The Western Sydney Wanderers will bring the best teams in Asia to the Macarthur region after announcing they will play their AFC Champions League Group Stage games at Campbelltown Stadium.
As the most prestigious club competition in Asia, the Champions League sees the best teams from the continent play-off to find the best club in Asia. In 2014 the Wanderers became the first Australian to win the competition.
Some of the Wanderers’ most famous victories have come in the Champions League and it’s fitting that the Red & Black bring these international matches to a stadium where they have a grand history.
The men’s team is undefeated at Campbelltown Stadium with two wins from two matches: a Hyundai A-League win against Newcastle Jets in season two before the famous Westfield FFA Cup comeback win against Wellington Phoenix in August this year.
As a club, the Wanderers have played 17 competitive matches at the ground in the Hyundai A-League, Westfield W-League, Westfield FFA Cup and Foxtel National Youth League.
Campbelltown Stadium is also set to host a Hyundai A-League/Westfield W-League double header on 22 January 2017.
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said this announcement is testament to the Red & Black’s commitment to representing the whole of Western Sydney.
“Our members and fans come from all over Western Sydney and we’re looking forward to rewarding those from the Macarthur region with the highest quality match available in Asia right on their doorstep”, said Tsatsimas.
“We have a long-term commitment to matches and community work in the region which has helped us forge such a strong connection with Macarthur and Campbelltown.
“Western Sydney loves football and the Macarthur region is at the forefront of that with passionate fans, a large number of registered players and a strong history of developing players for the highest level.”
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr George Brticevic, said that Campbelltown City had a strong sporting tradition and today’s announcement would be particularly exciting for football fans from across Macarthur and Western Sydney.
“Campbelltown City Council welcomes the commitment from the Wanderers to play their AFC Champions League home games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. The decision highlights the venue’s versatility and status as a world-class facility and will help showcase the stadium internationally,” Cr Brticevic said.
“I know that Macarthur residents will jump at the opportunity to see elite level football, live on their doorstep, and I look forward to seeing the Wanderers in action and enjoying the amazing atmosphere that the sport and its supporters will bring to our stadium.”
Match dates and opposition clubs will be confirmed after the official AFC Champions League Draw on Monday 12 December in Kuala Lumpur with teams likely to come from Japan, South Korea and China.
