Ten days ago, the Vietnam Swans in Hanoi elected a City Committee. Last weekend, the Vietnam Swans in Saigon elected a City Committee. The Committee is as follows:
- President – Scott Stacey
- Treasurer – Danny Armstrong
- Secretary – Shannon Leahy
- Director of Football Operations – Gus McEwin
- Committee Members – Phil Johns, Joe Hrustinsky and Drew Franklin
Phil Johns was nominated to be President but declined believing it was time for a fresh face in Saigon.
The Committee considered a request from the Saigon Saints Grand Final Committee (which is a group that a number of years ago played footy in Saigon but now concentrate on hosting a very successful AFL Grand Final Function) that we play international matches in Saigon as the “Saigon Saints”. The request was respectfully declined.
The Committee argued that such a move would weaken the strength of the national identity that is being forged with the Vietnam Swans. The Committee firmly believes that the main reason footy is enjoying a resurgence in Vietnam is because we can feed from both Hanoi and Saigon. Additionally, there is a playing soccer team in Saigon that is also known as the Saigon Saints. This would lead to unwanted confusion for both clubs.
The Committee noted that, if growing footy in Vietnam is the challenge, working as closely as possible with the Saigon Saints is the solution.
The Committee advised that one of the Club’s philosophies is to encourage the participation of partners, families and supporters in making this an all round football and social club.
A Vietnam Swans National Committee comprising 6 members (3 from the Hanoi CC (City Committee) and 3 from the Saigon CC) will be elected shortly.
