Western United locked in for A-League games in Tasmania

Soccer has taken the wind out of the AFL’s sails by signing a deal that will see A-League games – and the Calder United in a match with an all-star local team – played on Tassie soil. ALL THE DETAILS >>

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SOCCER has stolen the march on AFL by signing a $480,000 deal with the State Government that will see two A-League games and the Calder United go head-to-head in a match against an all-star Tasmania’s best women’s team in each season for the next two years.

On top of that, a W-League game has also been guaranteed for the state in 2022.

As Tasmanian pushes for its own A-League license, it was a boon for the state that Western United will play two “home” games UTAS Stadium in Launceston in the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Western United’s women’s affiliate team, Calder United, will also play a match against a Tasmanian women’s team in 2021.

Besart Berisha of Western United celebrates after scoring a goal during the A-League match between Western United and Macarthur FC at Mars Stadium, on February 20, 2021, in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

It will be the first time A-League matches have been played in Tasmania since 2013.

“The return of A-League games to Launceston is a great win for our State and once again confirms Tasmania’s ability to host elite level sport,” the Premier said.

“Tasmania has a rich sporting history and this partnership is another important marker in our plan to secure elite sports that deliver numerous economic benefits, as well as positioning Tasmania as a destination of choice for visitors.

“We have seen strong growth in football participation in recent years in Tasmania, and this will further create opportunities and incentives to develop our local talent, as well as further our ambition to establish an A-League team of our own here in Tasmania.”

As part of the agreement, Western United and Calder United players and coaches will conduct junior clinics across the state.

“With close to 40,000 participants, football is Tasmania’s most-played team sport and continues to rise in popularity, especially among junior players,” Mr Bulkeley said.

“The next step in growing the sport in Tasmania is to increase the A League’s presence and partnerships like this are integral to maintaining football’s position as Tasmania’s most-played team sport.

“On behalf of the Tasmanian football community, I’d like to thank Western United and the State Government for bringing the A-League back to Tasmania.

“As well giving Tasmanians exposure to the very best players from Australia and abroad right here in Launceston, the partnership also offers exciting opportunities for community engagement and player development which will greatly benefit our aspiring junior and youth players.

“We’re looking forward to working with Western United to raise the profile and popularity of football in Tasmania even further and will continue to pursue opportunities to bring more elite level football matches to the state in the future.”