Former National Soccer League champions APIA Leichhardt have secured some high-powered support for their first campaign in Australia’s new national second tier, with the Holman Barnes Group – majority owners of the NRL’s Wests Tigers – taking an equity stake in the club.
APIA Leichhardt play in the NSW NPL and are already sponsored by Wests Ashfield, one of three clubs under the Holman Barnes banner, whose logo is on the front of their shirts.
APIA Leichhardt players celebrate one of their goals against Melbourne City last week.Credit: Getty Images
But the group’s involvement in soccer is stepping up significantly, with a co-branded team to be known as Wests APIA FC to enter the new Australian Championship competition, which is being launched by Football Australia in October.
It marks the first significant step outside of rugby league by Wests Ashfield, and ensures a strong financial base for APIA Leichhardt as they return to national competition for the first time since 1992.
“This is a proud moment for both clubs,” said Daniel Paton, CEO of Holman Barnes Group. “Sport and community have always been at the core of who we are and this partnership with APIA is a natural evolution of our commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives and expanding opportunities for local participation and connection.
“This year alone we have contributed over $2m in support across 33 Intra-Clubs, reflecting our deep commitment to community engagement. All this, alongside our championing of rugby league through our partnerships with Wests Tigers, Wests Magpies and Balmain Tigers, which we remain steadfast in our commitment.
Wests APIA FC will play out of Leichhardt Oval.Credit: Getty Images
“We are delighted to be strengthening our community ties and grassroots development and we are looking forward to working with APIA Leichhardt and the competition kicking off in October”.
The Australian Championship will begin as an end-of-season tournament, rather than the full-blown home-and-away league format clubs had been hoping for, featuring eight “foundation” clubs and the winners of eight state-based competitions in NSW, Northern NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, the ACT and Tasmania.
