Melbourne Victory has continued its commitment to grassroots football with Sandown Lions the latest to receive the club’s support.
Melbourne Victory has continued its commitment to grassroots football with Sandown Lions the latest to receive the club-s support.
Sandown Lions won last season-s ‘Victory for a Local Club- competition, an initiative to provide struggling clubs with funding and equipment to help foster the development of their players.
Melbourne Victory received more than 250 applications for the program, but Sandown-s application, put forward by player Math Thowat, was compelling. The Lions are a small club that continue to field teams and support their participants as they try to break down cultural barriers and financial sustainability issues.
The Sandown Lions Football Club took pitch-side seats at Melbourne Victory-s recent intra-club match and were invited on to the AAMI Park pitch to receive their prize.
Sandown Lions President Philip Kramer received the prize from Melbourne Victory Chairman, Anthony Di Pietro, in front of a 3,000 strong crowd.
“The boys had a great time at the intra-club match and got a chance to meet all the players after the game,” Mr Kramer said.
“It was an amazing experience for them to meet the Victory stars and the gear we have won from adidas is fantastic, along with the other sponsor prizes, Melbourne Victory merchandise and the $1,000 community grant. It will benefit the club greatly.”
Mr Di Pietro said he was thrilled to be able to present the prize to the Sandown Lions.
“We are committed to supporting and providing local clubs with a helping hand across Victoria and to see the recipient-s responses on Sunday was very rewarding,” Mr Di Pietro said.
“There-s no doubt that supporting football clubs at the grassroots level is something that we will continue to do as we recognise just how important these clubs are to the Australian football landscape.”
Sandown Lions player Yang Dow Kong said: “I can-t believe the experience I had with Melbourne Victory, it still feels like I-m dreaming and someone needs to wake me up.”
The prize pack for Sandown Lions, worth $4,000, included signed club merchandise, an adidas equipment pack, a $1,000 community grant, as well as KFC, Oliana foods and Body Science Supplements vouchers.
