Adelaide United have touched down in Alice Springs ready to take on the cream of the Red Centre’s football talent the Alice Springs All Stars in a special trial match and A-League rival Melbourne City in a pre-season hit out.
Centralian football fans are in for a four-day football feast, with Adelaide United keen to embrace Alice Springs as its home away from home as part of an agreement with the Northern Territory Government to play pre season matches, hold training camps and foster football development in Central Australia.
As part of their visit to Alice Springs, Adelaide United players and development staff will visit several schools for football clinics, and coach Josep Gombeau will hold a `coach the coaches’ clinic to pass on his football wisdom to local coaches.
There will be an open football clinic for kids and teenagers at ANZAC Oval this Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm, held in conjunction with Melbourne City and Football in Central Australia (FICA).
The players will also help promote tourism in the Red Centre through their partnership with Tourism NT and the Do the NT campaign, visiting the Earth Sanctuary, Pyndan Camels and heading out mountain biking after their playing commitments are finished.
“The partnership we have with Adelaide United has benefits for Central Australians in many ways, including being able to see top class national and international footballers in action here in Alice Springs, having the staff and players work with our local football organisations and talent to foster development of the game, and also showcasing our dynamic tourism industry here in the Centre,” said Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing Matt Conlan.
“I encourage Central Australians to turn out to show their support both for our local talent the Alice Springs All Stars as they take on Adelaide United, but also to support United in their match against Melbourne City. This clinics are also a fantastic opportunity for local kids and teens to rub shoulders with top class footballers, and learn a few tricks and skills from them too.”
Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer Michael Petrillo said the Adelaide United Football Club were excited to be playing these historic games in Central Australia.
“It’s great for football in the region to be able to play against a team of the best local talent in Alice Springs as well as A-League opposition in Melbourne City. These matches will provide a great opportunity to both sports fans and local footballers to watch and play against some of the best footballers in the country”, said Petrillo.
“Our commitment to the Northern Territory is not just about playing football. It’s about engaging the community, promoting the area, assisting young people by promoting healthy lifestyles and decisions, developing better coaches and giving as many youngsters the opportunities to become involved in our great game. Of course football is the vehicle in achieving these objectives but showing our commitment through really robust tours such as this are essential”.
Tickets for the A-League pre-season match are now on sale over the counter at Intersport Alice Springs, Hot Stuff for the Sporting Buff and Sportspower. Tickets will also be available at the gate.
Prices are as follows; Unreserved grandstand seating: Adult $15, concession and under 16 $10, children under 5 free and family ticket $40; General admission: Adult $10, concession and under 16 $5, children under 5 free and family ticket $25.
Entry to the Alice Springs All-Stars match is by gold coin donation at the gate.
Travelling Squad:
Eugen Galekovic, Nigel Boogaard, Dylan McGowan, Osama Malik, Pablo Sánchez Alberto, Isaias, Sergio Cirio, Marcelo Carrusca, Bruce Djite, Mark Ochieng, Dylan Smith, Ben Warland, Awer Mabil, Jimmy Jeggo, Paul Izzo, Tarek Elrich, Jordan Elsey, Bruce Kamau, John Hall, Nathan Konstandopoulos
