Gladesville Hornsby, North West Sydney Womens Football to merge

Gladesville Hornsby Football Association and North West Sydney Womens Football sign off on historic merger to establish North West Sydney Football.

West Ryde Rovers and Gladesville Ravens players Erin Brick, Xavi Trajcevski, Alexander Tinsley and Isaac Chong. Gladesville Hornsby Football Association and North West Sydney Womens Football have agreed to merge into North West Sydney Football. Pictures: Angelo Velardo

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Football in north west Sydney is set for a historic facelift with members of Gladesville Hornsby Football Association and North West Sydney Womens Football voting to merge the two organisations to create North West Sydney Football.

At a series of special general meetings held on July 18, members of both associations voted overwhelmingly in favour of the merger, which will become operational on October 1.

GHFA general manager Mark Lockie said the merger is primarily aimed at streamlining administration across the two organisations.

“Twenty-two of the 28 NWSWF clubs are already members of GHFA,” Mr Lockie said.

“Volunteer administrators are dealing with two lots of administration and it’s just much more complicated than it needs to be.

The merger will help streamline the administration of the associations. Picture: Angelo Velardo

“There won’t be much change on match day but the merger will make life simpler for all of our member clubs, especially when it comes to registration and all the little things that need to be done on a day-to-day basis.”

Covering an area that stretches from Hunters Hill to Castle Hill, NWSF will be one of the largest associations in NSW with a projected playing membership of more than 15,500.

Mr Lockie added that the merger would also bring a number of economic benefits for the clubs and associations. “By simplifying our administration, we will be able to focus more resources on growing the game,” he said.

North West Sydney Football will be one of the largest associations in NSW. Picture: Angelo Velardo

“That will mean better resources to develop facilities, develop referees and improve the playing experience.”

Football NSW chief executive Stuart Hodge welcomed the merger and praised both GHFA and NWSWF in getting it off the ground.

“Football NSW congratulates the boards and management of both associations on the work they have done so far to bring two of our key stakeholders together,” Mr Hodge said.

“We are all about unifying the code as one in ensuring the sport of football continues to grow and develop in a positive direction.”

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