Thursday, 22 January 2004 12:00 AM
NEW RADIO STATION SEN 1116 PARTNERS SOCCER CELEBRATION
Patrons will join in a major celebration of Australia Day on Monday when South Melbourne takes on championship leader Perth Glory at Bob Jane Stadium on Australia Day.
Monday’s game is the inaugural Australia Day Cup challenge match between two of the National Soccer League’s strongest clubs. “We are hoping that this day becomes a tradition along the lines of the AFL Anzac day games between powerhouses Essendon and Collingwood” said South’s CEO Mark Patterson.
A special cup has also been designed for the game which will be sponsored by Melbourne’s new sports radio station SEN 1116. In a move designed to promote soccer and the station, South Melbourne and SEN are continuing to develop a major strategic alliance into the future. “To have the involvement of a radio media partner such as SEN will be great for South and for soccer in general” said Patterson at today’s announcement.
SEN Managing Director Danny Staffieri said, “SEN is looking forward to Monday’s celebration and the involvement of SEN in the Australia Day Cup between two of soccer’s real heavy weights”. “These two club will be vying for the championship in a months time as the season get to its business end. We want to be part of this excitement and more broadly, a part of the game’s future development and growth” Stafferi went on to say.
“SEN has a commitment to all sport and a real and strong interest in soccer. This is the start of what we believe will be a long and important relationship for both organizations”. Said Staffieri.
South Melbourne has also been working in conjunction with the Australia Day Council to enable a host of activities and celebrations to become part of what promises to be the match of the season to date as both teams strive for top position on the National League ladder.
Haylee Simpson, who has just been announced as the winner of the Victorian section of the National Anthem Singer Competition will sing the National Anthem prior to kick-off as a highlight of a day of Australian celebration.
Famous Manchester United player Jesper Olsen will also attend the game while added colour and movement to the pre-game activities will be provided via a special preview of the fast growing world game “Fun Football”.
Thousands of Australian flags will be distributed to patrons on arrival and the crowd will be invited to recite the Australia Day Affirmation with each patron receiving a special card.
Hawthorn senior coach Peter Schwab will also be in attendance to address the pre game function being hosted by the club.
Councilor Liz Johnstone, the Mayor of the City of Port Phillip will also attend to assist with the presentation of special Australia Day Sports Medallions to all players and officials. “We are delighted to be a part of the special celebration and thank the Australia Council for their support,” said South Chief Executive Mark Patterson.
“Traditionally the match against Perth Glory is well attended and we are hoping that given our respective positions on the championship table and the extra celebrations, a big crowd will come out on Monday”. Said Patterson
Kick Off is at 6.00pm with the pre-game activities and fun football starting from 4.30pm.