Premier Launches Johnny Warren Soccer Academy
The Premier of NSW, Mr Bob Carr today launched the Johnny Warren Soccer Academy - a State Government election initiative that will help our best young NSW players to develop their skills in Australia.
Illawarra (Wollongong) Hunter (Newcastle) North Coast (Lismore) Western (Bathurst) Northern Inland (Tamworth) Southern (Wagga Wagga) Far-West (Cobar) South West Sydney (Campbelltown) Western Sydney (Parramatta) South East Regional (Queanbeyan) Central Coast (Mingara) Each of these regions Soccer Programs would be known as the Johnny Warren Soccer Academy. Several times a year players from the JWSA would come together for Elite player camps - involving matches, access to top quality international technical expertise and coaching, state-of the-art sport science and training - at the New South Wales Institute of Sport at Sydney Olympic Park. “We are taking advantage of the infrastructure already in place across the State - the facilities and access to sports science and the like,” Mr Carr said. “This means no matter where you live you-ll have access to the best possible coaching programs through the JWSA.” For areas not covered by RSA - such as Southern Sydney, the North Shore and Eastern Suburbs - the JWSA program would be delivered through Soccer NSW. The Foundation will be Chaired by Mr Andrew Kemeny and include representatives from the State Government, Private sector and NSW Soccer bodies. Mr Warren (pictured above with FIFA President Sepp Blatter), as Patron of the Foundation, and the technical committee - including the technical directors from the Australian Soccer Association, Soccer NSW and the Northern NSW Soccer Federation - would develop the programs of the JWSA. Mr Carr made the announcement at Aussie Stadium this morning. He was joined by NSW Minister for Sport, Ms Sandra Nori, Mr Johnny Warren and Mr Kemeny. Also present were members of the Matildas, including Captain, Cheryl Salisbury, Vice- Captain, Joanne Peters and Katie Gill and representatives of Soccer NSW, the Northern NSW Soccer Federation, Australian Soccer Association and NSWIS. “The great thing about the Foundation and the Academy is it has the support of all the State-s Soccer bodies - Soccer NSW and Northern NSW Soccer Federation - as well as the Australian Soccer Association,” Ms Nori said. “This support is essential for the success of the Foundation. It demonstrates the positive change in the administration of the game as well as reflects the high regard Johnny is held.” Mr Carr said the naming of the Academy recognised the enormous contribution Johnny Warren has made to soccer in Australia. “A boy from Botany, Johnny led the national team and was part of the only Australian team to make the World Cup,” Mr Carr said. “He simply is Mr Australian Soccer - the man with the vision for developing the World Game in NSW.” Ms Nori said the Johnny Warren Soccer Foundation would become the central point of funding for the development of the sport in NSW. “We envisage it would help to generate sponsorship and corporate interest in the game,” Ms Nori said. The Academy was the major recommendation of NSW Premier-s Soccer Taskforce that reported in December 2002 following a wide-ranging four-month consultation process. The taskforce included the Minister for Health, Mr Iemma, Mr Warren, and the Executive Chairman and co- founder of Westfield, Mr Frank Lowy. In all, NSW has more than 60 per cent of the 400,000 registered players across Australia. “That-s more than 200,000 registered participants - with many more people playing it in schools, parks and indoor sport centres across the State,” Ms Nori said. In 2002 alone the increase in female player registration was over 16 per cent. “That is why it-s imperative we get the future development of the sport - for boys and girls - just right,” Ms Nori. The Board will be in place by the end of October and I anticipate that Foundation supported soccer programs will begin in regional academies next year. Johnny Warren Soccer Foundation Frank Lowy, President, Australian Soccer Association “NSW is taking a great cooperative initiative for the development of junior elite soccer players. Through the Johnny Warren Soccer Foundation it is bringing all of the key soccer organisations together to provide a strong pathway that will be well supported financially. I congratulate Johnny Warren for his vision - and applaud the leadership of the NSW Government in making the vision a reality.” Phil Coles AM, Chairman, NSW Institute of Sport “The NSW Institute of Sport remains committed to supporting the development of the elite soccer players in NSW. We are looking forward to working with the Johnny Warren Soccer Foundation and the state associations to further enhance the sport in our state. The Foundation will play an important role in strengthening the athlete pathway. Beginning at the grass roots level, it will further ensure that athletes are being taught the right skills throughout the different stages of their development.”
Robert Waddell, Chief Executive Officer, Soccer NSW “The Johnny Warren Soccer Foundation is a welcome addition to the elite development infrastructure and underpinning programs for young soccer players in NSW. The foundation will provide even more opportunities for talented young athletes, alongside the current NSW Institute of Sport male and female soccer programs, the Soccer NSW Regional Excellence Program and Coerver Coaching. To have a legend of the game such as Johnny Warren involved will surely inspire great things from all those who work with Soccer NSW to enhance the foundation's important work.” Garry Screen, General Manager, Northern NSW Soccer Federation “The establishment of the John Warren Soccer Foundation brings unprecedented development opportunities to the young elite soccer players of the Northern NSW Soccer Federation. John's vision to bring coaching excellence to the young player stands as a further tribute to his dedication to securing respect for Australia in the World Game.”