United to head down south

(Unsplash)

Western United will once again bring elite men’s and women’s football to Tasmania, touring the Apple Isle for the fourth time in the 2023-24 season.

Having staged seven professional league matches in the state over the past three seasons, United will bring the total to an even 10 with three games at North Hobart Oval over late January and early February.

John Aloisi’s men’s side will face Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday, January 27 and Sydney FC on Saturday, February 3 in a rematch of last year’s fixture in Hobart.

The men’s side will be joined by the women’s squad on that first Saturday of February as Kat Smith leads her side into a first-ever showdown against Central Coast Mariners.

As well as the matches in Hobart, Western United will also continue its connection with the community in Launceston with two junior football clinics.

Western United has relished taking part in gala days and community clinics in Launceston in previous years and will do so once again to help aspiring footballers in the area continue to love the game.

Western United chairman Jason Sourasis said it was important for the club to engage with the Tasmanian community again and thank them for the support over a number of years.

“We are delighted to be returning to Tasmania this year and I am looking forward to once again seeing all of the support from the football community there,” he said.

“A big thank you goes to the Tasmanian State Government and Football Tasmania for their ongoing support. The relationship that we have built has been outstanding and we are proud of our ability to bring football to a brand new audience down in Tasmania.

“We can’t wait to bring three more exciting matches of elite football to North Hobart Oval, and hopefully everyone in the community can come together and enjoy it.”

Football Tasmania chief executive Tony Pignata added his excitement and urged the football community in Tasmania to enjoy the action this summer.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Tasmanians to enjoy some top-flight football on our own doorstep,” he said.

“We know Tasmanians love football – it’s the most played team sport in the state.

“We encourage everyone to get along and enjoy what will be a real festival of football across two Saturdays at North Hobart Oval.”

Western United has lost just one out of seven total matches in Tasmania since first crossing the Bass Strait in 2021.