We’re excited to announce the official launch of Ku-ring-gai Phoenix, a transformative partnership between Gordon FC, Corpus Christi FC, and North Turramurra FC. This collaboration unites three clubs dedicated to nurturing football talent while preserving the strong community values that have long defined them.
Last Friday, the Presidents of the three clubs – Aiden Heke (Gordon FC), Cameron Perrett (Corpus Christi FC), and Graham Leslie (North Turramurra FC) – signed the partnership agreement. This marks the beginning of a new era for junior football in Ku-ring-gai, with a shared commitment to providing pathways for players in the Ku-ring-gai region to reach their full potential.
Ku-ring-gai Phoenix is focused on development, offering young players the chance to compete at a higher level while staying connected to their community clubs. We were pleased to be part of an exclusive interview with the Club Presidents about this exciting new venture:
How did the Ku-ring-gai Phoenix partnership come about?
Our respective clubs share very similar strategies when it comes to member experience and recognize a need to provide a development pathway for our talented junior players looking to take their game to the next level. Our clubs had also introduced separate in-club development programs with the same qualified coaching partner in 2024. After some initial discussion between Presidents, it quickly became apparent that our cultures, philosophies and values were a great fit. In terms of club size and scale, we agreed that a partnership would provide the best chance for success thus we began expanding the concept to include our club committees, our members and ultimately the NSFA to formalise the partnership in November 2024.
How did you come up with the name Ku-ring-gai Phoenix and club colours?
A small group of us brainstormed some names that we felt would carry local significance and provide a sense of uniqueness to attract players and excite our members. With each of our community clubs having a winged logo, the Phoenix seemed like a great choice to be representative of our clubs rising together. A short list of potential names was put to our communities for a vote. The name Ku-ring-gai Phoenix won the popular vote by a tidy margin. We do like to call ourselves Phoenix FC for short! Our primary club colours are pink and charcoal in line with our values of Passion, Partnership and Pride! The shortlisted playing kit designs are currently out to a vote with the Phoenix FC community. Stay tuned!
What is the purpose of the joint venture partnership and what age groups and teams will be impacted?
The primary purpose of the Phoenix FC partnership is to provide development level opportunities for our club members seeking to play more competitive football but there is also an added benefit in players staying connected by registering for Phoenix FC through their local home clubs which is great for overall retention. We hope that Phoenix FC will also offer our local players an alternative to the larger development clubs in the area to ultimately strengthen the competition but very importantly our inclusive club environments continue to remain for players that simply wish to play community football with friends. Initially Phoenix FC is focused on Junior Development League team entry in JDL2 for ages U8 – U11, Girls JDL for age G10, Diamond League for G12 and Development Squads for U12/13 players in Division 2. We have done this deliberately to build a base of junior/youth aged players that have a positive first year experience and grow in confidence and capability. Over time we wish to evolve our offering to include JDL1 and retain players for future Super and Diamond League team entry as our member base grows and our qualified coaching program creates more depth and talent.
How might the partnership merger improve experiences and opportunities for club members?
We see the partnership offering a premium experience for our members who have the ambition and commitment to pursue football growth. The partnership will provide access to a qualified coaching program with a really positive approach to the development of both player and person. All within the confines of well established and values based community club environments. We hope it represents the best of both worlds!
What has been the members reaction to the joint venture?
Overwhelmingly positive! The collaboration between our club committees, the appreciation from our members, interest from our sponsors and the support from our footballing community has been brilliant. Fair to say we were initially somewhat nervous as this is no small undertaking. We were unsure if we’d read our footballing communities correctly but the 165 kids who signed up for trials over the past two Sundays appears to have vindicated our strategy. Naturally, we’ve had numerous queries and the odd member concern which often comes with this type of undertaking. We welcome the feedback, whether good or not so good so please keep it coming as it really helps Phoenix FC to improve and evolve!
Join Ku-ring-gai Phoenix!
Want to be part of this exciting journey? Trials are ongoing for select age groups. Visit https://www.kuringgaiphoenix.com.au/ for trial details and updates.