Concord will become the first junior AFL club in Sydney to be called the GIANTS when they take the field in 2013.
Previously known as the Concord Cats, the club will change its name to the Concord GIANTS and wear the Greater Western Sydney colours as part of an alliance with the AFL's newest club.
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews welcomed the initiative and said the two clubs looked forward to a long and fruitful association to help grow the game in Sydney.
"We want to see the number of young boys and girls playing our game continue to grow, particularly in Western Sydney, and we're delighted Concord has decided to form a partnership with the GIANTS to help do just that," Matthews said.
It follows similar partnerships with the Kew Junior Football Club in Melbourne, the Griffith GIANTS in NSW, the North Leinster GIANTS in Ireland, the Skane GIANTS in Sweden, the South London GIANTS and the Zagreb GIANTS which all wear the GIANTS colours.
Click here to view the photos of the Concord GIANTS
"The GIANTS want to form alliances with as many clubs as possible across Sydney but also right across Australia and the world. We see it as a way of not only promoting the GIANTS but also the game and genuinely engaging with grassroots fans," Matthews said.
The announcement was made at Concord's presentation day at Breakfast Point which was attended by GIANTS co-captain Luke Power and the club's mascot G-Man.
Concord President Steven Slaney said it expected to have more than 150 children aged between four and 15 playing for the club next year and the alliance with the GIANTS would help grow participation in the years to come.
"In just a short space of time the GIANTS have made a real impact in the local community and this year Kevin Sheedy presented jumpers to all our players at our season launch. With their home ground nearby at Skoda Stadium this is a great opportunity to engage with the GIANTS," Slaney said.
Last year there were more than 55,000 people participating in Australian Football across Sydney and nearly 24,000 participating in NAB AFL Auskick. Total participation numbers have increased more than 40 per cent over the past five years.
New registrations to play for the Concord Giants in 2013 for children aged 4 – 15 have opened and those interested in joining the club can register at www.concordgiants.com.au
