Season 2013 SA National Premier League Champions Campbelltown City are eager to start the new season, as they look to go ‘back to back’ in 2014.

Campbelltown City Chairman Don Leombruno said that the club keenly awaits the beginning of the season, the chance to repeat the Championship victory, the Football Federation Australia Cup opportunities and continuing to develop their Club Accademy.

“The club is continuing to progress strongly. We currently have 6 coaches completing their C Licence, which assists the clubs development, the philosophy in which we go by and follows the Federations curriculum.

“We are fielding more junior teams in 2014 which is great, a number of players in these sides have come through from the Club Academy – a project that has been going for a year and a half now and we are very happy with.

“The Academy, ran by Senior player Michael Matricciani, reaches the local schools and children in the area that may not be currently playing at the club.”

Vas Parhas who captained the Championship side told that winning the premiership was an incredible experience for the club.

“The players and coaching staff set a goal at the start of the year to compete in the Finals, recognising that we had the personnel and game plan to go all the way.

“To achieve the ultimate success as a club in our 50th year held even greater significance.”

Following the Grand Final win, the side travelled to Tasmania to compete against South Hobart in a Semi Final round in the National Premier League Championships. Despite going in as favourites, Campbelltown City was unsuccessful and were defeated 3-1 by the home side.

“Playing in the National Premier League Finals Series was both an exciting and valuable experience” Told Parhas.

“Unfortunately we didn’t have our full squad available for the game, but nonetheless we were beaten by a side who clearly outplayed us on the day.

“We have taken a number of lessons from the experience including logistical factors and as a club we are very motivated to become a mainstay in the NPL Finals competition going forward.”

Parhas believes that Season 2014 promises to be one of the most closely contested competitions in recent times. 

“The NPL Finals Series along with the introduction of the FFA Cup provides added incentive for players and clubs to succeed, given the associated national recognition and prestige.

“Personally, my goal for 2014 is to do everything I can to assist Campbelltown City in consolidating its position as one of the premier football clubs in SA and further embed the success orientated values that the entire club has embraced.” 

Parhas notes that there are several clubs to watch in 2014 who will challenge his club for the premiership. 

“I was particularly impressed with Raiders and Adelaide City last year who look very balanced with an ideal blend of youth and experience. 

“Adelaide Blue Eagles and MetroStars are always strong contenders and teams like Croydon, Para Hills and West Torrens Birkalla are well coached, respected and will be very competitive.”

Looking at recently promoted clubs West Adelaide and South Adelaide, Parhas said he considers both sides to be contenders.

“West Adelaide has a proud history and is making its intentions clear with a number of high profile signings. I expect that they will be entrenched in the top half of the table all year.

“I expect that South Adelaide, who also have a rich history, will provide strong competitions particularly at their home ground.”

Campbelltown City commences pre season training on Wednesday 4 December.