Sunday, October 6, 2024

Geelong strengthens Western United football ties

Mayor Stephanie Asher and Western United Director of Football, Steve Horvat with United players Ayom Majok and Nicolas Milanovic.

The City of Greater Geelong has entered into a new partnership with Western United it hopes will further strengthen the second year A-League club’s growing ties with the Geelong region.

The partnership aims to help United build attendance at its home matches at Kardinia Park, while generating economic gains for Geelong by attracting more visitors and increasing the region’s national exposure.

Having kicked off its campaign in Geelong against Adelaide United on 28 December, United will play a further four matches at Kardinia Park this season, starting Saturday (23 January) against Perth Glory.

Remaining local fixtures include clashes with Macarthur FC, the Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix, all on dates still to be determined.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said Western United had quickly become part of the Geelong sporting landscape.

“Western United is our home A-League team and they’ve done a great job engaging with the local community during their short history so far,” Mayor Asher said.

“Every Western United game in Geelong attracts visitors to our city and brings national TV exposure, while helping to build local participation in the sport of football.

“This partnership cements the club’s relationship with the city and will bring benefits for the club and our local economy.”

Western United Director of Football Steve Horvat said the club was extremely excited to partner with the City of Greater Geelong to grow the game of football in the region.

“Geelong will go down in history as the place where Western United played its first ever home game and we want to continue to have an ongoing relationship,” Mr Horvat said.

“We have created a real home ground feel at GMHBA Stadium and this partnership will continue to develop that for both the players and fans.

“Even though we will have a home stadium up the highway in the Western suburbs, Geelong will always play an important part of our identity and a key talent catchment area.

“There are thousands of registered players in Greater Geelong, and by having elite A-League and W-League teams in the region, it will continue the sport’s growth and create a pathway for girls and boys to follow their dreams.”

As part of the sponsorship agreement, which is being delivered via Geelong Major Events, the Western United colours and brand will be promoted through the City’s banner and billboard programs.

Geelong promotional material will be shown in stadium during United home matches, while the City will receive ticketing and membership specials to share with the community. 

To learn more about these offers, including a ‘take your mate for free’ offer for this Saturday’s game, please click here or follow Events Geelong on Facebook.

In just its second A-League season, Western United has already established a strong foothold in Geelong, having played its first ever home match at Kardinia Park in October 2019.

The club, which represents all of western Victoria, played another seven matches at the stadium during its inaugural season, including a special bushfire fundraiser in January 2020.

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