Sydney FC CEO Edwin Lugt said today the huge numbers of players at grassroots level in the city offers a golden future for the sky blues - if they engage with the community and implement the right programs in the right way.

"For one, we're trying to build an exciting squad which is going to be winning the title back to back - that is the ambition," Lugt told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"And to do well in the Asian Champions League. It starts with the football, you've got to win and we're working hard on that.

"Second thing is community. I would've been worried if there were only 30,000 players in this city, then you're limited, but given the fact that it's the most popular sport by participation - by far - it tells me that if we do the things right, this is going to be the biggest code.

"I would say not in the country because Melbourne is AFL-dominated, but in NSW or in Sydney. I mean, we are going to be the biggest code - if we do the things right."

To that end, the A-League champions are set to roll-out an historic free membership program for a large number of junior players aged 12 and under registered.

The potential breadth of reach is huge with figures supplied by Football NSW suggesting up to 100,000 kids could qualify for the offer in conjunction with one of the 14 member associations.

Branding the membership "Junior Blues", Lugt is excited by the possibilities but is taking a wait-and-see approach on how well it's received. 

"For us, it's extremely important to engage with the kids, the juniors, because all other codes in this country have the generation to generation effect," he said. "You've got to build loyalty to your club.

"And I've said it before, I was amazed at how much loyalty there is to our club. It's a matter of growing that, which will take time but we are targeting specifically the juniors and their families.

"There are massive numbers of players in this city. It's a focus of our attention."

The alliance will also involve coaching sessions and a series of friendly games between the A-League club and member associations - a program first initiated during last season's pre-season. 

Lugt added that a second A-League club in Sydney - in this case Sydney Rovers who will kick off in season seven starting in 2011 - is good for the development of the game in the Harbour City and Australia.

Although not able to specify a point of difference between the two clubs at this early stage, Lugt added: "We look forward to the rivalry to grow and increase the attention of the game in this city. That's what we need.

"We're not afraid of competition. It will ensure we have to be very sharp and do the things we do well. And I'd be disappointed if we didn't' get sell-out crowds for those derbies over the coming years."

The club hopes that with a strong community focus and the upcoming friendly with Everton on July 10, the sky blues will move into the new A-League season with plenty of momentum.

The club anticipates a crowd of at least 30-35,000 for the Toffees clash at ANZ Stadium. But that figure could be even larger with Socceroo superstar Tim Cahill's expected appearance.

 "The game against Everton is a great thing for the club in the build up to the new season," Lugt added.

And it's believed Sydney's season opener is set for Saturday August 7 with a blockbuster grand final replay against Melbourne Victory at the SFS on the cards.