Western United are set to play their first A-Leagues fixture in Tarneit next month following the completion of work on the Regional Football Facility.
The opening match at the new venue has been earmarked, with the Liberty A-League fixture against Newcastle Jets on Sunday, March 17 pencilled in.
NPLM Victoria and Isuzu UTE A-League contests are set to follow.
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“This is a momentous milestone for everyone involved in the project. It allows us to move into our permanent home, playing out of only the second rectangular stadium in the state of Victoria that is approved to play A-League Men and A-League Women games,” said Western United and Western Melbourne Group (WMG) chairman Jason Sourasis.
“The next phase of growth for Western United football club will be underpinned by a community and fan-first philosophy as we entrench our football club into the Wyndham community and grow our own brand empathy within the fastest-growing municipality in Australia.
“I thank everyone that has been on this journey for their unwavering belief, effort, support and patience.”
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Kat Smith, who has Western United second and just a point off top spot in the Liberty A-League through 16 rounds, said: “It’s such a privilege for myself, the players and all the fans who’ve joined our journey of building a football club to share this significant milestone of moving into our new headquarters and playing a home match for the very first time.
“I’m extremely impressed with the facility, the equality in its design shows the respect the club and our partners have for our A-League women and how invested they are in building an amazing future for female football.
“The girls will be absolutely buzzing to be playing in this historic opening match in Tarneit, we can’t wait.”
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Socceroos legend John Aloisi, who guided Western to the 2021-22 Isuzu UTE A-League Championship, added: “Our boys are so eager and excited to get to Tarneit, create our home and just start sharing football experiences with the local community.
“The preamble is over, we’re coming home now.
“This facility and the broader stadium project – it gives kids in the West who love our sport a real opportunity to develop and to dream of becoming a professional footballer and representing our nation as a Matilda or Socceroo.
“It truly is a great day for football.”
Since their inception in 2019, Western have played at a myriad of home venues as they have awaited construction of their promised venue.
The club’s A-League Men’s team has hosted matches at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium, Ballarat’s Mars Stadium and Morshead Park, AAMI Park in Melbourne’s CBD, Whitten Oval in Footscray and matches in Tasmania – in both Launceston and Hobart.
Meanwhile, the A-League Women’s side has called City Vista Reserve in Fraser Rise home since their arrival in the competition last season.
“It’s been a long time coming and we are so excited to welcome Western United to its rightful home in Tarneit,” said Wyndham City mayor Councillor Jennie Barrera.
“Our priority has been getting Western United to base its operations here in Wyndham, and by using the training facility as a matchday venue for both A-League Men and A-League Women matches until the stadium is built, we’re doing just that.”
