Melbourne Heart FC Chief Executive Officer Scott Munn believes it is absolutely crucial the club establishes a visible presence in grassroots football communities throughout Victoria.
Melbourne Heart FC Chief Executive Officer Scott Munn believes it is absolutely crucial the club establishes a visible presence in grassroots football communities throughout Victoria.
Outlining a commitment to boosting the game at a local level, Munn said he is keen for the club to use its resources and coaching expertise to assist junior clubs across both metropolitan and country regions.
“It is incumbent upon the club to consider the needs of the wider football community as we cannot afford to merely restrict our vision to the team-s efforts at Hyundai A-League level,” he said.
“Although the club remains in its infancy, we have taken on this project with the intention of transforming into a multi-faceted football institution.”
“The club is acutely aware of the challenges it faces and that this will not be a simple task, but our intentions are clear and will hopefully be appreciated by round ball lovers everywhere.”
With the playing squad beginning to take shape, the Heart Syndicate is in the process of finalising negotiations regarding its training and administrative facilities.
While the Heart Syndicate canvassed the option of splitting the two, Munn said the club will ultimately benefit by housing its football and organizational departments under the same roof.
However, Munn emphasised that the location of the club-s base wouldn-t restrict the scope of its planned projects throughout the football community.
“The trend of fans supporting a certain sporting team as a result of the area in which they were raised is diminishing. As we have seen in the AFL for example, the percentage of supporters who hail from the suburb their club represents has decreased exponentially over time,” he said.
“Of greater importance is the ability for fans to identify with the more intangible characteristics of a club such as its guiding values, principles and ideals.
He added: “The club though will of course seek to engage with the population immediately surrounding our training base as we will throughout the State.”
“It is imperative Melbourne Heart FC preaches the word of football and seeks to extend its reach during this incredibly significant year for the sport.”
