WIN Stadium to host Westfield Matildas v New Zealand

Football Federation Australia is proud to announce that WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres and Wollongong City Council will host the upcoming Westfield Matildas’ international game against New Zealand, on June 24,to WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Football Federation Australia is proud to announce that WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres and Wollongong City Council will host the upcoming Westfield Matildas- international game against New Zealand, on June 24,to WIN Stadium, Wollongong.

WIN Stadium-s refurbished Western Stand will boast only its third seating, following two St George Dragons NRL games in mid-June.

The Westfield Matildas match will form part of the opening celebrations for WIN Stadium-s Western Grandstand.

“I-m looking forward to this match for a number of reasons,” said Westfield Matildas Head Coach Tom Sermanni.

“Firstly, we started our training camps at Wollongong this year and to play our first competitive match for the year there gives us a nice symmetry.

“Secondly, the facilities and proximity of the stadium to our accommodation are ideal for playing this match and the fact that we can support the development of football in this area is another positive.

“Finally the possibility of seeing players take the next step in their career is very exciting, last year we saw Caitlin Foord play her first international against New Zealand, scoring on debut no less, and look at the leaps and bounds she has taken in the last 12 months.”

“WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres are pleased to support the FFA in bringing International elite women-s football to our region. We look forward to this match as part of our opening celebrations programme for WIN Stadium-s Western Grandstand, and providing our local players and supporters with the opportunity to watch the Matildas, in action, in Wollongong. The game also proves that WIN Stadium is a perfect venue for all types of football and heralds future uses of WIN Stadium, now we have the Western Grandstand, by other national football codes.”, said Mr Stuart Barnes, General Manager of WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres.

Tickets for the match are on sale now via Ticketek or 132 849. Tickets are also available from all Westfield Shopping Centre Ticketek outlets.

Westfield Matildas v New Zealand Sunday 24 June 2012 WIN Stadium, Wollongong Kick Off 3.00pm Gates Open 12.30pm

Ticket Prices - Adult - $20 Child / Concession (4yrs - 16yrs) - $12 Family (2 Adult 2 Child) - $50 Transaction fees apply.

The match will also act as a double header with local Football South Coast champions Illawarra Stingrays playing as a curtain raiser prior to the main game.

“It-s going to be great playing in front of a home crowd, especially for me as I-ve grown up in this area,” said Caitlin Foord.

“To have the Stingrays play before us is really exciting and I hope it can inspire the girls that come out to watch us.”

The Illawarra Stingrays match will kick off at 1pm prior to the 3pm kick off for the Westfield Matildas v New Zealand match.

The Westfield Matildas will tomorrow go into their third training camp of the year at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra prior to re-grouping in Wollongong in late June for the international friendly. Details of this camp will appear on www.footballaustralia.com.au/matildas at 3pm today.