GWS deal a giant boost in Wagga

In return for council’s investment over the next three years, a number of benefits have been secured, including pre-season competition matches – currently known as NAB Cup – at Robertson Oval, one GWS team community camp and a yearly NEAFL match.

There will also be a number positive projects for football-keen youth, including squad selection guarantees for the Paul Kelly Cup and the guarantee Robertson Oval will be used as one of the locations for the GWS Giants Academy Centre.

The academy provides talented players between the age of 12 and 18 the opportunity for elite training and mentoring.

But some have questioned why GWS hasn’t offered such services for free to support country football.

GWS chief operating officer Richard Griffiths said it was a normal practice and many social and economic benefits would flow back from the investment.

“Look, it’s not uncommon for regional councils and government agencies to support sporting codes,” he said.

“For a fledgling club to come into a regional area and create a tangible impact in the community – there’s been ongoing discussions and council recognise what these benefits are.”

Mr Griffiths also praised the number of sporting stars coming from the Wagga area and said this would be fostered under the arrangement which also focused on providing opportunities for Indigenous youth.

“I think particularly in Wagga there is a long tradition of past champions coming out of the region,” he said.

“We will be bringing over for the duration of the agreement, players and coaches.”

There will be a lot of side economic returns in the form of hotel bookings and ticket sales, according to Wagga City Council too.

“It’s more than just a favour, just run through the list of benefits,” council’s general manager Phil Pinyon said.

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