Newcastle Jets have announced the club will play a Hyundai A-League pre-season clash against the Western Sydney Wanderers in Cessnock next month, with both clubs set to take part in a number of community activities as part of their visit.
The Jets and Wanderers will go head to head on Saturday 24 September in the trial match at Cessnock Sportsground as part of their pre-season preparations.
Cessnock City Council’s General Manager Stephen Glen said it’s shaping up to be a fantastic day.
“It’s great we’ve been able to attract such a fantastic event and we look forward to seeing the community get behind the teams in their last hit out before the season gets underway.”
“There will also be a free clinic on Friday 23 September for young local football players giving them an opportunity to get tips off some of Australia’s best players,” Mr Glen said.
The football clinic will cater for up to 200 boys and girls aged between six and 12. More details will be released by the Jets in early September at www.newcastlejets.com.au.
Newcastle Jets run a program named Jets: Play which is fuelled by the club’s Major Community Partner, Greater Bank. Hosting this program in Cessnock will allow local kids to engage with Jets players ahead of the game.
Newcastle Jets Chief Executive Officer Lawrie McKinna said the club is excited to be hosting a pre-season match at Cessnock Sportsground, a venue he described as superb.
“We know we have many members and supporters that live in and around the region, so we’re delighted to have received Cessnock City Council’s support to host our final pre-season trial match at a great venue,” Mr McKinna said.
“Playing in Cessnock is definitely a great outcome for the club – it is an easy 45 minute drive from Newcastle on the Hunter Expressway and is also close to towns such as Kurri Kurri, Maitland and Singleton, so we expect the game will attract a significant and parochial crowd,” he said.
Western Wanderers Chief Executive Office John Tsatsimas said the team is looking forward to visiting Cessnock and taking on Newcastle Jets in pre-season.
“Having played a number of pre-season matches in Northern NSW, we know it will be a positive atmosphere as we play in front of the people of Cessnock and we hope for a strong local crowd of both Jets and Wanderers fans in what will be a competitive match.”
“It’s rewarding for all parties to be able to bring Hyundai A-League teams to towns that don’t often host national league games,” Mr Tsatsimas.
Tickets will go on sale on Monday 22 August HERE. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre.
Newcastle Jets vs. Western Sydney Wanderers – Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Pre-Season Trial
Date: Saturday 24 September 2016
Venue: Cessnock Sportsground
Gates Open: 1:30pm
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Tickets: From $5 – $20 (Grandstand) – Available Monday 22 August 2016
