The Wellington Phoenix will head to New Plymouth for a pre-season game against New Zealand A this August.
The afternoon game on Sunday 23 August at Yarrow Stadium will give locals the chance to see New Zealand’s only professional football team play against a New Zealand Football selection which will include current All White’s players.
“We got a great response from local football fans to the FIFA U-20 World Cup games at the stadium, so we’re thrilled to have some of New Zealand’s best professional players coming here so soon after the tournament to give local sports fans another chance to see live action on our home turf,” says Manager Recreation and Events Ron Murray.
Wellington Phoenix Head Coach Ernie Merrick is looking forward to taking his team to New Plymouth.
“The game against New Zealand A is an integral part of our per-season programme,” says Mr Merrick.
“It will give us an idea of where we are at and it is also good for New Zealand Football to get another game under the belt of domestic-based players. We have played New Zealand A in each of our last two pre-seasons and it has been well worthwhile.
“It is also an opportunity to let a football area like New Plymouth see the Phoenix players in the flesh.”
The Wellington Phoenix in the only New Zealand Football Club participating in the Australian Hyundai A-League and has played finals football twice in the last five seasons.
Both the Phoenix and New Zealand A squads will be in the region for three days before the game, and the public will have opportunities to see the players during community activities.
The game kicks off at 1.30pm on 23 August.
Tickets start from $15 for adults and $5 for children, and are on sale from Monday 27 July at www.ticketdirect.co.nz, TSB Showplace and at i-SITES around the region.
