Curtin joins State League

Earlier this year Football West called for expressions of interest for a further four clubs to join the State League.

It received seven applications.

Clubs were ranked according to their strengths and likely contributions to the ongoing success of the State League.

The four clubs chosen were Curtin, Balga, Ellenbrook and Joondalup.

Curtin University sports manager and team member Daniel Tibbitt said he had been involved with the club for a few years and the planning and hard work had paid off.

‘It took a lot of planning and we had to find out exactly what was required in terms of facilities and grounds,’ he said.

‘One of the big factors was our home ground, Edinburgh Oval.’

Mr Tibbett said the new State team was separate from the university and was self-run.

Club president and first team coach Campbell Ballantyne said the club would recruit more players starting in March.

‘We decided we weren’t ready for the 2011 intake for the league because we didn’t have enough players, so we’re really looking at expanding the club now,’ he said.

‘Lots of our players have previously played State league so they are experienced and know what to expect.’

Mr Ballantyne said one of the requirements was to have a first, reserves and 16s team, which they achieved by merging the junior team with the Victoria Park Rovers.

He said part of the reason the application was successful was because the club had agreed to play Friday nights at Curtin to make weekend fixtures easier to schedule.

‘It also provides an entertainment factor for people on campus who can watch the games every second Friday night,’ he said.