United front key to A-league push
Call for Tassie fans to attend double-header and show licence thirst
WESTERN United says it’s hoping a bumper crowd in Hobart this weekend for its first ever A-League doubleheader can prove Tasmania is genuine about receiving the next A-League licence.
Both United’s men’s and women’s sides will take centre stage at North Hobart Oval on Saturday as the women take on the Brisbane Roar at 2.20pm before the men face Sydney FC at 5pm.
The monster clashes will be the first ever men’s and women’s A-League games played for points in Hobart, as well as the first double-header in United’s history.
After having played four games in Launceston in the past two seasons, United CEO Chris Pehlivanis said he was thrilled to bring the action to Hobart.
“It’s really exciting and a really great opportunity to come to Hobart for the first time as Tassie has been a great place for us as we are undefeated and want to continue that in Hobart on Saturday,” Pehlivanis said.
“It’s great to be able to bring men’s and women’s football to Hobart for the first time and North Hobart is also really exciting as it’s an iconic venue and it will really allow fans to get super close to the action.”
As well as helping drive football participation and ALeague interest in the state, Pehlivanis said he was hoping a good turnout on Saturday would show that Tasmania deserves an A-league side of its own.
“We are really encouraging fans to get out there and support this as it’s a great opportunity for Tasmania to show the APL (governing body of the A-Leagues) that Tassie is serious about an ALeague licence.
“If Tassie can get behind it, it would really show everyone that Tasmania is going to be a real genuine candidate for the next A-League licence which I think would be fantastic.”
Pehlivanis said fans on Saturday would be treated to some of the best footballers the country has to offer, noting that across the three sides would be Olympians, World Cup winners, Socceroos and Matildas in action.
“With Sydney and Brisbane and our men’s and women’s sides, the teams are littered with international stars and it’s a great opportunity to come out and see real elite players up close,” he said.
United’s Aimee Medwin, who in November became the first Tasmania to sign with the A-League side, said she was thrilled to be playing in her home city. “Everyone is pretty excited to go down there,” the 23-year-old said.
“Going home is always really good for me and especially to play is such a nice feeling and [it’s great] being able to have all my family come watch and all the Tassie football community.
“I think the Tassie football community is kind of, not overlooked, but it does want that spotlight and there’s definitely an appetite for it and I know football is the most played sport in Tassie and there’s good players coming from there.”