Elders is proud to announce its partnership with Country Football WA as the Official Travel Partner of the State Men’s Program, supporting regional footballers as they represent Western Australia on the interstate stage.
At the announcement of the partnership, from L to R: Melody Sulzberger, Country Football WA Chair and Matt Ericsson, Elders General Manager Western Region. Image credit: Lisa Gwynn of Shutterbug.
The Country Football WA State Program brings together the best football talent from leagues across regional Western Australia. They provide players with the opportunity to represent their communities while showcasing the strength, passion and spirit of country football.
As part of the partnership, Elders will provide travel support to the Country Football WA Men’s State Team as they prepare for and travel to Adelaide in July to compete against South Australia Country. The support will help ensure players from across regional Western Australia can proudly wear the black and gold and focus on performing at their best.
Elders General Manager Western Region, Matt Ericsson, said the partnership reflects Elders' long-standing commitment to regional communities and the people who make them strong.
"At Elders, we know local sport plays a vital role in bringing communities together, and Country Football is a great example of that. It creates connections, develops leadership and strengthens communities right across regional Western Australia," Matt said.
“We are proud to support the Country Football WA State Program and help players represent their regions on one of the biggest stages in community football."
Country Football WA Chair Mel Sulzberger welcomed the partnership, saying both organisations share a deep connection to regional Australia.
"Country football and Elders share a long history of supporting regional Western Australians. This partnership is about backing the people and communities that make country WA such a special place," Mel shared.
"Our State Program is a celebration of regional football, bringing together players from every corner of the state. Having Elders support our travel requirements ensures our athletes can focus on representing their leagues, clubs and communities with pride."
Country Football WA Executive Manager Brent Hedley said Elders' support would play an important role in delivering a positive representative football experience.
"Travel is a significant component of any representative program, particularly in a state as large as Western Australia. Elders' support helps us deliver a high-quality experience for our players and staff while ensuring we can continue to showcase the very best of country football," Brent said.
"We are excited to work alongside Elders because they understand regional communities and share our commitment to helping them thrive."
The Country Football WA Men’s State Team will travel to Adelaide this July, continuing the proud tradition of interstate country football rivalry. Elders will be embedded throughout the State Program journey, featuring in team announcements, travel updates, player stories and match-day coverage in the lead-up to the clash.
For Elders, supporting the State Program is also about investing in the communities that country football helps bring together. From players and volunteers to families and supporters, the game plays a vital role in strengthening connections and creating opportunities across regional Western Australia.
Through this partnership, Elders continues its strong support of the thousands of people who help the game thrive, contributing to the strength, spirit and vibrancy of regional communities.