Team GWS Chairman Tony Shepherd has today welcomed the announcement that Team GWS has been awarded the AFL’s 18^th licence.

The announcement came today as the State Government formally signed off the funding for the redevelopment of Sydney Showgrounds, which will host Team GWS home matches from 2012 and the finalisation of the user agreement with the Royal Agricultural Society.

"This is one of the biggest milestones for our club. I am extremely proud of the hard work from our dedicated team over the last 12 to 18 months. It is a credit to all of us that the AFL has recognised this hard work by awarding us the AFL’s 18th licence," said Shepherd.

"I would like to thank Andrew Demetriou, Mike Fitzpatrick, the AFL Commission and the AFL Executive for the support they have given my team through this journey so far and for awarding us the licence.

"The AFL has always stated that this is a generational decision and has never waivered in their support. It is important that we reward the faith they have shown in us and the faith shown by our sponsors, our supporters and of course our new players.

"I would like to sincerely thank Premier Kristina Keneally and the NSW State Government, and in particular Kevin Green and David Borger who are here today, for the support they have shown for what we at Team GWS are trying to achieve. As a community-based club, we applaud the government’s decision to revitalise and reinvigorate an existing facility.

"We look forward to working with Peter King and RAS as we embark on a new chapter together for the iconic Sydney Showgrounds. We are extremely thankful to the RAS for allowing us the opportunity to use their venue as our home ground."

The redevelopment will ensure that the RAS will now be able to attract more sporting and community events including  rugby league, soccer, festivals and most importantly provide better facilities for the members of the RAS and the community to enjoy the Sydney Royal Easter show. 

Team GWS has always remained committed to developing a home ground for our fans which will create an intimate and enjoyable experience, at a venue that sits proudly within Greater Western Sydney."

Chief Executive Officer Dale Holmes thanked the community and the Team GWS supporters for their commitment to the club.

"We wouldn’t be here today without the huge support we have received from the community. This is an historic milestone, not only for us, but for the football community across Australia and most importantly for the 2.1 million people of Greater Western Sydney.

"From the outset people have said that this wouldn’t happen, that we wouldn’t reach the criteria. But as a club we never faulted, we stayed committed to our vision.

"As a club we are now more committed than ever to establishing a community focused football club that will represent the people of Greater Western Sydney. Now we can move forward with launching this football club and creating our identity."