SUTHERLAND Shire Council has given official support to a call for the next Hyundai A-League football franchise to be located in Sutherland Shire.
The call was made by Cronulla Sharks chief executive Lyall Gorman, who joined the Sharks after two years at the Western Sydney Wanderers. He believes the Sharks can enter an A-League team in time for the 2017-18 football season.
The council gave its official support in a notice of motion by Councillor Bruce Walton at the December 15 council meeting.
The council also called on the federal and state governments to assist wherever possible in achieving the goal of having an A-League franchise in the shire.
"Having an A-League side will not only provide the biggest football nursery in Australia with the elite football teams, which it has been wanting for some time, it will also provide the very talented young footballers of Sutherland Shire with the opportunity of playing at the top level in Australia for their local team," Cr Walton said.
His call was supported by fellow councillors including Kevin Schreiber, who said it was a great idea, even though he supported a different code.
"I support the call though I'm a rabid Rabbitohs supporter, not just a Johnny-come-lately, but for 64 years," he said.
"It will be a good way to bring business to the shire and keep young sports people here."
Mayor Kent Johns said it was a brilliant idea.
"It's great to see the new chief executive of the Sharks hitting the ground running, not only for his sport but for others," he said.
Would you support an A-League team based in the shire?