Sydney FC secures November trial match in Wagga

Some of Australia’s best women’s football players are in line to play in Wagga Wagga later this year when the city hosts its first ever Westfield W-League pre-season match.

Wagga Wagga City Council and Sydney FC today confirmed the trial game against Newcastle Jets will be played on Sunday 3 November at McDonald’s Park, kicking off at 3pm.

It is the first game in a partnership recently rubber-stamped with Sydney FC which will also see a Hyundai A-League men’s pre-season game played against the Jets at the same venue in September 2020.

The partnership with the A-League and W-League’s most successful club has the potential to be part of a longer-term contract with Sydney FC that would see men’s and women’s matches played in Wagga in alternate years.

SFC head coach Ante Juric will finalise his squad within the coming weeks but expects to take a strong line up to Wagga Wagga with a number of current Australian squad players in line for selection.

Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said women’s football has an increasingly strong following across the Riverina and the trial match is another top sporting opportunity for the city.

“There is plenty of momentum from the Matildas’ success and also the recent World Cup to take into this pre-season friendly in Wagga Wagga,” Cr Tout said.

“Our city continues to attract the big names in Australian sport – when it comes to football, there is no bigger name than Sydney FC.

“The chance to potentially see The Sky Blues’ international representatives right here in Wagga is sure to generate plenty of interest in this fixture.”

Football Wagga Wagga President Tony Dobbin said November 3 looms as a historic day for the city as it prepares to host its first W-League pre-season match.

“The Sydney FC partnership with Wagga is set to deliver some huge benefits to the city and the region, and is also a huge injection for the continued development of our sport at all levels in this area particularly for women,” Mr Dobbin said.

“Football Wagga Wagga recognises what a promotion like this can do for a sport, and to have Sydney FC’s W-League and A-League teams commit to matches in Wagga is great recognition of how regional cities have a role to play in expanding the game.

“We’ll be well prepared to ensure the November game is a success as we then prepare and look forward to hosting the men’s game here next year.”

Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Danny Townsend said the club’s match in Wagga would continue to build on the work being done to promote football in the regions.

“I’m sure this will be a fantastic weekend for football in Wagga Wagga and I’m delighted we are coming to support the game in an area with a real passion for our sport,” Mr Townsend said.

“Our W-League team will be on the cusp of beginning the defence of our Championship and I’m sure will be keen to put on a real show for the fans.

“It will continue our excellent relationship with the Riverina and we hope to be able to encourage a new generation of football fans with our games here.”

Tickets will be available online from Tuesday 24 September.