Football Ambassadors join growing family
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today named the first group of football ambassadors who will form an important part of Australia’s growing family of football supporters.
“Just as football appeals to a wide range of Australians right across the spectrum, our chosen Ambassadors reflect this diversity and are drawn from all walks of life,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.
“Our ambassadors include politicians, journalists, sports people, entrepreneurs, chefs and performers.
“Some of our Ambassadors love the excitement of big international matches; others simply enjoy a kick in the park with their kids; others just get a kick out of supporting the team that unites Australians - the Socceroos.”
Buckley said that the ambassadors will tell their own story, and promote Australia and Australian football as FFA builds towards its aspirations to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Australia.
“The coming month will be an exciting time for football fans as the Socceroos embark on five matches in five weeks in ‘Super June-, including two World Cup Qualifiers here in Australia presented by FOXTEL.
“We are also gearing up to host the FIFA Congress in Sydney next week with delegates from the other 207 member nations of FIFA involving around 2,000 visitors from football globally as well a contingent of international media.
“This is a great event for Sydney and it is also an exciting opportunity for us to position Australia as a potential host for significant football tournaments such as the FIFA Club World Cup (2009 and 2010), the Asian Football Confederation's Asian Cup (2015) and the FIFA World Cup (2018),” Buckley said.
The ambassadors named by Buckley today include:
Ahmed Fahour, CEO, National Australia Bank Alex Perry, fashion designer Anthony La Paglia, actor Cameron Williams, television presenter George Negus, journalist Geraldine Doogue, journalist Ian Thorpe, sportsman Jeff Fenech, sportsman John Stanley, radio presenter Karl Stefanovic, television presenter Kate Ellis, Minister for Sport Mike Conway, representing The Wiggles Stephanie Brantz, television presenter Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy