A-Leagues Unite Round 2024: Fan’s Ultimate Guide To The Weekend

Get ready for A-Leagues Unite Round 2024 with this ultimate fan’s guide! Discover everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience.

A-Leagues Unite Round is back for a second season, with teams from both the Isuzu UTE A-League Men and Ninja A-League Women taking part in a special round across Sydney.

Unite Round was introduced for the 2023-24 season as part of a partnership between the Australian Professional Leagues and Destination NSW, seeing the A-Leagues stage the first full men’s and women’s round in a single city of any Australian sporting code.

Visit the Unite Round Hub | Buy Unite Round tickets | Unite Round FAQs

This year, Unite Round is being held in Sydney between November 22 and 24, featuring 12 games: six in the Ninja A-League Women, and six in the Isuzu UTE A-league Men.

Netstrata Jubilee Stadium will stage the six Ninja A-League Unite Round fixtures, while the men’s action will all take place at Allianz Stadium.

In both competitions, you can enjoy two games on Friday, two on Saturday and two on Sunday over the weekend of November 22-24. 

A change in venue for Ninja A-League Women means free tickets for all

Fans go FREE to the Ninja A-League Women fixtures at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium after the Australian Professional League’s proactive decision to move all six matches for this weekend’s Unite Round from Leichhardt Oval to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

A pitch assessment took place on Monday at Leichhardt Oval following Saturday’s Sydney Derby and the pitch condition did not meet the standards to host the pinnacle women’s round of the season and all six Ninja A-League Women matches this weekend. For the betterment of player safety and product quality, the league has made the decision to move all matches to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

Due to the late change, the APL is delighted to announce that all six Ninja A-League Women Unite Round matches across Friday, Saturday and Sunday will now be open free to all football fans, with no ticket required to gain access to the venue. Existing ticket holders at Leichhardt Oval will be offered a full refund.

READ MORE: Ninja A-League Women Unite Round matches moved to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

What happened last year?

The concept launched in Sydney in January and delivered an array of iconic moments.

Hiroshi Ibusuki scored a hat-trick for Adelaide United in a cracking game against Sydney FC, Michelle Heyman became the first player ever to reach 100 Ninja A-League goals, Daniel Penha produced a trademark piece of magic for Western United and Aleksandar Susnjar scored a long range bomb worthy of winning any match.

Fans were treated to a multicultural march that brought together communities from all over the world, grassroots events saw the A-Leagues and junior football come together, while there were a string of activations to add to the atmosphere.

This year, we’re going even bigger.

Visit the Unite Round Hub | Buy Unite Round tickets | Unite Round FAQs

Schedule & Venues (all times AEDT)

Ninja A-League Women – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Friday, November 22

  • 5:30pm: Adelaide United vs Wellington Phoenix
  • 8:15pm: Western Sydney Wanderers vs Brisbane Roar

Saturday, November 23

  • 2:15pm: Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory
  • 5pm: Newcastle Jets vs Western United

Sunday, November 24

  • 1:30pm: Canberra United vs Perth Glory
  • 4:15pm: Sydney FC vs Melbourne City
Isuzu UTE A-League Men – Allianz Stadium

Friday, November 22

  • 5:30pm: Perth Glory vs Western United
  • 8pm: Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast Mariners

Saturday, November 23

  • 5pm: Brisbane Roar vs Adelaide United
  • 7:35pm: Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers

Sunday, November 24

  • 1:30pm: Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory
  • 4pm: Macarthur FC vs Auckland FC

*Melbourne City to have a bye

Who’s playing? Stars to watch

Isuzu UTE A-League

  • Juan Mata: The World Cup winner currently calls Western Sydney Wanderers home and could feature in a highly anticipated Sydney Derby.
  • Douglas Costa: Brazilian superstar Costa is Sydney FC’s biggest name and is set to be unleashed at Allianz Stadium for the first time.
  • Hiroki Sakai: Japan legend Sakai is captain of Auckland FC and ready to lead the Black Knights into battle on their first trip to Australia.
  • Valere Germain: With over 300 matches in France’s top flight, the Macarthur Bulls captain brings huge pedigree and is off to a flying start in 24-25.
  • Rafael Struick: The Indonesia international forward recently scored his first Isuzu UTE A-League goal and his every move is followed by a legion of fans from his homeland.
  • Jason Geria: In the form of his life and back in the Subway Socceroos, Geria is dominating at the back for Melbourne Victory.
  • Nishan Velupillay: A recently minted Socceroo, the young gun forward has enjoyed a fast start to the season and will be eyeing goals in Unite Round.
  • Kosta Barbarouses: Wellington Phoenix great Barbarouses is ageing like a fine wine and closing in on the 100-goal mark in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
  • Alex Paulsen: Signed at Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, the reigning Isuzu UTE Goalkeeper of the Year is yet to concede in three matches this season as he enjoys a loan stint at Auckland FC.

Visit the Unite Round Hub | Buy Unite Round tickets | Unite Round FAQs

Ninja A-League

  • Michelle Heyman: The Canberra United icon and Commbank Matildas star continues to dominate the Ninja A-League with her goal-scoring exploits.
  • Sharn Freier: Now a mainstay in the Commbank Matildas squad, the Brisbane Roar winger will be an exciting watch down the wing at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
  • Tameka Yallop: Over 120 caps for Australia. Need we say more? Get down and watch her in action for the Roar!
  • Emily Gielnik: With 24 goals in her last 24 Ninja A-League games, the Melbourne Victory forward is almost a guarantee to score as she eyes a return to the Matildas setup.
  • Chloe Logarzo: After an exciting off-season on The Amazing Race Australia alongside Gielnik, Logarzo has enjoyed a fast start with two goals already.
  • Alex Chidiac: The 2022-23 Julie Dolan Medallist is a must-watch in the Melbourne Victory midfield.
  • Rebekah Stott: New Zealand great Stott is a mainstay and captain at Melbourne City. She brings bags of experience.
  • Sophie Harding: The reigning Julie Dolan Medallist will lead the line for Western Sydney Wanderers and is an excitement machine.

What’s on? Fan engagement and events

Get ready for the ultimate match day fan experience at the Unite Round Fan Zone, a buzzing hub of entertainment, activities, and football fever!

Transport at Unite Round: How to get around

Top Bins Challenge

A highlight of the Fan Zone will be an exciting football activation inspired by the comedy show Soccer AM.

Set on a large synthetic pitch, celebrities, influencers, and current and former players will take part in a series of fun challenges, delivering non-stop entertainment. With an engaging MC hosting the event, this activation promises to captivate fans of all ages, making it a must-see attraction throughout the day.

Visit the Unite Round Hub | Buy Unite Round tickets | Unite Round FAQs

Chill Out Zone

Next to the Top Bins Challenge, fans can relax in the Chill Out Zone, offering a variety of delicious food and beverages. This area provides a perfect spot to enjoy the activation while also featuring large screens to watch the Unite Round matches live, ensuring fans don’t miss any of the action.

DJ / Music / Big Screens

Local DJs will energize the Fan Zone, filling the atmosphere with music throughout the event. With large LED screens complementing the DJ booth, this area will transform into an ideal viewing spot to catch A-League matches happening over the weekend. A cosy seating area with bean bags, tables, and chairs will be set up in front, allowing fans to relax, enjoy the beats, and watch the football in comfort.

Photo Ops

Give fans the chance to capture unforgettable moments with our giant photo op! Snap a selfie with the oversized Mitre Official Match Ball, a perfect way for fans to create lasting memories of their event experience.

Visit the Unite Round Hub | Buy Unite Round tickets | Unite Round FAQs

20 Year Celebration Walk

In honour of the A-Leagues’ 20th season, we will feature a history walk through the centre of the Fan Zone, showcasing some of the most iconic moments from the past two decades. This immersive experience will take fans on a journey through the league’s rich history. Additionally, we will be showing classic matches and highlights on the big screens, celebrating 20 years of unforgettable moments in the A-Leagues.

Times

Friday 22 November – From 2:30pm

Saturday 23 November – From 12pm

Sunday 24 November – From 11am

As part of the Unite Round festivities, all three days at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium will include a family-focused Fan Zone including kids games and activities, music and delicious food and drinks from local vendors. It’s the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere before the big matches and make the most of your game day experience.

Fans can also enjoy the Shark FlexBreeze Fan Zone at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – the ultimate area to cool off, relax and watch the action while enjoying the cooling power of the new portable and powerful Shark FlexBreeze Fan. Adding to the excitement will be Ninja’s interactive “Score to Score” activity, where fans can test their goal-scoring skills and kick for a chance to win Ninja products and football-themed prizes.

Girls Unite Gala Day

As part of Unite Round, the A-Leagues is hosting an exclusive female-only event – Girls Unite Gala Day – dedicated to introducing girls to the world of football in the most enjoyable and supportive way possible. This grassroots activity has also been moved from Leichhardt Oval to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. Registrants will receive an email directly about the change.

Whether a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, Girls Unite will give young footballers a chance to train and play like a professional with coaching clinics, small-sided football and the chance to snap a photo with the Ninja A-League Women trophy (and potentially your favourite player!). Held on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November, participation also includes a ticket to the Ninja A-League Women double-header taking place at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium that day. To register head here.

Where do I get tickets?

Click here to get your Unite Round tickets via Ticketek.

How do I watch? Broadcast and streaming info

Paramount+ is the only place in Australia to watch every game and every round of the A-Leagues live and on-demand. Sign up to Paramount+ HERE.

Aussie fans can also watch every match of the Ninja A-League free on 10 Play.

Sky is the exclusive broadcaster of the A-Leagues in New Zealand. The partnership, which includes multiple Sky platforms, ensures fans can watch every A-Leagues match as well as games across the English Premier League and FA Cup. Sign up for Sky Sport NZ HERE.

For a full breakdown of where to watch each individual match of Unite Round, click here for Isuzu UTE A-League and here for Ninja A-League.

Visit the Unite Round Hub | Buy Unite Round tickets | Unite Round FAQs