South to Throw Gates Open

Media Release – 3rd March 2006
South to Throw Gates Open
The South Adelaide FC’s invigorated focus in its local zone has now extended to its marketing activities with the club recently announcing it is “throwing the gates open†for it’s first trial game at Noarlunga this Saturday (11th March) against last years grand finalists, Woodville-West Torrens.
In what will be the first of many marketing initiatives planned to significantly boost crowds at the Panthers southern home base of Noarlunga, entry will be free to the Panthers first pre-season clash for 2006.
“South Adelaide has always had a loyal supporter base that has supported the Club through thick and thin. We are eternally grateful to these followers, as if it were not for their support we would not be here today. But; now the tumultuous times of fighting for our survival are behind us, we as a Club must turn our focus from one of survival, to one of growth in everything we doâ€, new Panther Chief Ben Kavenagh stated.
“We have been located in the southern community for 10 years now. It’s time to become a highly relevant and focal part of this area that we are so proud to represent.â€
“We have attracted some very exciting talent to the Club for season 2006, including former AFL star Damian Cupido, as well as Geelong and Carlton speedster David Clarke and Sydney and Kangaroo hard man Josh Thewlis. This experience will replace much of the talent we lost at the end of last year, but, the real focus of this off-season has been on the local area. We are proud to say that over 80% of the pre-season squad was home grown. This included a significant number from our talented junior programs, many of whom will form the backbone of our squad in years to come.
“We are working with the Southern Football League to ensure there is a pathway to the SANFL and even AFL for all capable players in the area. This is not limited to just juniors players who show signs of talent. We are providing an opportunity to any late bloomer, or the more mature player that, for what-ever reason, has not tested themselves at a higher level in recent years or, just wants to find out if he can make it at League level. Approaches from any such players will be welcomed. We hope to be able to officially instigate a similar program with the Great Southern Football League and Kangaroo Island Football League very shortly.â€
“To be relevant to the local community we must be predominantly represented by people from this area. This includes our player base, coaching base (the club just recently announced the appointment of local coaching legend Trevor Potts as an assistant), administration base and equally importantly our supporter/membership base.
“We are very lucky to have relocated to a strong football area. One of the challenges of this has been the fact that on our arrival, many local football followers’ ties were already entrenched to their local clubs. We have no plans to move these people away from their loyalties. What we are looking to do is trial different time-slots in season 2006. This way, local football followers can attend their local game of a Saturday and then also support the Panthers on a Sunday, or possibility Friday or Saturday night in the future. We want to work with the local leagues to ensure football is strong across the board in this zone – then we are all winners.
“The first step in availing ourselves to the local community starts this week, before many of the local club trial games start. We are encouraging as many people from the southern area to come along and have a look at the Club at no charge. I’m sure those that have not seen the Panthers play before will be pleasantly surprised and the standard and possibility also surprised at the quantity of home grown talent running around on the park.
Trial Game Details
Venue: Noarlunga
League games starts at 2.20
Reserves to commence at 11.15
Entry: Free
Clinic at half-time of the League game run by Clay Sampson: Free
South to Throw Gates Open
The South Adelaide FC’s invigorated focus in its local zone has now extended to its marketing activities with the club recently announcing it is “throwing the gates open†for it’s first trial game at Noarlunga this Saturday (11th March) against last years grand finalists, Woodville-West Torrens.
In what will be the first of many marketing initiatives planned to significantly boost crowds at the Panthers southern home base of Noarlunga, entry will be free to the Panthers first pre-season clash for 2006.
“South Adelaide has always had a loyal supporter base that has supported the Club through thick and thin. We are eternally grateful to these followers, as if it were not for their support we would not be here today. But; now the tumultuous times of fighting for our survival are behind us, we as a Club must turn our focus from one of survival, to one of growth in everything we doâ€, new Panther Chief Ben Kavenagh stated.
“We have been located in the southern community for 10 years now. It’s time to become a highly relevant and focal part of this area that we are so proud to represent.â€
“We have attracted some very exciting talent to the Club for season 2006, including former AFL star Damian Cupido, as well as Geelong and Carlton speedster David Clarke and Sydney and Kangaroo hard man Josh Thewlis. This experience will replace much of the talent we lost at the end of last year, but, the real focus of this off-season has been on the local area. We are proud to say that over 80% of the pre-season squad was home grown. This included a significant number from our talented junior programs, many of whom will form the backbone of our squad in years to come.
“We are working with the Southern Football League to ensure there is a pathway to the SANFL and even AFL for all capable players in the area. This is not limited to just juniors players who show signs of talent. We are providing an opportunity to any late bloomer, or the more mature player that, for what-ever reason, has not tested themselves at a higher level in recent years or, just wants to find out if he can make it at League level. Approaches from any such players will be welcomed. We hope to be able to officially instigate a similar program with the Great Southern Football League and Kangaroo Island Football League very shortly.â€
“To be relevant to the local community we must be predominantly represented by people from this area. This includes our player base, coaching base (the club just recently announced the appointment of local coaching legend Trevor Potts as an assistant), administration base and equally importantly our supporter/membership base.
“We are very lucky to have relocated to a strong football area. One of the challenges of this has been the fact that on our arrival, many local football followers’ ties were already entrenched to their local clubs. We have no plans to move these people away from their loyalties. What we are looking to do is trial different time-slots in season 2006. This way, local football followers can attend their local game of a Saturday and then also support the Panthers on a Sunday, or possibility Friday or Saturday night in the future. We want to work with the local leagues to ensure football is strong across the board in this zone – then we are all winners.
“The first step in availing ourselves to the local community starts this week, before many of the local club trial games start. We are encouraging as many people from the southern area to come along and have a look at the Club at no charge. I’m sure those that have not seen the Panthers play before will be pleasantly surprised and the standard and possibility also surprised at the quantity of home grown talent running around on the park.
Trial Game Details
Venue: Noarlunga
League games starts at 2.20
Reserves to commence at 11.15
Entry: Free
Clinic at half-time of the League game run by Clay Sampson: Free