PERTH Glory, together with a Harry Kewell-led Melbourne Heart FC, have been confirmed as the star attractions of a week-long festival of football in Mandurah.
The visit will comprise an extensive local club, school and general community engagement program culminating in an A-League pre-season fixture at Hyundai Stadium on Saturday, September 14.
The Festival of Football initiative has been made possible through the funding provided under the Department of Sport and Recreation’s Community Sports Enrichment Scheme (CSES) and the support of the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Terry Waldron.
“We’re thrilled to be supporting this event through the Department’s Country Enrichment Scheme,” Department of Sport and Recreation’s Peel Regional Manager Cary Green said.
“This $30,000 investment won’t only be about this event but the legacy that it leaves in the sporting community and of course the positive flow-on effects to the wider community.
“As part of the Department and the State Government’s ongoing commitment to sport in the region we’re thrilled to be supporting the participation and growth of football in the Peel community.”
Mandurah and Peel Tourism boss, Steven Hollë also welcomed the announcement.
“The football festival will be great opportunity for supporters of both clubs and fans of the game generally to come to the Peel region to see some great action," he said.
"Mandurah is a great place for a weekend escape and there are plenty of online opportunities for fans to book and stay.
"I’m especially keen to see the Glory fans take the opportunity to come and stay for a weekend away at the start of season."
Melbourne Heart CEO Scott Munn said the Melbourne club was looking forward to holding their pre-season camp in Western Australia.
“We’re really looking forward to heading to Western Australia and to have lined up two high quality matches against Perth Glory is the perfect preparation for our team,” Munn said.
“It is important that we play high-quality matches during the pre-season, but we’re also excited about the opportunity to engage with the Mandurah and Perth communities.”
Mayor Paddi Creevey was similarly delighted at the prospect of Glory and Heart locking horns at the city's splendidly-appointed Hyundai Stadium.
“This promises to be a great sporting event for our community to enjoy, and it will further highlight the work of our local soccer clubs and healthy activity in Mandurah," she said.
"Mandurah is home to a number of first-class sporting facilities and this is a great opportunity to see some outstanding players. I would urge the community to get behind this event.”
Football West Chief Executive Office Peter Hugg, meanwhile, was keen to hail the level of cross-body co-operation that helped make the plan a reality.
“This sort of exercise demonstrates what can be done when A-League clubs, governing bodies, community clubs and councils all work together for the benefit of the game," he said.
Glory will also take on the red and whites at Inglewood's Intiga Stadium three days before the two sides clash again in Mandurah and head coach Alistair Edwards said he was delighted his charges would have two tough tests just a month out from the start of the new Hyundai A-League campaign.
"These games against Heart will take our pre-season preparations to the next level," he said,
"And we're extremely grateful to the various different bodies and organisations that have combined to make them possible.
“The backing of the CSES is especially appreciated.
"I'm sure our wonderful fans will turn out in great numbers not only to support us, but also to get up close and personal with one of Australia's finest ever players in Harry Kewell."
Match Details - Perth Glory FC v Melbourne Heart FC
Saturday 14 Sept: At Hyundai Stadium Mandurah City FC, Peelwood Reserve, Mandurah KO 3pm
