Darwin soccer makes history as first sport in Australia to welcome back spectators

DARWIN’S soccer league made history last night becoming the first sport in Australia — and possibly the world — to welcome back spectators since COVID-19 restrictions

Hellenic Athletic Women and NT Yapas captains, Leonora Kilmartin and Imogene Briston on Friday night at the Darwin Football Stadium, where spectators are now allowed. Picture: Natasha Emeck

DARWIN’S soccer league made history last night becoming the first sport in Australia — and possibly the world — to welcome back spectators since COVID-19 restrictions.

The Northern Territory’s men’s and women’s Premier League seasons resumed with a double-header at Darwin Football Stadium that kicked off at 6.30pm.

The first game saw Darwin WPL premiers Hellenic Athletic Women take on the newly promoted NT Yapas in front of an early crowd of about 100.

That number had swelled to an estimated 500 by the time the Mindil Aces took on Hellenic Athletic in the NT Men’s Premier League match following that game.

Hellenic Athletic Women and NT Yapas prepare to kick off at the Darwin Football Stadium last night in front of spectators — the first in Australia allowed back to watch organised team sport since COVID-19 restrictions were put in place. Picture: Natasha Emeck

NT Yapas striker Marcey Gurruwiwi said her team also made history for being the first all indigenous women’s side to play in the WPL last night.

“The girls are happy and excited to be able to play in the top competition,” she said.

“We can’t wait to win at least one or two games in the season.”

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NT Cricket organisers say big crowds of about 500 were also expected to file into the Marrara Cricket Ground on Saturday when the T20 carnival returns.

Hellenic Athletic Women and NT Yapas play at the Darwin Football Stadium where spectators are now allowed. Picture: Natasha Emeck