The Newcastle Jets have launched a Football Foundation which technical director Gary van Egmond is confident will be a game changer for the sport in the region.
Announced on Friday, the not-for-profit foundation is designed to raise money to invest back into the sport, including the Jets academy and other initiatives.
The aim is to raise funds to improve facilities and be used for coach education, development programs both on and off field, and continued development of 'all abilities' football including the highly successful Newcastle Jets Powerchair team.
The foundation hopes to attract corporate partners and secure donations.
Central Coast and Sydney FC have similar set-ups.
"Local sponsors can feel confident that they know where their money is going," van Egmond said. "They know it is going to the foundation, they know it will support the academy and other programs. It is not a case of it going to the club and then club decides where they want to spend it."
Jets executive chairman Shane Mattiske said the new model would ensure the academy remains sustainable and give the region's young footballers the best opportunity to play at the highest level.
