Star-studded launch for NSW Premier League

The NSW Premier League was launched today in fine fashion, with countless stars of Australian football present to kick-off the 2012 season. Now in it's 12th year the league is flourishing under the guidance of Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore.

All 12 clubs in attendance at Allianz Stadium

Allianz Stadium (formerly SFS) played host to the event that saw the who's who of domestic football launch New South Wales' highest form of the game. Hosted by Foxsports commentator Adam Peacock, a representative from all 12 Premier League teams were in attendance to speak of their upcoming season.

Most clubs mentioned a reliance on youth in their playing roster so a fast-paced, exciting brand of football can be expected from a string of players fueled by youthful exuberance and a desire to be scouted by A-League clubs and beyond.

Phil Makrys from Sydney Olympic noted it will be be hard to go back to back and win the competition again, but stated they'll be competitive. Jacob Timpano from South Coast Wolves believed his side lacked the finances of Sydney-based clubs but that local Illawarra talent will be key to their success.

Newly promoted side Blacktown Spartans have a juicy derby fixture early on in the season, against cross-town rivals Blacktown City FC. Both sides will be hungry to claim first blood in what is sure to be a fascinating contest.

Ivo Bosnar explained to The Football Sack that Sydney United's facilities are second to none, and that his team will be looking to better last season's performance.

A motley, yet highly skilled, crew

But it was the former players of the domestic competition that stole the show. Alex Tobin, Paul Wade, Craig Foster, Mark Rudan, Francis Awaritefe, David Zdrilic, Ufuk Talay, Sasho Petrovski, Peter Tsekenis and many more faced off in a friendly small-sided game to celebrate the launch. It truly was a treat to watch a combined total of 265 Socceroos caps in action against one another. Whilst the score didn't matter, Craig Foster claimed victory via Twitter after the match.   

Last year's launch, although well-organised, was a small scale affair. What a difference a year makes. Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore, who took up the role in May last year, is not a 'football person' but has 16 years experience in the area of sports management, including three years as Head of Operations at the Australian Rugby Union. It's this extensive experience of the governing body's CEO that is now bearing fruit for the NSW Premier League.


The Football Sack can exclusively reveal that footage from all six games of the round will be available in a weekly highlights package, released on the NSW Premier League website and YouTube channel. Stay tuned for our own coverage of post-match video interviews with coaches and players.

The Premier League kicks off on March 31st.