BALLARAT Red Devils have set their sights on the big time.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Haymes Red Devils confirmed yesterday they will chase a licence in the soon-to-be-formed National Premier Leagues Victoria competition, an elite second-tier platform for Australian senior soccer to be established in each state by 2014.
Ballarat president James Winton said the club had been heading towards this opportunity for the past decade.
“Both the current and previous boards have moved the club to a position where we can launch a persuasive bid to be the region’s National Premier Leagues club,” Winton said.
“There is a real excitement around what we can achieve for the sport and we are fully committed to delivering this opportunity for football in the western region.”
Ballarat has called on experienced soccer administrator Andrew Burgess to chair the licence bid.
“I’m excited to be once again involved with the club and I look forward to working with a united board and corporate group to turn this vision into a reality,” Burgess said.
“Without doubt, securing a place in the NPLV will be a major step forward for not just the club but football generally in the region.”
Football Federation Victoria has described the NPLV as the ultimate league for aspiring talented players in the state.
“The powerhouse clubs of Victorian football have all expressed interest in securing a place. In less than 12 months, football fans in the region will see our junior, youth, women’s and men’s squads playing against the best of the best that this state can turn out,” Burgess said.
“Ballarat versus South Melbourne in Ballarat, at a new stadium, with a crowd of 2000 plus for Saturday night football. Now that is worth getting excited about.”
FFV will support clubs during the application process, with an announcement of those successful expected in early September.
Expressions of interest for the NPLV licence close on May 31.