Despite their busy pre-season schedule, Adelaide United’s first team took some time out of their preparations to visit the local community of Port Pirie.
Friday
Adelaide United Football Schools
- The Reds organised an exclusive Adelaide United Football School for the young girls and boys of Port Pirie at St. Mark’s College.
- The Football Schools ran over three days and, on the final day, United’s first team visited the participants and helped out with coaching.
- The entire squad were also involved in small-sided games, while the team’s coaching staff also passed on some footballing wisdom.
- At the end of the day’s session, the players took some selfies and other memorable photos with the kids, while also taking the time to sign autographs.
To view a selection of photos from the Adelaide United Football Schools, click here.
Northern Demons Family Night
- Family and friends of the Northern Demons gathered at their clubrooms where the Reds were hosted to a lovely meal amongst the locals.
- United were once again congratulated on their Premiership and Championship wins, while both trophies were on display for fans to have photos with.
- The team mingled with some fans and also took some more photos before heading back to their motel to get a good night’s rest.
Saturday
Open training session at Byrne Park
- The Reds were put through their paces at Byrne Park by Guillermo Amor on Saturday morning in front of supporters who braved the cold to see their idols.
- United started their session with some dynamic movements and stretches before settling into some rondo ball retention. Amor then set his side up into two teams for a half-pitch match, through which the fans in attendance were able to get a precursor to the following day’s match against the Northern Demons.
To view a selection of photos from the Reds’ open training session, click here.
Port Pirie Regional Health Service visit
- Shortly after the boys finished their open training session, the players made their way to the Port Pirie Regional Health Service.
- The team split themselves into two groups and visited a number of patients and also residents of the facility.
- The Reds signed some posters and took some photos, meeting a number of fans, but also converting some new ones.
Flinders Ranges
- Adelaide United’s coaching staff took time out from their busy pre-season schedule to tour the Flinders Ranges.
- The coaches also tried their driving skills at some four-wheeled driving.
Red Velvet Cocktail Evening
- The glitz and glamor that accompanies winning the Hyundai A-League Premiership and Championship was brought to Pirie on Saturday night, as the Reds were hosted to a Red Velvet Cocktail function.
- United Captain, Eugene Galekovic, addressed the crowd and thanked the people of Port Pirie for the very warm welcome and great hospitality.
- The players got amongst the masses and took the opportunity to get to know more of the locals.
Sunday
Northern Demons vs Adelaide United
- Sunday was game day and the Reds made sure to get to Byrne Park earlier than usual to meet more fans.
- The team signed posters and merchandise, and also took photos before settling into pre-match preparations and facing off against the Northern Demons in front of approximately 2,000 fans.
Although Adelaide United are the club for all South Australian’s, the Reds were humbled by the immense support they received when they visited Port Pirie in July.
Hundreds of Reds fans turned out to show Guillermo Amor’s men just how loved they are in the region and it is a trip the team won’t forget any time soon.
And with the Club increasing its focus on grassroots engagement and enhancing the connection it has with local communities, United is truly looking forward to even more frequent regional trips in the future.
Adelaide United wishes to thank the entire Northern Demons family for their warming hospitality, in particular Chairman, Tory Annese, and the LoBasso family.
