Adelaide Airport and Abby Erceg join Adelaide United Westfield W-League side

Adelaide United WWL coach David Edmondson with NZ International signing Abby Erceg

Football Federation SA is pleased to announce Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) has signed on as the major sponsor for the Adelaide United Women’s team who will compete in the Westfield W-League.

Adelaide Airport Ltd will be recognised as the front of shirt sponsor of the Adelaide United WWL team for seasons 2011/12 and 2012/13.

Another significant boost for the squad is the signing of highly talented New Zealand International Abby Erceg for the 2011/12 season.

The 21-year-old, 177cm defender has played 63 internationals, including every minute in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.

Erceg admitted she is eagerly awaiting the start of the season and looking forward to working with coach David Edmondson.

“I just can’t wait to start training and meet the team, my new team-mates and see what everyone is all about,” she said.

“I’ve seen what David did with teams in New Zealand – teams that weren’t doing that great and to where he has taken them to nearly winning championships. I hope he can carry it over here in Adelaide.”

Adelaide United coach Edmondson acknowledged the experience of the New Zealand International will greatly serve his side.

“She is definitely a quality signing both as a player and in terms of her experience,” he said.

“Having played in many internationals, World Cups and Olympics, and the likelihood is that we’ll have a very young side, her experience will be invaluable.”

“Abby is young herself but has had a wealth of experience and hopefully it rubs off on the other girls.”

The new deal between Adelaide Airport and FFSA is in addition to the existing partnership that saw AAL sign on as major sponsor of the Women's Premier Division in 2009.

The FFSA Women's competition will continue to be recognised as the Adelaide Airport Women's Premier and State Leagues until the end of the 2013 campaign.

"Adelaide Airport Limited has again shown their commitment to Women’s Football in South Australia by signing a two year deal as Major Sponsors of the Women’s Team. FFSA is fortunate to have a loyal supporter of the women’s game in South Australia," said FFSA CEO Michael Carter.

Adelaide Airport General Manager Corporate Affairs John McCardlealso praised the continuing partnership.

“We’re delighted to be able to further our association with women’s football in South Australia through the W-League and Adelaide United,” he said.

 

“Support for local community and sporting organisations is a high priority for us, and we hope we can contribute in some small way to the growth of home-grown women’s football on the national stage.”

 

Adelaide United kick off their WWL campaign against Canberra on Saturday, October 22 at Hindmarsh Stadium in a curtain raiser to the Hyundai A-League match between Adelaide United and Sydney FC.