Sunshine George Cross was one of 30 clubs offered a licence on Friday for the inaugural National Premier League Victoria (NPL).
Green Gully Cavaliers, Melbourne Knights and St Albans Saints are the other three clubs that will continue Brimbank’s long association with top-flight Victorian soccer.
Georgies president Jamie Chetcuti could not contain his delight when notified of his club’s acceptance into the new league.
“We’re that excited to be one of the western suburbs clubs in it,” he told the Weekly.
“We have a rich history, we were part of the NSL and we have produced heaps of players who have played for Australia.
“Our name is too big not to be in it.”
The Georgies submission was 18 months in the making.
The “long haul”, as Chetcuti put it, was worth it because the club will feature in the strongest competition in the state and its juniors will enjoy the best pathways.
“We wanted to be in it because the development for juniors in this league will be unbelievable,” Chetcuti said.
“Our club was chosen because we have the right people around the club, our structure is right with the juniors and seniors and our facilities are improving day by day.
“It’s been a big plan over five or six years and it has finally paid off.”
Tony Ciantar has retained his role as head coach of the Georgies’ senior set-up, while former NSL and A-League striker and New Zealand international Vaughan Coveny will be director of coaching.
Chetcuti is confident the new NPL, implemented in most states across Australia, will benefit Australian soccer in the long run. More detail of the NPL structure and how the state leagues will operate will be revealed by Football Federation Victoria this week.
ljenkinson@mmpgroup.com.au
