Brisbane Roar will notch its name in the pages of history after it was announced the club would be the first Hyundai A-League team to battle the competition’s new boys – the Melbourne Heart.
Clashing at Toowoomba-s Clive Berghofer Stadium on June 25, the match will pit Ange Postecoglou-s revamped squad against Melbourne-s much anticipated second club.
However, it is the chance to continue the Roar-s strong commitment to regional grass-roots football which has really excited club officials.
Travelling to Toowoomba for the announcement, Postecoglou said the match was a great opportunity to give something back to a hotbed of football talent.
“Taking football to the regional communities is an important part of our focus,” Postecoglou said.
“Some of Australia-s best footballers have come from regional areas and this is a great opportunity to expose young players in the region to quality football.”
Football South West Queensland President Alan Sothmann hailed the match as a triumph for regional football on the Darling Downs.
“This game is a fantastic coup for Toowoomba and for all football fans in the south west region,” Sothmann said.
“To win the right to host a Hyundai A-league game is a real privilege and shows Brisbane Roar-s commitment to fostering football in regional areas.
“I know many people will be ecstatic with this news, especially the young local players who will get a chance to see a top quality game right here in their own town.”
And with the game coinciding with the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, regional football fans are expected to flock to the Clive Berghofer Stadium.
“This is going to be a very good game to watch so I-m betting on a large and enthusiastic crowd,” Sothmann said.
Entry is $15 for an adult and $5 for under 15 years. Tickets are available online at www.empiretheatre.com.au, by phone 1300 655 299 or from the Empire Theatre box office in Neil Street. Tickets will also be sold at the gate on match day.
Gates open at 5pm. A player signing and photo session will be held until 6.15pm before kick-off at 7.15pm.
