“It will give our younger players reason to keep playing in Wagga, and not relocate, and will give elite players a reason to study or work in the city, knowing they can continue to play football at a high level.
“When I heard in January this year that Football NSW was strategically focused on greater inclusion of regional centres, I thought this is the opportunity we need.
“We are extremely pleased that FNSW have delivered with granting us a licence, and we hope to repay their faith with a professional approach and quality football on the park.”
Football NSW’s Head of Football Phil Brown further commented on the importance a team from Wagga Wagga played in the push to see more footballers take on the sport in regional areas.
“The inclusion of Wagga Wagga in the 2015 Men’s State League 2 competition re-affirms Football NSW commitment to providing pathways for country players.
“We are excited to welcome Wagga Wagga to our club competitions, joining the Riverina Rhinos in providing development opportunities for boys and men in the Riverina area from U12 through to 1st Grade.
“We extend our thanks and congratulations to Football Wagga Wagga, in particular their President Erwin Budde, who was instrumental in developing the business and football models supporting the Clubs inclusion in the 2015 Competitions”.
Asked how important it was to have a country NSW team take part in NSW’s elite competitions, Budde replied.
“It cannot be understated how important it is for country NSW to be recognised at elite football levels.
“We don’t have the same access to footballing resources as city people do, naturally because of distance and population constraints.
“Elite players generally have to move away at a young age to get exposure at a higher level.
“This opportunity, together with competitions such as the Regional Leagues, allows younger players to remain in regional centres and play football, be noticed, and possible have a career in football. It also allows elite players who move to regional centres for work or study the opportunity to continue playing at a high level.
“This also makes regional centres like Wagga a viable place to live for elite players.”
With so much anticipation and excitement now building in Wagga Wagga, Budde revealed his thoughts on forthcoming expectations in 2015 from the club.
“You can expect a highly professional, enthusiastic and committed team from Wagga in 2015.
“On the paddock, our goal is to be competitive in both age groups.”
Wagga Wagga will be utilising Gissing Oval as its home venue for 2015 – a facility Budde believes will continue to grow in years to come.
“Gissing Oval has the right ingredients to be a great football venue. It has all the infrastructure we need to enter the competition.
“However it has had little money spent on it in recent years, and is in desperate need of a face lift. The surface, which is flat and well drained, took a beating this year due to weather and over use, and we are working hard to ensure it is in top condition for next year.
“We are looking at a number of upgrades including maintenance and improvements to the surface, improving the spectator seating areas, and generally giving it a much needed face lift and clean-up.”
The importance of investing money into football facilities has been a constant theme throughout the past year with Budde asked how important it was for Wagga Wagga City Council to look at this strongly.
“Football is already the largest participation sport in Wagga. With entry into the State League, Football will now be the premier winter sport in the city.
“The importance of top quality facilities is paramount to continued growth in the sport. Council have recently recognised the different needs of football compared with the other sports, such as flat surfaces, good drainage and grass cover.
“Around $1 million has been invested in these aspects of our football grounds in recent years.
“However, more is needed, and with the continued growth of the sport, we are quickly running out of football fields to use. More fields under lights, continued work on drainage, and upgraded spectator facilities are much needed right now.”
Promotion of football in Wagga Wagga in the local press area will hopefully gain more column inches in the local press now that the club has gained entry into this elite competition with the Football Wagga President agreeing with these sentiments.
“Absolutely.
"I have already been interviewed for Channel 9 news, and the local Daily Advertiser newspaper.
“With more announcements over the coming months, including naming the team, choosing its playing strips, logos, selection of coaches and players, the offseason looks set to be dominated by football.”
-By Mark Stavroulakis
