It's Official! FFA Launches Western Sydney.

Primer Minister Gillard confirms government funding for Football in Western Sydney. Ben Buckley confirms introduction of Western Sydney into A-League.

In an announcement made today at Valentine Sports Park in North Western Sydney at Football NSW Headquarters, Football Federation Australia have confirmed the introduction of a Western Sydney A-League team for the 2012/2013 Season.

“I’m delighted that the funding from the Gillard Government will help create a fertile environment for the new Hyundai A-League club in Western Sydney,†spoke the FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

“From day one of its existence the new club will have a core focus on community engagement. The community will have a say in the culture, colours, name and logo of the new entity and we will explore a model that would allow for community ownership. In partnership with Football NSW, FFA will ensure the club is truly integrated in community football, schools programs and the elite player pathway. We intend to build a model that will be driven by the passion of the football people in Sydney’s west. This represents a major investment by FFA in the future of the game and aligns with FFA’s Strategic Plan endorsed by the recent Smith Review.â€

Federal Funding of $8 million was announced. $1 million to be used to fund the W-League, and $3 million for the redevelopment of the Football New South Wales headquarters at Valentine Sports Park.