In the face of the devastation caused by the bushfires and the ongoing drought across the country, Western United’s clash on Sunday against Central Coast Mariners will double as a fundraiser game to help raise funds for these national disasters.
Entry to the game at GMHBA Stadium will be free, with fans being encouraged to make a donation at the gate with all funds going to Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery and Rural Aid.
Alongside the usual fun the game brings, there will also be an array of pre and post game entertainment, including displays from Emergency and volunteer associations, fire trucks, police cars, inflatable kids’ fun, face painting, air-brush tattoos, player appearances and a slew of tasty food trucks – all of which will also raise money for the charities.
Furthing donation efforts, Western United have pledged to donate $2 for every club member that attends the game, and 100% of profits from Western United merchandise sold will be going to Rural Aid and the Red Cross.
A number of former Socceroos, Matildas and current Pararoos have also been confirmed for the Sunday match, giving fans the opportunity to get photos and autographs as well as an opportunity to chat with the many former national team names at the stadium.
Names so far include Socceroos’ Charlie Egan, Andrew Marth, Tommy Cumming, Steve Horvat, Goran Lozanovski, Mendo Ristovski, Joe Spiteri and Ted Smith; Matildas’ Shona Bass, Janine McPhee, Theresa Deas and Cheryl Elvey; and Pararoos Ben Roche and Angus MacGregor.
Continuing the fun, game day jerseys from Western United players will be auctioned off post-game.
Gates open at 2pm, kick-off at 4pm. Although entry to the match is free, a ticket will still be needed for entry which can be reserved via ticketek.com.au