Words: Staff Writer
Image: Northern Fury FC

Northern Fury today announced that it will seek to expand its popular academy programme to the Burdekin region in 2015.

Fury’s Academy programme currently serves the North Queensland population centres of Townsville and Ingham, north of Townsville.

The Burdekin region extends south of Townsville and has a population of nearly 20,000 residents, including almost 10,000 in Ayr.

Fury’s academy programme is in line with the FFA National Curriculum and provides players between the ages of eight and eleven with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge of the game in a specialised training environment.

The announcement came as part of a new partnership deal between Fury and Westfund Health that will see the member-owned Australian health fund sponsor the club’s Academy programme.

The partnership will also see Westfund Health serve as shorts sponsor for Fury’s girls and women’s teams next season.

In addition, Westfund Health will give a further $100 to Northern Fury for every Fury member, supporter, player or parent who joins Westfund Health from today until the end of September next year into a special account known as the 'Westfund Health Fury Fund'.

Fury Chairman Rabieh Krayem hailed the partnership as continued evidence of the club’s growth as part of the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland competition.

"Our partnership with Westfund Health is a great match," says Fury Chairman, Rabieh Krayem.

"They are Australian owned, locally managed and family-focussed, and are part of the community – just like Northern Fury.”

"As well as the sponsorship of the Fury Academy and support for the girls and women's teams, the 'Westfund Health Fury Fund' gives us scope for continued growth and opportunities for young people in the region," Krayem added.

Westfund Health Regional Manager for North Queensland, Bob Whittaker, said that the fact that football appeals across both genders and all age groups is an important fit for Westfund Health.

"We know how important it is to be healthy and active and we're always looking for ways to support and improve the health of the local community," Mr Whittaker said.

"The Westfund Health Fury Fund and our support of the girls' and women's teams is one way we can make a difference by encouraging participation in sport and partnering with a very exciting, expanding football club."

Mr Whittaker said that the new 'Westfund Health Fury Fund' would give Northern Fury an opportunity to grow further.

"We understand that Northern Fury has a long-term goal and we're keen to support their work every step of the way."