Andrew Leigh (Fenner, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

If you know all the north Canberra Bels—Belnorth, Belsouth, Belwest, the Devils and the Foxes—if you know the Uniteds, Citys and FCs, the Medusas, the Gliders, the Pumas, Olympic, the Panthers and the Spurs, the Bulls, White Eagles and Wanderers, the Knights, the Magpies and the Blues, then you'll know the names Warren, Grella, Zelic, Shipard, Valeri, Farina, Perry, Rogic, Arrows, Cosmos and Arzani. Those great names of Australian soccer have all played a part in the growth of football here in Canberra as well as across the nation.

The A-League needs a team from the capital region. Maybe you've already committed to joining the Canberra and capital region A-League bid. Maybe you've already signed up as a foundation member. If you haven't, do it now. Put your name to the cause. Be a part of the bid to bring A-League football to the capital. Our region covers the Australian Capital Territory and southern New South Wales. We're the largest region of football lovers in Australia that lacks representation in the A-League. The Canberra region bid is aiming to put together an A-League franchise that truly represents our community. Your support is just the start. What about your friends, your family, your teammates? Clubs need volunteers at all stages. You're on board with the bid already? Why not visit the website for the capital region bid and get the tools to sign up more foundation members.

See this speech in context