THE south east Melbourne suburbs Team 11 bid has been shortlisted for entry into the soccer A-League at the end of last month and is one of three active Victorian bids competing for the coveted spot in the competition.
The Geoff Lord led Belgravia Leisure bid was one of five removed from contention by the FFA when the latest shortlist was announced.
It was also recently announced that Jayco Australia founder Gerry Ryan would be getting on board as a financial backer of the Team 11 bid to be based in Dandenong.
Aspendale, Chelsea, Langwarrin, Mornington, Peninsula Strikers and Westernport are among 43 Victorian soccer clubs who have signed letters of support for the bid to create an A-League side to represent south-east Victoria.
The bid, operating under the title ‘Team 11’, sent the letters of support to the Football Federation Australia and Lead Advisor for the expansion process Deloitte as part of their expression of interest for an A-League spot.
Team 11 project officer Matt Windley said the signing of letters of support is the start of forming “working relationships” between Team 11 and lower level Victoria clubs.
“The support received thus far has been incredible and we can’t thank enough the tireless efforts of the volunteers who run these clubs to help Team 11’s bid. We would love to have working relationships with all clubs in the south-east of Victoria,” Mr Windley said.
“This is a club that has to be of benefit to its local football community. It goes beyond simply playing A-League and W-League matches locally, it has to be a genuine positive presence in the community and provide a genuine professional pathway for our young boys and girls. These letters of support are an indication from our community that we are building this bid in the right way thus far.”
Frankston mayor Cr Colin Hampton said the potential success of the bid would mean “significant opportunities for growth and development to local players.”
“We have the numbers, now we need to raise our voice to make Team 11 become a reality. We encourage everyone in the south east to get behind this bid and show their support,” Cr Hampton said.
Mornington Soccer Club president Matt Cameron said that “location is the huge thing. Having a stadium in Dandenong 25 minutes up the road, it’s far easier to get to. But it’d also be great for our kids to be able to watch and aspire to play for that club that is representing their local area.”
The successful two teams on the ten team shortlist will be announced this October, and will enter the league at the commencement of the 2019-2020 A-League season.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 17 July 2018
