The Newcastle Jets’ Westfield W-League squad will be based at Newcastle’s No.2 Sportsground for the 2017/18 season, following an agreement between the club and Newcastle City Council.
The new deal will see Craig Deans’ chargers ply their trade at one of the Hunter’s premier sporting fields as they prepare for another summer of football.
Jets’ CEO, Lawrie McKinna said the latest agreement was a coup for women’s football in Newcastle.
“This is a great deal for our (Westfield) W-League squad, with access to top-class facilities and a quality playing surface as they begin preparations for the season ahead,” said Mr McKinna.
“The side will train here for the majority of the season, with the sportsground also set to play host to a couple of pre-season friendlies.
“We’re still awaiting confirmation of the 2017/18 fixtures, and while we’ve requested double-headers at McDonald Jones Stadium – any stand-alone W-League games will be played at No.2 Sportsground.”
In addition to becoming home to the W-League squad, No. 2 Sportsground will also be used for the Jets’ National Youth League fixtures.
McKinna thanked Newcastle City Council for their support of the club through this latest initiative.
“Full credit needs to go to Nuatali and Newcastle City Council, their support of our club in this deal has been absolutely class,” said McKinna.
“This is great for us and great for the game locally, we’re extremely thankful for the council’s work in finalising this agreement.”
Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the new partnership between the Newcastle Jets and Newcastle City Council as a strong sign of the City’s commitment to advancing women’s football in Newcastle.
“Our wonderful staff at Council has worked with the Jets Administration and the Football Federation Australia to ensure that No.2 Sportsground is to up scratch for the Newcastle Jets’ Westfield W-League squad, and today we are so pleased to welcome them to their new home in the heart of the Newcastle,” said Councillor Nelmes.
“With the City recently securing the Westfield Matildas versus Brazil match, and now providing this top-class, modern facility for the Jets’ W-League squad, it’s safe to say that the City of Newcastle loves women’s football.”
“I thank Lawrie and the Newcastle Jets for their ongoing commitment to the City of Newcastle, and to advancing Women’s Football in our community.”
“To think that a world-class Women’s football match could be played right here on No.2 Sportsground will be exciting for all Novocastrian football fans, especially our young women, and I absolutely welcome that.”
