Merger gives rise to Ipswich football powerhouse
The future of football in the Ipswich region has been given a significant boost, following the exciting announcement that Ipswich City Bulls Football Club and Western Pride Football Club are set to amalgamate.
The new entity will be called the Ipswich Football Club.
The merger will create a 750 member club that lays the foundation for the City of Ipswich to become an even stronger force in the sport in Queensland and beyond by providing local players with new pathways for growth and development.
Pat Boyle, General Manager of Western Pride FC, said that both clubs are thrilled about the merger and what it means for the sport, local players, and the community.
“By bringing together two strong football clubs that share a common purpose and vision, our aim is to create a new club that is competitive, sustainable, and community focused, offering every player a clear pathway to reach their full potential and pursue their passion for the sport we all love,” Pat said.
Todd Zeidler, General Manager of Ipswich City Bulls, noted the many benefits that come from the merger.
“By bringing together both club’s histories, combining resources, and joining both community and advanced teams, we aim to build a stronger foundation that provides opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to develop their abilities and go further in the sport they love,” added Todd.
“Our vision is to create a strong, sustainable football community – not just a club – that inspires and develops players, coaches, referees and volunteers, and in doing so quickly cements its position as the premier football club in the region.”
The Ipswich Football Club will be just as focused on its successes off the pitch as on, with the goal of being a positive force in the local community and bringing people together to make a real difference.
“The core values that will drive the formal development and growth of our new club are ‘integrity, courage, care, and impact’, and we cannot wait to share these values with our players and their families, as well as our fans and supporters, partners, and the Ipswich community at large,” Todd added.
Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said the state governing body had been working closely with the two clubs and was fully supportive of the merger.
“Football Queensland congratulates Ipswich City Bulls Football Club and Western Pride Football Club on taking this step to merge to form a 750-member strong club which will deliver a more sustainable operational model, unlocking significant benefits not only for the club but for the wider football community,” Cavallucci said.
The merger will officially take place on 1 January 2024, with the first Ipswich Football Club branded kits to hit the pitch in the 2024 season, in both community leagues, the Queensland Premier Leagues and the Football QLD Junior Academy League.
