Capital Football is delighted with the announcement that the Central Coast Mariners are set to return to Canberra for a Hyundai A-League fixture with Wellington Phoenix during the 2016/17 season.
The fixture will mark the continuation of a progressive relationship between the Mariners and Canberra with the Hyundai A-League side having played league matches against Perth Glory and Adelaide United here in 2009 as well as pre-season friendly matches against PS4 NPL clubs Belconnen United and Gungahlin United in recent years.
The announcement was made on Friday as Central Coast Mariners Chief Executive Shaun Mielekamp, Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome, ACT’s Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Mayor of Wellington Celia Wade-Brown were on hand to confirm the return of the Central Coast Mariners to Canberra.
“It’s fantastic news for the Canberra football community that we will be able to showcase the Hyundai A-League with this exciting fixture,” Capital Football CEO Phil Brown commented.
Capital Football Chairman Mark O’Neill said hosting a Hyundai A-League match in Canberra would have a range of benefits for football in Canberra.
“Strong support for the match and a great attendance by football fans across Canberra and the Region will demonstrate how we can support the A League. This match presents a significant opportunity for Capital Football to develop relationships and continue to grow our future prospects of bringing the A League to Canberra on a regular basis.”
The announcement of the fixture is expected to herald the start of a number of attractive events and opportunities for the Mariners to further forge their relationship with the National Capital as indicated by Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp.
“The Central Coast Mariners are very proud to be partnering with the ACT Government and Capital Football to host a match in Canberra,” Mielekamp said. “We see this is a first step towards forming a long term strategic partnership with the region. It is great to return to Canberra with a full flight Hyundai A-League match and we are committed to doing as much as we can in the lead up to help community football grow and our partnership with Capital Football will help us achieve this.
“Once again we are in the process of planning a pre-season campaign as part of the build-up which will allow us to work with grassroots clubs and help football grow in the ACT. I am confident that this will not be a one-off occasion and we have every intention to make this match such a great success, confirming the fixture for many seasons to come.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chief Minister Andrew Barr and his team who have been brilliant to work with and also would like to recognise Capital Football and Chairman Mark O’Neill for bringing this altogether.”
The 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season will commence in October 2016. Full information regarding fixtures will be made available on the official Hyundai A-League website closer to the date.
