The reigning Hyundai A-League champions Brisbane Roar along with Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets will play in an August mini-tournament in Townsville.
The reigning Hyundai A-League champions Brisbane Roar along with Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets will play in an August mini-tournament in Townsville that will also feature local side Northern Fury.
The competition between Sunday 24th and Saturday 30th of August is to be called the “Wingate Townsville Football Cup”.
Brisbane Roar Director of Football, Ken Stead, said the champions enjoy visiting regional areas of Queensland.
“We know that, with Fury out of the A-League, many supporters have transferred their support – at least temporarily – to Brisbane Roar as the only Queensland team left standing. It will be great to meet many of Roar-s North Queensland fans.
“The Townsville Football Cup will be an important part of the preparation for next season when we-ll be getting ready not just for our title defence but also the Asian Champions League in 2015.
New Sydney FC coach, Graham Arnold, added that a nine-day camp with three matches was fantastic preparation for his squad.
“The Townsville Football Cup will provide us with an excellent test of our progress just over a month out from the start of the Hyundai A-League season.
“To be playing good quality opposition in a competitive environment is also ideal preparation for us and we are looking forward to the trip.”
Member for Mundingburra and Minister for Local Government, David Crisafulli said that between them, the three clubs have won six of the nine A-League championships so far.
“It-s not very often that anyone gets to see three A-League teams in the one place at the one time,” he said.
“We are honoured, privileged and thrilled to be able to welcome Brisbane Roar, Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC to Townsville,” he said.
As well as marquee matches each match-day between the A-League clubs, there will be a curtain-raiser match involving Northern Fury on two match-days and a third team yet to be determined on the final match-day.
New Newcastle Jets coach, Phil Stubbins, said a nine-day camp is also an “ideal” opportunity for his squad to get to know each other outside of training and playing.
“It-s rare for an A-League team to be able to have time away like this for an extended period in pre-season, and it will augur well for our preparation.
“By the end of August, I expect the three clubs will have most of their squad settled also so the people of Townsville and North Queensland will have one of the first opportunities to see how the teams are faring heading into the A-League-s 10th season.”
Northern Fury coach, Ian Ferguson, said that he was delighted that three A-League teams would visit Townsville.
“It-s a big step-up for the Northern Fury boys to play an A-League team, but it-s a wonderful opportunity and experience for them.
The winner of the Wingate Townsville Football Cup will be determined as the team with the most number of points after the three matches. If points are equal, the number of goals scored will determine the winner.
Northern Fury Chairman, Rabieh Krayem, said the Wingate Townsville Football Cup is possible due to the support of Wingate Properties, the City of Townsville and Pink Star Events, and supporting partners including the Townsville Bulletin, 4TO-FM and the Holiday Inn.
For further information, including ticketing details and the Wingate Townsville Football Cup schedule, visit www.townsvillefootballcup.com.au
Schedule
Sunday 24 August
2pm: Northern Fury v Sydney FC
5pm: Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
Wednesday 27 August
5pm: Northern Fury v Brisbane Roar
7.30pm: Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC
Saturday 30 August
5pm: Newcastle Jets v TBA
8pm: Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
