Daracon Marks First Year of Valentine FC Partnership

As the local soccer season draws to a close in the Hunter, Daracon Group is celebrating its first year of sponsorship of Valentine FC (Valentine Eleebana Football Club). The milestone caps off the first season of a three‑year sponsorship partnership with the local club, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to shaping communities across the Hunter.

Valentine FC is one of the largest football clubs in Northern NSW, plus one of the largest community‑based organisations in Lake Macquarie, supporting more than 1,100 registered players and officials across junior and senior competitions.

As part of the partnership, Daracon proudly sponsors Valentine FC’s Pathways Football program, which supports the club’s efforts to develop young footballers across all levels, providing clear pathways from junior participation through to senior football.

A key focus of this three-year commitment has been Valentine FC’s Junior Development League (JDL), which is the pathway competition for girls and boys in the under-9s to under-12s age groups, or the skill acquisition phase, of their development.

“As a family‑owned and operated business founded in the Hunter, Daracon has always believed in backing the communities we’re part of,” said Adam Kelly, Director of Business Development at Daracon Group.

“Looking back on our first year with Valentine FC, it’s been rewarding to watch the partnership come to life on the ground. The club plays an important role in creating pathways for young people while fostering values such as teamwork, respect and resilience, and this season has reinforced why it was such a natural partnership for us,” he said.

Valentine FC Club President David Slee has welcomed the sponsorship, saying the partnership will have a lasting impact on the club’s junior development programs.

“Daracon’s support is a significant investment in the future of our club and our players,” Mr Slee said.

“This partnership strengthens our Junior Development League program and helps us continue providing high‑quality development opportunities for both girls and boys, supported by dedicated coaches and volunteers,” he said.

Throughout the season, Daracon’s funding has been reinvested directly into the club to support junior player development, equipment and resources, referee development, marketing initiatives, and the ongoing maintenance and improvement of club facilities.

“Supporting organisations like Valentine FC is about investing in the long‑term health, connection and wellbeing of our local communities,” Mr Kelly said. “We’re proud of what has been achieved in the first year, and we are looking forward to building on this partnership over the next two seasons.”