Amidst a tough week for the Carlton Football Club, a bright light shone at Visy Park on Thursday night as Young Carlton Professionals ('YCP'), Carlton's newest supporter group targeting at emerging business leaders, held its Official Launch Event for 2014.

Over 175 YCP Members, Carlton Directors and Executives and past and present players attended the launch in what was another successful showing for the Group.

Andy Maher, YCP's number one advocate and resident MC, ran proceedings on the night, which included an address on leadership from former Club champion Mark Maclure and an insightful Q&A with Carlton recruit Dale Thomas.

Carlton Vice-President Ryan Trainor later endorsed an exciting new YCP-driven initiative, 'YCP Think Tank', which will encourage YCP Members to submit ideas that will be further developed with the aim of giving the Club a competitive advantage.

Peter Williams, Chief ‘Edge’ Officer at Deloitte’s Centre for the Edge, later addressed the packed audience on digital innovation with a particular focus on the rising importance of social media. Williams will host YCP’s inaugural Think Tank session in May.

YCP is set to host its second event on 5 June 2014, a business luncheon titled "Business in Sport" at Crown Palladium. Guest speakers will include Gil McLachlan (Deputy CEO AFL), James Sutherland (CEO Cricket Australia) and Patrick Delaney (CEO Fox Sports).

For more information about upcoming events or to apply for YCP Membership visit www.ycp-cfc.com.au