World Footy News

First there was "GC17" now there's "Team GWS" as the campaign name for the AFL's proposed 18th football club. The branding has been unveiled this evening at a function held by the AFL, at Swans vs. Geelong game at ANZ Stadium.Launched by the AFL’s Chief Executive officer Andrew Demetriou, the unveiling marks the next stage of the AFL’s expansion plans, designed to engage the community and businesses of Greater Western Sydney in the campaign for a new team.

“The launch of Team GWS is one of the first steps in the journey towards the development of the identity of the football team,” Mr. Demetriou said. “As this campaign takes shape, we are encouraging the fourteen diverse communities of Greater Western Sydney to join Team GWS and be a part of history. Team GWS is a team we can all be proud of, and be part of, based on unity and inclusion. “The involvement and support of the local community is essential, from designing the team’s name, the team’s logo, colours, theme song and even the team mascot. We want people in the area to take ownership of this club.”

Introducing Team GWS to the people of Greater Western Sydney, the Team GWS campaign identity incorporates the iconic red AFL Sherrin Football, along with the four goal posts to signify a bright future on the horizon.

Also launched this evening was the Team GWS website, www.teamgws.com.au, encouraging community participation and registration for interested supporters, to join the campaign on the journey to 2012.

The corporate business community, many of which hail from Greater Western Sydney, paid to attend the launch and will now be invited to continue their support for Team GWS by becoming inaugural financial supporters of Team GWS, with a foundation partners offer released on the night, designed to encourage business support and take ownership of the region’s own AFL team.

“The AFL has committed to increasing investment in the area of Great Western Sydney over the next eight years,” Mr Demetriou said. “Team GWS will generate permanent economic and social benefits for the region, including new jobs and economic activity in the region, as well as significant community activity and opportunities for Greater Western Sydney families.”

The campaign brand was unveiled in front 500 members of the Greater Western Sydney business community, AFL Corporate partners and supporters, special guests including Kevin Sheedy, AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn, the Geelong Cats own Western Sydney recruit, Ranga Ediriwickrama, along with the Greater Western Sydney Community Advisory Group.

“This event is really the first time we have been able to reach out and to begin to engage the communities of Greater Western Sydney,” said Christine Cawsey, Principal of Rooty Hill High School and Community Advisory Group Spokesperson.

“We are now in a position to show the area what the AFL has to offer and most importantly how they too can become involved and where else would be better than actually at the Football.

“Tonight is a fantastic opportunity for our team to be to showcase great football, demonstrate our commitment to the area and really begin to get the ball rolling on this amazing campaign that truly belongs to the people of Greater Western Sydney.”

For updates and further information on the foundation packages visit http://www.teamgws.com.au