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After only a few months into the Western Sydney Wanderer’s existence, the A-League’s newest team has also become it’s most talked about team.
The hype surrounding the club from before it’s existence has not diminished in the slightest and in terms of public interest alone people would be forgiven for thinking the club had been around for years.
In many ways the Wanderers have always been a part of Western Sydney but only now is the Australian public seeing the spirit of Western Sydney football find a unified physical body and one that all of Western Sydney can be proud of, no less.
Even the old NSL representatives of the region have something to look forward as the Wanderers begin their prime objective of connecting with the region’s football community.
In the weeks to come the Wanderers will face a number of local teams, at local grounds and give true fans the opportunity to watch the club build itself from the ground up in a way many argue football is meant to be watched, at grassroots level.
Strong ties with the community are essential if Western Sydney wants to be successful and unlike other A-League clubs the Wanderers must acknowledge and embrace the rich history and knowledge of the fallen NSL giants.
Early signs look positive but for long term success long-term programs are needed to track youth development and maintain communication with local clubs to ensure that the Wanderers don’t lose focus and continue to truly represent Western Sydney.
For now though, in terms of engaging with the community few can argue the Wanderers have failed. The club name, logo and colours have all received overwhelming public support.
However, arguably the clubs biggest and most successful move in regards to fan relations was the announcement of all home games at Parramatta Stadium.
Even in the days of the Western Sydney Rovers fans protested against the possible staging of home games at ANZ stadium. By rejecting the easy money on offer from playing games at ANZ stadium, the Wanderers will provide their fans what few other A-League clubs can in providing a truly local and intimate match-day experience.
Like the NSL clubs before them the Wanderers are working for their community and are making up for a decade of lost time.
Only by staying true to their values and honouring their region’s history will the Wanderers be successful in the decades to come.
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