TWO big wins on game day were the icing on the cake for a four-day visit to Hobart by Western United FC.
The club played its first ever men’s A-League match in the city, and the first ever women’s A-League game in the State, in a huge double-header at North Hobart oval on Saturday, 21 January.
The match – supported by Football Tasmania and the State Government – was attended by thousands of Tasmanian fans, who lapped up the chance to watch not one but two top-flight matches.
Western’s men’s side remains unbeaten in Tasmania, including five home games in Launceston over the past two years.
But the wins were not just on the field.
A sellout two-day camp for 100 boys and girls on Wednesday and Thursday, an open training session and meet and greet with both teams on Friday, and a clinic for coaches on Friday night all preceded game day.
On Saturday morning, the club had fun with fans on Parliament Lawns, featuring children’s activities, the men’s A-League trophy and last-chance ticket giveaways, before the two matches on Saturday afternoon, including local children who were mascots, half-time heroes and ball boys and girls.
Football Tasmania Acting CEO David Smith said: “The Tasmanian football public have clearly demonstrated this week that they want A-League football, as shown by the huge turnout at North Hobart Oval. There were more than 5,000 ticketholders across both matches.
“Kudos to the City of Hobart for presenting a 'bowling green' football pitch, showcasing it as an option for future football games in Hobart.
“We were thrilled to work with Western United to bring this tour to life, and we appreciate the people of Hobart getting behind them, while we work towards having our own A-League team in future.”
Western United CEO Chris Pehlivanis said the club was advocating for improved football infrastructure in Tasmania for future games, to ensure the State was a “serious candidate” for a future A-League licence.
The club’s men’s team returns to Launceston on Friday, 17 February to take on Wellington Phoenix at UTas stadium.
Photos: Solstice Photography and Football Tasmania