The Western Sydney Wanderers will be playing for the pride of Blacktown City when they take on Wellington Phoenix on Saturday 10 March in Round 22 of the Hyundai A-League at Spotless Stadium.
The Wanderers will not only want to come away with the win but be looking to be the first to take home the Sister Cities Shield.
The Sister Cities Shield recognises the Sister Cities relationship between Blacktown City in Western Sydney and Porirua, a city in the Wellington region of New Zealand.
The Wanderers will represent Blacktown City with the Phoenix representing Porirua.
Wanderers CEO, John Tsatsimas, says that the Sister Cities Shield is a great way for the Wanderers to recognise their relationship with Blacktown City.
“Blacktown has been part of the Wanderers journey from day 1 – right from our first ever training session to the development of the Club’s long term-training and administration headquarters at Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney,” said Wanderers FC CEO, John Tsatsimas.
“The Sister Cities Shield is a fitting way to acknowledge the strong relationship and link we have with the Blacktown Community”.
Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali MP, says the Sister Cities Shield is a fantastic way to integrate football with the two communities.
”Blacktown City and Porirua have enjoyed a long relationship of friendship and learning through the Sister Cities program. The opportunity for educational, cultural, sporting and social exchanges with our Sister City has brought many benefits to the people of both our cities” said Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali MP.
”It’s is fantastic that this relationship can be celebrated on the football pitch that also recognises both teams’ links to their local cities and communities” added Mayor Bali.
Mayor of Porirua, Councillor Mike Tana is excited about the upcoming match.
”I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate not only the 34-year relationship we have with Blacktown City, but the passion and love for sport that both our communities share.”
”I encourage all Kiwis living in Sydney to get along and show their support and some hometown aroha for the Phoenix this weekend.”
