The launch of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues (PS4 NPL) Men’s seasons took place at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday, kick starting 2015 in fine fashion.
Players and officials from the 24 competing clubs were present, celebrating the third year of the NPL, and the first with new sponsor PlayStation 4.
In what has already been a monumental year for the sport with the Socceroos clinching the AFC Asian Cup, the Western Sydney Wanderers being crowned AFC ACL Champions as well as the Matildas recording wonderful results, the Playstation 4 National Premier Leagues Men’s is set to take the elite competition in NSW to new standards.
Socceroos Assistant Coach Ante Milicic was a special guest at the launch as he gave the audience his view on the importance the NPL plays in the development of both players and coaches as well as chatting about his experiences as a former participant of the elite men’s competition with Sydney United 58 FC and Sydney Olympic.
“The PS4 NPL is integral to the continued success of football and importantly our national teams programs," Milicic said.
“It’s a competition that so many players and coaches have come through the system who have then kicked on to playing in the Hyundai A-League, playing abroad and representing the Socceroos.”
Michael Ephraim, Managing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia expressed his passion and excitement at PlayStation’s affiliation with the National Premier Leagues.
“At PlayStation, everything we do is for the players. People love to play football for many of the same reasons they play video games – for fun, to be challenged, for the competition and to be social," Ephraim said.
"This new partnership unites the passion of our PlayStation fans with the passion of the National Premier Leagues communities and will help drive the continued growth of football in Australia."
Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore said he was anticipating a huge year for football.
“It will be an action packed season for all our clubs, players, coaches, referees and volunteers involved with the sport," Moore said.
“We expect that there will be some very entertaining matches across all our PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues competitions with a number of trophies up for grabs.
“I would like to wish all clubs the best for the upcoming season and look forward to seeing the game progress.”
The PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 kicks off on Saturday 14th of March while the Westfield FFA Cup Preliminary Rounds will also take shape on the same date. The PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 2 will begin the following weekend.
More information on the National Premier Leagues can be found at nplnsw.com.au
Twitter: @NPLNSW (tweet using #PS4NPLNSW) Facebook: fb.com/nplnsw Instagram: FootballNSW
Image courtesy of Football NSW