Football South Australia has announced an exciting partnership with local business Fennell Forestry, providing funding to support emerging athletes in the Limestone Coast.
The Mount Gambier-based harvest and haulage company has backed Football South Australia’s (FSA) strategic priority to grow the game in the Limestone Coast.
This follows FSA’s recent announcement it would employ its first full time staff member and begin a tenancy at Mount Gambier’s new Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.
FSA chief executive Michael Carter said the partnership with Fennell Forestry included two priority pillars of involvement within the Limestone Coast region.
“The first is establishing the Fennell Forestry Scholarship Fund to support young players wishing to participate in the local competition,” he said.
“The second is a supporting partnership with the development centre for talented young boys and girls within the Limestone Coast region.
“Football SA is delighted to welcome Fennell Forestry as a partner of the game in a World Cup year for women.”
The business’ Managing Director Wendy Fennell is a major employer of local residents and supporter of many industries.
“Establishing a scholarship fund for underprivileged boys and girls is great for the future of the game.”
Mr Carter said the Limestone Coast Football Association board decision to welcome the support of FSA to run the competition in the region was proving to be very positive for the area.
“There is a great deal of momentum in the lead up to the competition in 2023. Demand for participation in the game has never been greater,” he said.
Fennell Forestry managing director Wendy Fennell said Football SA’s commitment to the region was a significant step forward for Limestone Coast soccer, sport and the community as a whole.
“I am thrilled to be able to back their initiative and investment in our region through establishment of the Fennell Forestry Scholarship Fund, supporting underprivileged young players,” she said.
“Additionally, a second pool of funds will be made available to help support the next generation of local soccer stars, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills locally and reduce the need to travel to the city.
“It’s a big win for players and parents alike.”
Ms Fennell said providing country athletes with training and skill-development opportunities previously only available in metropolitan areas, was a significant step forward.
“Our kids are at a distinct disadvantage due to the fact they live in a regional area.
“It’s very disappointing, but the reality of the situation we’re dealing with,” she said.
“It’s no secret the Limestone Coast is a great place to live, raise a family and do business – that’s why I am so keen to invest in this region and help give our local kids the same opportunities as their city counterparts.
“Not only does this new partnership align with our business charter by supporting local kids, but it also helps keep families in the region and allows employers to retain their valued staff,” she said.
Ms Fennell said Football SA’s vision for the region was exciting and the benefits would be felt for many years to come.
“By pooling our resources, investing in young athletes and focussing on growing the game at a local level, we will create a meaningful and long-lasting legacy for our community,” she said.
Ms Fennell encouraged other local businesses to pledge their support.
“We need to work together to build and invest in our region, not just for soccer, but for local sport, businesses, families and communities,” she said.
“The new facilities available at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre are already creating positive attention for sport in Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast – we need to continue to capitalise on that.”
