Sydney FC stalwart Elizabeth Ralston is looking forward to spreading the community cheer next season as the club takes its Westfield W-League matches to local grounds.
Jubilee Stadium, Seymour Shaw Park, Leichhardt Oval and WIN Stadium will all host Sky Blues fixtures with Allianz Stadium undergoing redevelopment.
REVEALED: Westfield W-League draw released
Ralston, 23, is a fan of the more intimate settings and hopes the suburban tour stirs fresh support.
“I actually really enjoy playing at the smaller stadiums, and it’s great that the club will be taking our games to these grounds in the next few years. I think the girls feel the same way,” the defender told sydneyfc.com.
“You go out to a community and they get the opportunity to come to a game they might not otherwise have.
“Previously when we’ve done games at Sutherland and Manly the turnout has always been really great and the support has been excellent so I’ve got no doubt a few of those venues will be really great opportunities for new fans to head out and watch a game.
TUNE IN: How to watch every single Westfield W-League match
KEY CLASHES: Four games not to be missed in the new season
“All of the areas have excellent women’s football communities and it will be a pleasure to play in front of them.
“They’re always very supportive so I think it’s good to give back to our communities with the opportunity to have a W-League game in their local area.”
When and where are we playing? ?
View our full list of @WLeague 2018/19 fixtures here – https://t.co/kEw8BVlgmF#SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs pic.twitter.com/8RYrkfzzEy
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) September 6, 2018
Ante Juric’s side commences the new campaign with a blockbuster derby against Western Sydney Wanderers on Thursday, October 25 before heading south for a Grand Final rematch with Melbourne City.
Ralston, who is entering her seventh season with the two-time Champions, is itching for a return to action.
“It’s always really exciting and special every season playing for Sydney FC,” she said.
“It feels really great to be an important part of the club and to have been around the club for so long. It’s always exciting and I always love playing in Sky Blue.
“It’ll be a really good way to start the season, it’s always a tough game against Wanderers and this year there are some familiar faces in their line-up so it’ll be a very interesting and intense game to start the season.”
