In a landmark deal for Football West, Gold Fields have signed a three-year corporate sponsorship deal. All 21 of the state's representative soccer teams will benefit from this new partnership, alongside various regional programs as funding is distributed.
Gold Fields Executive Vice President (Australasia) Stuart Mathews presents the trophy to Perth Glory Youth's captain. Source: Football West
The new deal, announced earlier this month, is a clear achievement for Football West, who previously had struggled to secure corporate backing, however it also presents a unique opportunity for Gold Fields in Australia, who see the new partnership as a chance to promote the gold industry and gold mining as an exciting career choice for the state's youngsters.
At the first official event since the deal was struck, Perth Glory and Sorrento went head-to-head in the round eight fixture of the 2018 National Premier Leagues WA Regional Cup at Kalgoorlie-Boulder's Ray Finlayson Sporting Complex on Saturday night.
Kicking off at 5:30pm, the thrilling match seemed to be in Sorrento's favour early on, however the lead was short-lived, with Glory ultimately wiping the field in a spectacular 6-1 win over Sorrento.
Gold Fields Executive Vice President Australasia Stuart Mathews was delighted to present the winners trophy on the night.
"Our commitment and support to Football West is based on their impressive record of growth of the sport in Western Australia, their commitment and focus at a regional level, inclusiveness, and cultural and gender diversity. The values of our company and Football West are also naturally aligned," he said.
Speaking to The West Australian last week Mr Mathews said the Company wanted to promote the industry and showcase mining as a career, because a lot of people don't understand the opportunities and diversity it offers.
"It's not just about mining engineers and geologists, there's a whole raft of opportunities in mining," he said.
Football West Chief Executive, James Curtis, has agreed the deal with Gold Fields in Australia is timely, aligning with the sporting body's launch of a new strategic plan and a period of renewal for football in Western Australia.
Gold Fields is a globally diversified producer of gold, with eight mines in operation across Australia, Ghana, Peru and South Africa. Since it's entry into Australia in 2001, Gold Fields has been synonymous with sustained investment and the positive development of the Goldfields region in central Western Australia.