Wanneroo City has claimed a champion prize for their commitment to a joint venture between Football West, nib Stadium and Perth Glory.
Wanneroo City has claimed a champion prize for their commitment to a joint venture between Football West, nib Stadium and Perth Glory.
Glory asked Football West to distribute more than 8000 free tickets to junior clubs for the final match of the regular Hyundai A-League season against Adelaide United on March 30 in an effort to fill the newly constructed eastern stand.
The result was a record A-League crowd at nib Stadium of 16,707 with more than 83 per cent of the free tickets redeemed on the night.
Of all clubs allocated more than 50 tickets, Wanneroo City had the highest redemption rate with only one of their 104 tickets going unused. Their dedication to the project was rewarded with an Apple iPad, donated by nib Stadium, a signed and framed Glory shirt, provided by the club and Football West, as well as a private training session with Glory players on the nib turf.
Wanneroo club secretary Dave Udy, who was instrumental in Wanneroo-s ticket push, was delighted with the response of members.
“We weren-t really sure if everyone would turn up but in the end we were pleasantly surprised,” Udy said.
“We came along on the night and we had a fantastic time and the seats in the new grandstand were really tremendous. All the people who came from our club were raving about how exciting it was to be here on that night.
“The atmosphere was fantastic and I think out of that we may get some new Glory members next year.”
Glory midfielder Steven McGarry, who played in the 1-1 draw which secured Glory-s place in the finals, applauded the fans for the part they played on a special night.
“Wherever you play in the world, there-s nothing better than coming out to a full stadium,” McGarry said. “That night it was brilliant. We need the backing of all the local clubs and it goes the other way as well. We need to get out into the community and into the clubs to help. It-s a partnership that can work both ways.”
Football West chief executive Peter Hugg was delighted with the response of the football community.
“Wanneroo City and all participating junior clubs are to be congratulated for the magnificent turnout of young players at Glory-s last match,” Hugg said. “To have achieved a record crowd for Glory in the A-League shows what-s possible when Glory and the WA football community comes together.
“It continues the positive vibe created since the appointment of Alistair Edwards and Gareth Naven to coaching positions.”
The chief executive of nib Stadium, Peter Bauchop, was thrilled with the response to the initiative.
“What a result to have almost 17,000 fans in the stadium and experiencing the new grandstand,” Bauchop said. “nib Stadium congratulates the Football West junior club, Wanneroo, and is happy to award them with an iPad and an exclusive training session at nib Stadium.”
More than 71 clubs, as well as the WA Christian Football Association, Football Federation South West and regional organisations in Peel and Albany, took part in the free-ticket initiative.
