EAST Coast Futsal Academy director Mick Day is excited about the prospect of forming a partnership with telecommunication giant Optus.
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The two organisations have signed off on a 12-month sponsorship agreement which will be a first for futsal in regional New South Wales.
No other futsal club has formed such an alliance although Optus currently supports other grassroots football clubs around the Mid North Coast including Macleay Valley Rangers and Old Bar Barbarians.
But Optus general manager Chris Simon admitted the Port Macquarie partnership will be an exciting venture.
"We're going to do big things with Mick; we're really looking forward to a great partnership," Mr Simon said.
"I know how important it is to support the community at a grassroots level."
- Optus general manager Chris Simon
The agreement will include an ongoing year-by-year option for both parties to explore.
"I live in Port Macquarie myself; I work here and know how important it is to support the community at a grassroots level," Mr Simon said.
"Having seen the work that Mick and the committee at East Coast Futsal put in, it was a no-brainer for us (to jump on board).
"So for us, it's about showing that we can bring big Optus into the Port Macquarie community to support the things that matter.
"I was given the opportunity to come and meet with Mick and he showed me around and explained the different competitions and what they're doing for all age groups, all abilities and development programs.
"As an organisation that is aligned quite strongly with football, it was important to support the community."
"It will open up even further opportunities and pathways in futsal and football for our club, players, coaches, officials and families."
- East Coast Futsal Academy director Mick Day
Under the agreement, Optus will aim to offer events at game days, hold movie nights and they hope to explore an option for a reverse sponsorship.
"That will be for customers who connect with Optus where we can look to provide further financial assistance back to East Coast Futsal," Mr Simon said.
"You only need to look at our Optus Sport properties where we do hold the rights for the EPL and the J-League and the UEFA League so football is certainly something we're aligned with as a brand."
Day said East Coast were honoured to secure the partnership.
"It will open up even further opportunities and pathways in futsal and football for our club, players, coaches, officials and families," Day said.
"Both Eastcoast and Optus have the same commitment to core family values and high achievement."
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