Perth Glory men’s team to play regional pre-season matches against Newcastle Jets in Albany and Bunbury

Albany will play host to Perth Glory’s men’s team for the very first time, the club to play a pre-season match against the Newcastle Jets on October 2. The pre-season friendly will be part of a two-leg tour as the Glory also take a men’s game to Bunbury on September 29. Albany has previously hosted National Premier League fixtures for both men and women, including the Glory’s youth team, but this fixture will serve as the first time either of the club’s senior sides has made a trip to play. The match between the two A-League teams will start at 4pm on Wednesday, October 2 at Retravision Stadium. The fixtures will cap off a program of football events in each of the regional locations, including a children’s holiday clinic run by Glory’s community department, opportunities for the local football community to attend open training sessions and meet the Glory and Jets players, media and tourism engagements, plus a civic reception. Glory’s women’s team played games in Bunbury in 2017 and 2019, with the men’s team then following suit by taking on Melbourne Victory at Hay Park last year. Glory chief executive Anthony Radich is excited at the prospect of engaging closely with the regional communities. “We saw last year just how much passion for football and for Perth Glory there is in Bunbury,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be both returning there and visiting Albany with our ALM squad for the first time. “On the pitch, meanwhile, taking on Newcastle Jets will provide exactly the kind of invaluable pre-season conditioning our new-look squad needs as they ramp up their preparations for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League campaign. “This exciting, two-game series and associated program of events would not have been possible without the fantastic support provided by the City of Bunbury, the City of Albany and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and we would like to thank them sincerely for all their assistance, along with the local football communities and Newcastle Jets. “We look forward to welcoming our members and fans from across WA to what will be a fantastic week of football in the south-west.” City of Albany Mayor Greg Stocks was delighted to have the marquee match secured. “We’re thrilled to welcome Perth Glory to Albany to take on the Newcastle Jets at our very own Centennial Oval next month,” he said. “This event is a fantastic chance for regional soccer fans and our young and aspiring athletes to meet their soccer stars and watch them play elite-level football up close. “By supporting Perth Glory to visit Albany we hope it will inspire our next generation of athletes and we encourage everyone to come along to this exciting sporting event.” Those sentiments were echoed by City of Bunbury Mayor, Jaysen Miguel, who said he was excited to welcome Perth Glory back to the city.“We’re thrilled Perth Glory has chosen to host a pre-season game in Bunbury again, proving our incredible sporting facilities and passionate community are big attractions,” he said. Newcastle Jets chief executive Shane Mattiske said it was a fantastic opportunity for the club’s A-League men’s squad to be travelling to WA as the team head into the business end of pre-season. “The coaching staff and team are really looking forward to spending some quality time together in WA,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to bring the players and staff together in an environment away from home and gain some invaluable matches against Perth Glory as part of our preparation for the new season. “Albany and Bunbury are great destinations and we’re looking forward to testing our squad there. “WA is a great sporting state and this will be a great football event for all sports fans and particularly football fans, to see two quality A-League sides showcase their squads. “This will be a great taste of what is shaping up to be a really exciting A-League season and we’re grateful for the opportunity presented to us by Perth Glory. “We look forward to visiting WA and enjoying what the region has to offer.” Tickets for both games are now on sale and further holiday clinic and open training session information will be announced in the coming weeks.