AFTER a period of discontent between the Wests Tigers, fans and some local politicians, it appears chief executive Grant Mayer has heeded some of the calls and has a message for fans in the Macarthur region.
"We're not going away, we're not over the council - they may be over us - but the reality is we're here for the long term," he told the Chronicle during a visit to Camden last week.
"There's no doubt that we've got to start working harder in our community.
"We've been gifted with the biggest footprint in rugby league. We've got to make sure that we develop our strategy."
One of the ways Mayer wants to reconnect with the region is through a junior development academy.
"Developing a junior academy … is about making sure we have a facility that has a life-learning centre or a school room that these kids can be taught not just about being a good footballer but skills off the field as well," he said.
"We're going to work very hard with the local politicians over the next 12 months to make sure part of our development pathway involves an academy in the south-western region."
The project already has support from Campbelltown state Liberal MP Bryan Doyle.
"I have spoken with Grant and I'm very interested in it," Mr Doyle said. "I'd be very excited to see some details when they're nutted out."
Despite the Campbelltown home game arrangements for 2014 not yet being signed off by Campbelltown Council, Mayer was certain the games would proceed.
"I have no doubt we'll have a deal to play at Campbelltown," he said.
"The terms of this deal is more than a hiring deal; it's a relationship where both parties can win - the bigger the crowds the more opportunities for both of us."
Mayer also acknowledged the club could do more to appeal to fans and politicians in the Macarthur region.
"My focus is to make sure we start engaging with locals better," he said.
"The goals are to make sure that football remains very strong, but our academy development program and pathways program continues to be a key focus."
TRIAL: February 8, at Kirkham Oval, v Panthers
TICKETS: Adults $15, children $7, or family $40
OTHER TRIALS: v Eels at Alice Springs, Saturday, February 8; v Sharks at Remondis Stadium, February 22
NRL AT CAMPBELLTOWN: April 12 v Cowboys; May 24 v Broncos; June 28 v Raiders; round 21, date to be announced, v Storm
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/wests-tigers-ceo-grant-mayers-message-to-macarthur-fans-were-here-for-the-long-term/story-fngr8h70-1226806039246
Im surprised that this post has been up all day and not one whinger from the South West has commented yet. Such a positive article for us.
Any other time they can't wait to cry foul over anything and everything Wests Tigers related. Even colors for frig sake.
Before I get bagged, I too am from the area.
Hope it happens.
_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_
