Western United set to expand their presence in Tasmania

Photo:  Western United CEO Chris Pehlivanis (left) and Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley at yesterday's announcement at North Hobart Oval. [PlessPix] 

The A-League will be back in Hobart in January after a long absence.

A-League champions Western United, who have made Tasmania their second home, will play Sydney FC at North Hobart Oval on 21 January 2023.

The match will be preceded by a W-League game between Western United and Brisbane Roar, which will be the first W-League game ever in Tasmania.

The game was announced yesterday at North Hobart Oval by Western United’s CEO, Chris Chris Pehlivanis and Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley.

Western United will also play another A-League match, against Wellington Phoenix, at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium on Friday 17 February 2023 at 7.45pm.

Western United have played in Launceston now for three years running (four games for three wins and a draw) and this will be their first trip south to the capital.

Photo:  Former Tasmanian David Clarkson poses with excited Western United youngsters at North Hobart Oval. [PlessPix]  

Pehlivanis said his club was keen to promote the A-league in Tasmania and also fully supported Tasmania having its own A-League team, which would provide a great opportunity for a regular ‘derby’ between Western United and a Tassie A-League side.

“After fantastic experiences in Tasmania over the last two years, it was crucial for us to bring even more elite football to the football community in Tasmania,” Pehlivanis said.

 

“We are very excited to bring professional men’s and women’s football to new fans in Hobart, but we also wanted to make sure we continue to thank our supporters in Launceston and provide them with more opportunity to feel part of the Green and Black.

 

“A big thank you to Football Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government for all of their support.

“We can’t wait to be back next year and look forward to seeing all of our fans across the two venues.”

Football Tasmania CEO, Matt Bulkeley, was excited by the prospect of Western United playing games again in Tasmania.

“Western United’s presence in Tasmania has provided a great boost for football in the state, giving fans a taste of top-flight competition,” Bulkeley said.

“It’s fantastic to, not only have them return to Tasmania, but to be also coming to North Hobart Oval for a men’s and women’s double-header in January which promises to be a huge day for Tasmanian football.”

Photo (L-R):  Western United FC CEO Chris Pehlivanis, Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley, Football Tasmania Coach Development Manager David Smith and Western United General Manager Community and Government Relations Darren Harris. [PlessPix]

Photo:  Darren Harris (left), Western United's General Manager Community and Government Relations, pictured with former Tasmanian, David Clarkson, who is Western United's Community Football Ambassador, at North Hobart Oval. [PlessPix]