The Wellington Phoenix U20s will begin the ISPS Handa Premiership 2018/19 season at home on Sunday 21 October in a local derby against Team Wellington at Westpac Stadium.
The fixture will take place at 2.10 pm on the Sunday over Labour Weekend, providing the curtain raiser to the Wellington Phoenix Hyundai A-League opener to be kicked off later at 5:00 pm.
Based on the recent form of Team Wellington last year, this will be a mouth-watering tie that local fans will be looking forward to witnessing. Team Wellington had a successful season in 2017/18, winning the OFC Champions League and earning qualification to the FIFA Club World Cup this December.
Paul Temple, Head Coach of Wellington Phoenix U20s, is looking forward to going up against José Figueria in what will be a challenging fixture.
“It will be good to play Team Wellington first up as they won’t yet be in their rhythm but they are a quality side so it should be a good challenge for us.”
Many of the current All Whites squad have come through the Wellington Phoenix U20s including Sarpreet Singh, Liberato Cacace, and Alex Rufer.
“With plenty of talent involved in the squad again this year, Temple is looking forward to a successful season.
“The overall objective for this season and every season is to provide the next generation the experience in the National League.
“Our priority is improving from the previous campaign as well as bridging the gap between our level and the first team.
“To play our opening fixture at Westpac Stadium will give the boys the platform to showcase themselves in front of a home crowd.
“It will enable them to raise their game and they will develop from the experience.”
The Phoenix U20s will play 9 home games in Wellington, enjoying three curtain raisers at Westpac Stadium.
The majority of the home games will be played at Porirua Park in Wellington.
*Draw current as of 7 September and subject to change.
