Wanderers fans will get their first look at Kat Smith’s side when Western Sydney play Canberra in a pre-season friendly.
Forbes will be the host of a festival of football in late October, the aim of which is to promote and support women’s football in regional areas. The pre-season friendly between the two A-League Women’s sides will close out the event on Saturday the 29th.
Western Sydney CEO Scott Hudson was full of praise for the Forbes District Soccer club and Shire council for their support of women’s football.
“It is very important for us to ensure we have a lasting footprint in regional areas, and together with Canberra United, we look forward to leaving an impact through our work in the community as well as the pre-season fixture,” said Hudson.
The friendly may be the first opportunity fans have to welcome Amy Harrison back to the club. The international midfielder is one of the big name signings of the pre-season. She makes her return to the A-League Women after two years in Europe with PSV Eindhoven.
Western Sydney also boast some exciting up and coming talent. Angelique Hristodoulou has arrived from cross town rivals Sydney FC, while Young Matildas captain Sheridan Gallagher enters her second season following an impressive Youth World Cup.
The opportunity for the Forbes locals to see some of the countries top players up close will be a boost for the local football community according to Forbes District Soccer Association Secretary Doug Mackenzie.
“Forbes has become a sporting hub for women’s football development and sports tourism with a recent gala day involving over eighty teams and 5000 people resulting in a massive injection into the local economy,” said Mackenzie.
“It is anticipated that this A-Leagues game will achieve more with national and international players mixing with aspiring young football girls.”
Along with the match, there will be a meet and greet with Wanderers players on Friday the 28th of October. There will also be an opportunity for the local boys and girls teams to take part in a development session.
A public pre-season friendly between two A-League sides remains a rarity in Australian football. It is more common for clubs to play local NPL teams or have intra-club matches behind closed doors. Western Sydney and Canberra United presents a unique opportunity to get a preview of the new season. With the 2023 World Cup fast approaching, interest in the women’s game has never been higher, and although both sides missed the finals last season they are stacked with quality and players will be eager to impress their new managers.
The result may not matter, but the impact they leave could be huge.
Information on the players appearances and development sessions can be found on the Forbes District Soccer Association Facebook page.
