AUSTRALIA U-23 TO PLAY NZ IN TWO-MATCH SERIES IN NSW

Australia’s U-23 men’s football team will gain valuable international match minutes together in early September when Football Federation Australia (FFA) hosts New Zealand in a two-match series in NSW.

Australia will take on New Zealand at WIN Stadium in Wollongong (Friday, 6 September) and Campbelltown Stadium in Campbelltown (Monday, 9 September) as both nations seek to advance their preparations for forthcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualification tournaments.

In January, Australia’s U-23s will travel to Thailand to compete in the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship. At that tournament, the top three teams will earn the right to join host nation Japan as Asia’s representatives at Tokyo 2020.

“We are delighted to have been able to schedule two international friendlies for our under 23s on home soil ahead of the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship,” FFA Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Gallop AM, said.

“Importantly, the fixtures will also provide supporters in Wollongong and Campbelltown with the chance to watch some of Australia’s brightest young footballers, including many from the Hyundai A-League, on their doorstep.”

Caltex Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold said the fixtures represented a great chance for the squad to gel as the countdown to January’s important Asian Championship continues.

“The boys did a great job in Cambodia in March to qualify for the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship,” Arnold said.

NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the two-match series – supported by the NSW Government via tourism and major events agency Destination NSW - was a rare opportunity to support Australia’s finest young footballers on their road to Tokyo 2020.

“It’s almost eight years since the Olyroos played in Australia, so it’s fantastic to have them on home soil and here in NSW for two important matches in preparation for Olympic qualification,” Minister Ayres said.

“Football fans from Wollongong, Campbelltown, Sydney and across NSW will enjoy world-class athleticism and skill on the field from Australia’s best young Hyundai A-League players, and those who are making their mark in overseas leagues.

"We know major events such as this showdown drive regional visitation, with thousands of football enthusiasts sure to head south for the big Friday night game."

To purchase tickets: socceroos.com.au/tickets

Destination NSW  https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/