The World Game will be showcased in the Territory again in 2015 with Adelaide United set to play pre-season matches in Alice Springs and Darwin.
Sport and Recreation Minister Gary Higgins announced Adelaide United would play a pre-season game against an All Stars Team at Alice Springs’ Anzac Oval on 19 August, and one game in Darwin on 22 August – against fellow Hyundai A-League club Melbourne City.
“The preseason games are part of the NT Government’s two-year partnership with the with the Adelaide United Football Club and are part of the Country Liberals’ continuing commitment to bringing top level sporting events to the Territory,” Minister Higgins said.
“Adelaide United is an exciting team that is currently second on the Hyundai A League ladder. Having a team of that calibre play in the Territory is certainly a coup. In addition, Adelaide United won the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup this season.
“The pre-season games in Alice Springs and Darwin last year drew a combined crowd of more than 5500, highlighting the intense interest Territorians have in football (soccer). And with more than 3500 registered soccer players in the Territory, I know both games will be heavily supported again this year.
“The team will be undertaking coaching and player clinics as part of their visit to both Alice Springs and Darwin, giving our coaches and junior and senior players exposure to some of the best sportsmen in the nation.”
Mr Higgins said Tourism NT is a major sponsor of the Reds.
“Adelaide United attracts over 200,000 people at its matches every year with more than 1.2 million website hits annually and a national broadcast audience of more than 2.5 million. The resulting exposure will certainly boost our tourism market.”
The partnership with the NT Government has the full support of Adelaide United’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Petrillo.
“Adelaide United is committed to football development in the Territory and looks forward to consolidating the interest created through last year’s visit. We will be bringing our full playing and coaching squad as it an important fixture for our Club”
The announcement of the Reds’ pre-season games in the Territory comes on the back of continuing partnership with the NT Government.
