Turner highlights exciting 2022 season ahead for Blacktown City FC
Blacktown City FC’s Executive Chairman Bob Turner is eagerly anticipating the commencement of the 2022 football season as the proud club prepares for what will be a monumental year with several exciting initiatives set to rock Sydney’s West.
One major change is the announcement of City’s spiritual home ground, formerly Lily Homes Stadium and now Blacktown City Sports Centre, along with the club taking full operational control of the facility.
“During lockdown, the Board of Blacktown City FC developed a strategic Infrastructure plan to create a sustainable and self-sufficient model for future growth and security that will also lead to fill our stadium on a regular basis and provide an atmosphere to rival any professional sporting code,” Turner stated to Football NSW.
“In an historic move for the club and through the support and enthusiasm of Lily Homes CEO, Vince Camera, Blacktown City FC have taken over full operational control of Lily’s Football Centre and Lily Homes Stadium.
“As part of this restructure, the Centre will adopt the new name of Blacktown City Sports Centre with the opportunity for Naming Rights of Lily Homes Stadium. The end result for Blacktown City Football is an opportunity that will provide stability for the organisation.
“Full operational control of our stadium, regarded as one of the best football facilities in Sydney, provides an opportunity to build our own competitions, partnerships and brand through the security of a first-class home.
“This control, and potential future development of the adjoining Ashley Brown Reserve with the support of Blacktown Council, will provide financial stability through ground hire, our licensed café, training, competitions, multi-sport projects and ability to improve spectator experiences.”
On the football pitch, City are busily preparing for their Round of 32 FFA Cup clash against A-League side Central Coast Mariners on Saturday 13th of November at Mudgee, a match Turner and his counterparts cannot wait to witness live in the flesh following the ease of Covid restrictions.
“This game was scheduled in July so to have this go-ahead next month is great momentum leading into the 2022 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season.
“In unison with the Mariners, we are really looking forward to seeing a sold out 4,000 crowd in Mudgee as well as seeing City proudly do their thing on national television via Channel 10.
“The squad along with coach Mark Crittenden kicked off training and preparations for this match recently and with the majority of the 2021 season intact, I can tell you the boys are looking at picking up where they left off after leading the NPL NSW Men’s competition before the season was cancelled due to Covid.”
One exciting prospect the club was delighted to see was the development of its new women’s teams that will take part in Football NSW’s 2022 League One competition further pushing Turner’s comments that the club want to develop future female football stars.
“We cannot wait to hit the ground running with our women’s teams for 2022 led by our Head of Women’s Football David O’Keefe.
“With the female football game rising in profile and stature each year, we are thrilled to see that we will have teams compete against the best across NSW in 2022.”
The former Sydney Kings head coach also highlighted the club’s drive and determination to tap into Blacktown’s local media pool, something that is sure to give the proud team a huge boost in 2022.
“Through lockdown we maintained our media relationships with the Blacktown Independent, Blacktown News, Western News, 2SWR FM, Alive 90.5FM, oOh! Media and the Core Agency.
“All media partners are vital links to spread the word of Blacktown City FC and we cannot thank them enough for their support.”
