Central Coast Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson has given a ringing endorsement to Football Federation Australia’s bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cups, as he helped unveil a special one-off Come Play! shirt for this weekend’s match.
Central Coast Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson has given a ringing endorsement to Football Federation Australia-s bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cups, as he helped unveil a special one-off Come Play! shirt for this weekend-s match.
The Mariners will wear the special one-off designed Come Play! shirts for this weekend-s game.
The one off shirts, which reflect the imagery of Australia-s World Cup bid, will be signed by the players and auctioned for the club-s chosen charity, Central Coast Community Chest, charity after the conclusion of Round 24.
“We are ready to host a FIFA World Cup in Australia, it-s a very safe country and above all would be a great place to visit,” said Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson.
“Do your part for Australia, this Australia Day weekend – support Australia-s Bid and come along to Bluetongue Stadium on Friday night to support not only the Mariners, but also the Hyundai A-League and the World Cup bid.
“The World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world – and it would be amazing to host it in Australia, for all Australians,” said Wilkinson.
In addition, each match this weekend will be played with a Come Play branded match ball. One match ball from each game will be signed by both captains and auctioned for charity, with proceeds donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“As we lead into Australia Day on 26 January 2010, we are very pleased that this weekend each of the Hyundai A-League clubs will proudly show their support for Australia-s Bid by wearing one-off Come Play! shirts,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
“It is now less than 11 months until FIFA decide which countries will host World Cups in 2018 and 2022. So we have between now and then to show FIFA how passionate we are about hosting a World Cup in Australia. Support of the Hyundai A-League clubs and their fans is crucial to our success.”
Also launched today is a Come Play supporter jersey for kids.
The new green and gold shirt is similar to the shirt presented to Archbishop Desmond Tutu leading into the FIFA World Cup draw announcement in South Africa last year. The shirt is available exclusively online at australia2018-2022.com.au/store.
Mariners fans can show their support by coming along to the Central Coast Mariners v Gold Coast United fixture this Friday 22 January 2010 (kick off 8pm) and joining the bid at australia2018-2022.com.au
The Mariners- next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against Gold Coast United on Friday, 22 January. Kick-off is at 8:00pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
