FFA Cup’s future secured with sponsors getting behind the new knockout competition
MAY 11, 2014 10:33PM
THE FFA Cup’s future has been secured with a series of blue-chip, mutli-million-dollar sponsorships to be unveiled.
And British sportswear giant Umbro, a brand synonomous with the FA Cup, will be among four new sponsors announced, with the competition set to kick off on July 29.
With Fox Sports already signed up as the TV rights partner, FFA is understood to have secured around $12m in sponsors.
All sponsors have agreed to three-year deals, with the $4m-a-year underwriting FFA’s extensive travel costs.
Most state leagues are deep into their Cup competitions, with the official FFA Cup kicking off in late July when the 22 state and territory-based teams join the 10 A-League clubs.
ACT is the only one of the eight state and territories whose participant has been confirmed, 2013 winner Tuggeranong United.
Meanwhile FFA has commenced a search for a technical director to replace outgoing Han Berger.
However the new role will focus on the elite player pathway up to the age of 16, including overseeing the National Premier League (NPL) competitions.
While undertaking a global search, there’s a strong push for a local appointment and former AIS guru Ron Smith will be considered, along with former Perth Glory coach Alistair Edwards and former Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond.
“The review of the national teams and technical department conducted by Luke Casserly has identified youth technical development as a key area for improvement,” said FFA CEO David Gallop.
“The new structure will see a technical director with particular focus and responsibility for elite player development up to 16 years of age for males and females and coach education for those working in these age groups.
“From 17 years of age onwards, the national teams will have the primary role in close consultation with the technical department of developing elite players who will ultimately represent the Socceroos and Matildas.
“This will broaden the scope of Ange Postecoglou’s role and the same for the long-term Matildas coach.
“This structure gives us a lot of confidence that Australia will produce generations with the right technical development.’’
http://www.news.com.au/sport/footba...kout-competition/story-fndkzvnd-1226913868890
