National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland club Mackay & Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders United will host three-time Hyundai A-League champions Brisbane Roar on Thursday, 12 July at Mackay’s BB Print Stadium.
The match, presented by Football Queensland (FQ), Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Regional Football Zone, coincides with the inaugural FQ Community Cup, which will be held in Mackay between 8-14 July.
The Roar has also confirmed player appearances at the week-long event, with 3,000 players, officials and spectators set to attend as more than 50 teams contest seven junior age groups.
With the Roar squad preparing for the upcoming Hyundai A-League 2018/19 campaign, FQ Chief Executive Officer Richard Griffiths said the pre-season match was great for the region.
“We’re delighted this match coincides with the Football Queensland Community Cup, giving young footballers, coaches and match officials from across the state the chance to see Brisbane Roar and Magpies Crusaders in action,” Griffiths said.
“We’ve seen large and vocal crowds come out to support Magpies Crusaders this NPL Queensland season and I’m confident the Mackay football fans will make the most of having Queensland’s Hyundai A-League club in town.”
Brisbane Roar marquee player and former Socceroo Brett Holman was in Mackay today for the official announcement at BB Print Stadium.
“On behalf of the club and my teammates, I’d like to say how excited we are to play a pre-season match in Mackay,” Holman said.
“We take great pride in being Queensland’s representative in the Hyundai A-League competition.
“I hope this match will help grow our game in regional Queensland and excite the local football community.”
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said it would be fantastic to have Holman and his teammates in Mackay for the match and FQ Community Cup, urging local football fans to purchase tickets.
“With the FIFA World Cup currently being played in Russia, there is enormous interest in the game,’’ Cr Williamson said.
“This visit will come on the back of that momentum and it is also great timing as it will be school holidays.”
Tickets for the match will be available for purchase via OzTix from 3pm this afternoon.
Match details:
Magpies Crusaders United v Brisbane Roar FC
Thursday, 12 July 2018
Kick-off 7pm, gates open 6pm
BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Tickets available via OzTix