Hyundai A-League clubs take pre-season to regional areas

The Hyundai A-League pre-season is in full swing, with a few clubs using the time to visit regional communities.

Brisbane Roar is in Mackay this week for a week-long pre-season camp which also features a match against local National Premier Leagues Queensland opposition.

John Aloisi’s troops take on the Mackay & Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders United on Thursday night at Mackay’s BB Print Stadium (7pm kick-off).

“It’s great. We’ve had a week off so to come up here and have a solid pre-season camp so early in our preparations is great for the team,” Roar skipper Matt McKay said.

READ: Every Hyundai A-League club's pre-season schedule

SQUAD CHECK: Every Hyundai A-League in, out, squad

“We’re grateful to Mackay Regional Council, Football Brisbane & Football Queensland for organising this.

“I’m a Queenslander born and bred and I actually had my Under 15s State Titles in Mackay 20 years ago. It’s great to see so many junior footballers in the city this week with the Community Cup on at the same time.”

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The camp is seen as crucial preparation for Roar ahead of their FFA Cup Round of 32 clash against Melbourne City on Tuesday, August 7.

“For us, it’s about improving each week,” McKay added.

“The new additions have integrated really well and then it’s about everyone else improving and getting better. We have a long pre-season but we need to make sure that every day counts. We want to be challenging for titles.”

Mackay

Meanwhile, Newcastle Jets will be hitting the road next week as they head off on their annual #JetsTour of Northern NSW.

Ernie Merrick’s side will travel to Port Macquarie for a fixture against a Mid North Coast Select Side on Tuesday 17 July at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium.

It’s the fourth consecutive year the Jets have toured the regional area.

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“The way the Port Macquarie community came out to support the boys last year was something special,” Jets CEO Lawrie McKinna said.

“To have more than 4,000 people attend a trial game on a very cold Tuesday night was a credit to Football Mid North Coast and the entire town.

“Football Mid North Coast have been massive supporters of ours, with more than 400 fans travelling to Newcastle for last year’s RAAF Round.”

Jets pre-season tour
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This article was originally published on the Hyundai A-League website.
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