It was an amazing experience with a packed stadium and an energy as good as the Sydney Entertainment Centre.
That game started my appreciation of Blacktown and the diversity that makes it one of the most unique Council precincts in the country.
Over the next 11 years through my time with the Sydney Blue Sox at Blacktown International Sports Park, BREED Australia based in Quakers Hill, Blacktown Business Chamber, the institution of the ACU campus in Blacktown and work with Blacktown Council, I also grew aware the misunderstanding of Blacktown by those living outside the city.
When I was approached by the historical and iconic Blacktown City FC for advice on their required restructure late last year, I could see an opportunity for the club, the city and football in general.
I weighed up the positives of the club’s history, its culture and reputation, the proven coaching reputation that Mark Crittenden has brought to the club, and its home venue, one of the best football facilities in Sydney, the ingredients were stacking up that the opportunity to capitalise and make a difference was a great one for all concerned.
I accepted the role as Executive Chairman to drive the business of the club to the next level. Over my career I have promoted a variety of sports and events including Jack High Lawn Bowls, Mazda Superchallenge, the Sydney Blue Sox, four NBL teams including the Sydney Kings, gymnastics, speedway and a host of others.
The principles of building a professional sporting club are similar for most sports that include the team, a competition, a culture, a city for support, a home venue people want to go to, and a great deal of energy to sell the program.
Our goal is to live up the challenge
The goal of the new board is to live up to its team name and become a top-of-mind sporting organisation to represent Blacktown with pride and distinction.
The 70-year history of Blacktown City FC, its credible playing reputation and the culture established through our Head of Football are excellent starting points.
Playing in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition with iconic teams such as the Marconi Stallions, Sydney United 58, Sydney Olympic, APIA Leichhardt and Wollongong Wolves to name a few in one of the best home grounds in Sydney add to the required ingredients.
And now an enthusiastic Board will build on that history, culture and club name to generate a following in Blacktown. In addition, football is a universal and global sport that ideally fits the multicultural demographic that is Blacktown.
Our home ground in Seven Hills at Lily Homes Stadium has a current capacity of 5,000, and the end goal is to fill the stadium on a regular basis.
Blacktown City FC proved that was possible when they played the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Quarter Finals of the FFA Cup back in 2017.
They not only packed the stadium but almost pulled off a major upset after defeating the Central Coast Mariners the week before.
A healthy Blacktown City FC playing in front of full houses will not only be a game changer for the club but for the city itself to have a team they can proudly follow and call their own.
The goal is to build the senior men’s team to earn the respect and appreciation of our city. Our name Blacktown City FC is priceless and critical to achieve the objectives of the new Board.
Taking Blacktown City FC to the next level is one of the most challenging yet exciting opportunities I have encountered in my 45-year sporting career and the new Board and our growing number of advisors are up to the challenge. See you all at the next home game!
Go Blacktown City!
Bob Turner is Executive Chairman of Blacktown City FC and will be writing an exclusive column for the Blacktown News.
