Adelaide United is delighted to announce a partnership with the South Australian Amateur Soccer League (SAASL) by hosting the 2020 Alex Cichanowski Shield at Coopers Stadium.
The match is scheduled to take place at Coopers Stadium prior to Adelaide United’s Round 22 match against Western United on Saturday, 7 March.
The Alex Cichanowski Shield was first introduced in 1984 and under its current format sees the winners from the respective Saturday and Sunday Premier Divisions play off as a pre-cursor to the SAASL season. This year’s instalment will see Saturday Premier Division Champions, BOSA FC, take on Sunday Premier Division Champions, Brahma Lodge, to launch the new SAASL season.
Mr Alex Cichanowski was integral in ensuring the future of the SAASL when he assumed the position of General Secretary in 1971, a volunteer role he held until his passing in 2017.
Under his tenure, the SAASL developed and is now recognised in South Australia as the largest senior amateur men’s football competition. Mr Cichanowski’s astute leadership in sports administration, also saw him appointed as Chairman of the South Australian Soccer Federation (SASF) from 1982 until 1987, and again in 1990.
Mr Cichanowski was awarded a Life Membership of both the SAASL and SASF and also served as an inaugural board member of Adelaide United in the 2003 National Soccer League season.
In 2003 he was inducted into Football SA Hall of Fame – Hall of Honour for his outstanding contribution to football as an administrator.
Adelaide United CEO, Nathan Kosmina, praised the new relationship with SAASL, saying: “The opportunity to partner with SAASL underpins our commitment to reengage with the SA football community.
“SAASL have a significant history in South Australian football and it is important that we recognise and most importantly, contribute to their ongoing growth and focus on community and grassroots football.
“The match on Saturday, 7 March will not only recognise the Cichanowski family and their contribution to South Australian football, but it is the first step in a deeper relationship between our two organisations moving forward.”
As part of the partnership, SAASL will leverage additional support from Adelaide United by including access to football department resources, ticket giveaways, and mutual promotions throughout the season.
The SAASL President, George Fotopoulos, spoke highly of Adelaide United saying: “From the first meeting, Nathan and Bruce (Djite) recognised the contribution made by SAASL and our clubs to community football and we are excited about working together.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to partner with Adelaide United and to extend the benefits to our clubs, while supporting the Reds as the team that is truly for all South Australians.
“We look forward to the Cichanowski Shield becoming a regular event in Adelaide United’s calendar.”
Further details on the match will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
