The PlayStation®4 (PS4™) National Premier Leagues NSW 2017 Season was launched by Football NSW at Waterview in Bicentennial Park on Wednesday where media and representatives from the NPL community attended.

A cocktail function for 150 guests with Master of Ceremonies and Fox Sports’ very own Simon Hill took control of proceedings which also included representatives from all Football NSW National Premier League Clubs, FFA, Hyundai A-League and W-League clubs, Major Sponsors, and Managing Director of Sony Interactive Entertainment Australia, Michael Ephraim, celebrated the fifth year of the National Premier Leagues in NSW.

There were also cameo appearances from a couple of ex-Socceroos with Paul Okon, Ante Covic, David Zdrilic and Gerry Gomez on hand to support the competition as well as former Socceroos coach form the famous 1974 World Cup squad, Rale Rasic.

The 2017 season will again see the National Premier Leagues benefit from the association with PlayStation4 with the powerhouse sponsor throwing its full support behind grassroots football in Australia.

“I’ve often been quoted as stating PlayStation’s passion for football has always lived both on and off the field and it is true – whether it be literally by strapping on a pair of boots, or picking up a controller,” commented Michael Ephraim, Managing Director, Sony Interactive Entertainment Australia.

“This year, we are celebrating three years of partnership with FFA and we’re incredibly proud to see how the strength of our collaboration has contributed to the growth of the PS4 NPL into a true breeding ground of Australian football talent,” Ephraim concluded.

Two special panels took place on the evening as the first took centre stage from all five NPL competitions with Rockdale City Suns’ prized new signing Ante Covic, Sydney University inspirational captain Elizabeth Grey, Marconi Stallions’ master midfielder Peter Triantis, Nepean FC’s talented skipper Desiree Vassallo and charismatic Gladesville Ryde Magic’s Kiriakos Tohouroglou all promoted the key role the NPL has played with the continual development of the world game in NSW.

The second panel saw the Central Coast Mariners’ Blake Powell, a former Sutherland Sharks and APIA Leichhardt Tigers product, Sydney FC’s Westfield W-League star and current Macarthur Rams player Leena Khamis as well as Western Sydney Wanderers’ Lachlan Scott, a former Wollongong Wolves and APIA Leichhardt product, chat about their involvements with the NPL.

Football NSW interim Chief Executive Officer Stefan Kamasz stated that the event accomplished its intention in celebrating the launch of all PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues NSW competitions.

“I’m thrilled to be able to enjoy the launch of this season with so many of those that champion this competition. The PS4 NPL in New South Wales is a very important part of the football landscape and player pathway in Australia, and in the room tonight are the heroes of our game that ensure it continues to be so.

“Season launches are wonderful occasions to come together socially and catch up with old friends, and even adversaries, but in football terms they are a time for optimism, for positivity, for anticipation, for expectation and hopefulness for the coming season.

“I would like to thank the league sponsors PlayStation4, especially Micahel Ephraim, who is not just a sponsor but a wonderful friend of football. Michael’s enthusiasm for PlayStation4 and football is infections and it is a delight having such an individual involved with our wonderful sport.

“I would like to wish all the clubs the best of luck and we look forward to seeing another NSW club being honoured as the National Premier League Champions following in the footsteps of Sydney United 58 FC (2013, 2016) and Blacktown City FC (2015).”

The PS4 NPL NSW Men’s commences on Saturday the 11th of March as Sutherland Sharks host Manly United, Bonnyrigg White Eagles take on Sydney Olympic, Parramatta FC tackle Wollongong Wolves and the new kids on the block Sydney FC battle Rockdale City Suns. Two matches will then take shape on Sunday to conclude Round 1.

The PS4 National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Men’s competition kicks off this Saturday the 4th of March while the PS4 National Premier Leagues Women’s (Sunday 2nd April), Women’s 2 (Sunday 9th April), and Men’s 3 (Saturday 11th March) conclude the PS4 NPL competition openers in NSW.

Don’t forget to tune in each and every Thursday’s at 6pm, kicking off on Thursday 9th of March as a brand new show the PS4 NPL Live Show takes off hosted by Srine Demachkie.

Viewers can tune in via the PS4 NPL New South Wales Facebook.

For more information on the 2017 PS4 NPL NSW football season check out the official website

 

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