Fans will keep wolf from door

By Tim Barrow
Updated November 5 2012 - 7:14pm, first published November 28 2008 - 11:12am
Wollongong FC are looking to their fans, including Woonona's Dean Moreira, 7, to cement their future in the region so they can provide a pathway for junior players. Picture: DAVE TEASE
Wollongong FC are looking to their fans, including Woonona's Dean Moreira, 7, to cement their future in the region so they can provide a pathway for junior players. Picture: DAVE TEASE

Wollongong FC have devised a financial battle plan to come up with the cash required to remain in the NSW Premier League.Club director Vic Cuoco is confident of winning the race against time to pay the $37,800 entry fee before Tuesday's deadline.However, the real issue facing Wollongong FC is the $200,000 needed just to operate next season, and a community support drive will be held tomorrow at 11am to canvass ideas on raising the funds."At the moment it is just about survival," Cuoco said."But this is a chance to relaunch the club and have some community input on the future direction and that is what we hope to achieve (tomorrow)."As part of the plan, Wollongong FC are asking for a $100 membership pledge and are also looking at introducing a special levy on junior fees which would raise almost $20,000.It is understood Wollongong FC will need to raise at least $100,000 in community investment, with the rest of their operating costs to be covered in backing by Wolves junior club and other sponsorships.The new team would then be made up largely of the Illawarra's most talented under 20 players.The dire financial situation follows the collapse of the Wollongong Wolves, who won last year's NSW Premier League title.Wollongong FC are no longer able to use the Wolves nickname as it is the property of Wollongong Epic Events Pty Ltd.Long-time supporter Fred Ferriera, the managing director of Horizon Living, has agreed to pay off the club's $240,000 debt, but has ruled out bankrolling Wollongong FC next year.Illawarra junior technical director Glenn Fontana yesterday said it was crucial that the senior club survive to provide the pathway for junior players."The Premier League is the highest level of football that the Illawarra can provide right now," he said."And it is crucial we preserve that to maintain the outstanding level of junior talent that the region has."Wollongong FC are holding the community support drive at Figtree's The Orb Bowling Club at 11am tomorrow.

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