Hyundai A-League newcomers Macarthur FC dropped a series of exciting announcements on Thursday, as the club from Sydney's south west prepares for their inaugural 2020/21 campaign.
Here's all the important details from the club's gala lunch in Campbelltown.
Charles Perkins Soccer Academy launched
Macarthur FC have driven this initiative to offer new opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander footballers throughout Australia to pursue their dreams.
The academy will work with Macarthur, other Hyundai A-League clubs and the broader footballing community to further engage with reconciliation initiatives.
This will include pioneering an Indigenous football round and promoting ways for clubs and supporters to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The academy is named after Dr Charles Nelson Perrurle Perkins AO (1936-2000), a man of the Arrenrnte and Kaladoon people, one of the Stolen Generation.
Perkins dedicated his life to achieving justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is one of Australia's finest civil rights activists.
FULL STORY: Charles Perkins Soccer Academy to open doors for Indigenous footballers
Ivan Jolic named assistant coach
Head coach Ante Milicic will be joined by Ivan Jolic on the Macarthur FC coaching staff.
Jolic, 45, currently serves as Milicic's assistant coach at the Westfield Matildas.
“There’s a solid trust between Ante and I – we work well together and share the same philosophy on how football should be played," he said.
FULL STORY: Ivan Jolic confirmed Macarthur FC assistant coach
Club secures $15m in corporate support
Macarthur have secured $15 million in partnership income over the next three years.
Local home builder Wisdom Homes will be the team's principal front-of-shirt partner, with their subsidiary Hoot Homes' logo appearing on the team's shorts.
Campbelltown City Council are the club's principal community partner, with local shopping giant Macarthur Square joinin up as partners for the schools and wellbeing programs.
FULL STORY: $15m in corporate support sets solid foundations for Macarthur FC
Groundbreaking membership program
Macarthur FC's membership program allows adult members to vote for and elect two of the seven members of the club's board of directors, of which three will be female.
It is an initiative that demonstrates the club's promise to be a true community focused enterprise.
The foundation membership program is priced at $95, includes a unique one-off playing shirt that will be worn by the first-team during the 2020/21 pre-season schedule, and go on sale on Friday, 1 November 2019.
FULL STORY: Macarthur’s foundation membership gives fans a real voice
Stead appointed Director of Football
On Wednesday, Macarthur announced that Ken Stead would be the club's inaugural Director of Football.
Stead was formerly Director of Football at Brisbane Roar, where he was renowned as one the unsung catalysts of the club's success under Ange Postecoglou.
The Scot has also served in roles with the Caltex Socceroos, Young Socceroos, Australia’s U-23 squad, Wellington Phoenix and the Scottish Football Association.
FULL STORY: Stead appointed Macarthur FC Director of Football
