South West Sydney have changed their name to the "Moorebank Sports Magpies Australian Football Club Inc".
The South West Sydney Magpies have been representing this region of Sydney since 1996 after the club was born out of a merger of the Liverpool and Bankstown senior AFL clubs.
After a number of years in the First Division competition declining player numbers saw the club drop to the Second Division competition in 2007. The committee is working feverishly to see the club return to the First Division competition in 2009. The decision to change the name is part of this strategy as it will enable the club to better establish the AFL code in the area.
Moorebank Sports Club has been the clubs major sponsor for the past three seasons and the two clubs have been working together to develop the code and in particular the junior clubs.
Moorebank Sports Magpies are working on strengthening their relationship with the junior clubs at Holsworthy Tigers, Liverpool Eagles and Bankstown Sports and believe the name change will enable the junior players to better relate to the senior club.
Moorebank Sports Magpies Vice President Ian Grainger said "Our club has worked extremely hard in the off season with a new committee and much needed new direction. We see it essential to improve the image of our club, and ultimately, improve the image of the AFL code within our district. Our corporate support to date is a clear indication that this is starting to happen, this new name and the slight change to our playing uniform will further improve the image we are looking for."
In 2008 the Club will also be fielding their first Under 18's side in the Sydney AFL Challenge Cup competition. Chris Eckert has been announced as the inaugural Under 18's coach and he comes to the club with a fine record. He has coached junior sides at Bankstown Bombers Junior AFL club for the past six years and last year was named the clubs Coach of the Year.
As a player Chris had an excellent career playing in South Australia before moving to NSW where after a stint coaching at Bomaderry he moved to Sydney and joined the St George club. Chris played Representative Football for Sydney in 1985 and 1986 and also represented NSW against Tasmania in 1985.
The club is confident that the extensive combined senior and junior experience as a player and coach Chris brings to the club will be invaluable, not only with the continued development of the Under 18's but also make the perfect person to assist them with the transition from the Junior footballer ranks to Seniors.
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Training sessions are conducted on Tuesday and Thursday evenings commencing at 6.30pm. |
Training on Tuesday evenings is at Rosedale Park, cnr of Stroud and National Streets Warwick Farm. |
Training on Thursday evenings is at Kelso Park, Henry Lawson Drive, Panania North. |
For more information contact either Under 18's coach Chris Eckert on 0413 136 141 or Senior Coach Mark Coles on 0424 249 078. |
Last Modified on 04/02/2008 09:22