The Wellington Phoenix are throwing open the gates to the club’s training base later this month so fans can see the women’s and men’s first teams in action ahead of their A-League seasons.
The Phoenix women will play an internal game at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) at 10am on Saturday, September 20 before the men play Central League champions Wellington Olympic at 1pm.
Both matches are the main features of the club’s open day and will be played on pitch 1, which is where Sweden trained for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and is within sight of the Heretaunga train station.
It will be the first time the women’s new signings, including record-breaking Nepalese striker Sabitra “Samba” Bhandari, will play for the Phoenix, while it’ll also be an opportunity for fans to meet the men’s recruits, include Manjrekar James who arrives in Wellington later this week.
As part of the open day there will be signing sessions, family-friendly activities, food trucks and giveaways.
Phoenix general manager David Dome is looking forward to welcoming the club’s supporters to NZCIS.
“Our open day at Martin Luckie Park last September was a great success but we’re taking it to a new level this year,” Dome said.
“Not only will our fans get to watch our men in action, but they’ll also get a first glimpse of our new-look women’s squad while also having the chance to see our world class training facilities at NZCIS firsthand.
“The local Nepalese community will be turning out in force to cheer on Samba so it promises to be a unique atmosphere and with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained it will be a fun day out for the whole family.”
Wellington Phoenix Open Day, Saturday September 20 – NZCIS
10am – Phoenix women’s internal game
1pm – Phoenix men’s pre-season game vs Wellington Olympic
