Sydney’s diverse communities will come together in sky blue and orange for Sydney FC’s inaugural Harmony Day Game on Sunday March 25 as Sydney FC takes on Newcastle Jets in a blockbuster must-win clash at Allianz Stadium (formerly Sydney Football Stadium).
Sydney’s diverse communities will come together in sky blue and orange for Sydney FC’s inaugural Harmony Day Game on Sunday March 25 as Sydney FC takes on Newcastle Jets in a blockbuster must-win clash at Allianz Stadium (formerly Sydney Football Stadium).
The Harmony Day Game will be Sydney FC’s final game of the regular season and will decide the club’s Hyundai A-League finals fate following a stirring come-from-behind 2-2 draw with Melbourne Heart on Sunday night.
The Harmony Day Game caps off a banner year for Sydney FC’s Community Program, which has seen the Sky Blues start long-term partnerships with UNICEF, Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Children’s Medical Research Institute, the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, and the new annual beyondblue Cup against Melbourne Victory.
“Sydney FC has underpinned its Community Program with strong partnerships and we continue this strategy with our first Harmony Game in partnership with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and our grassroots football partner Football United,” said Sydney FC GM, Community & Game Development, Stefan Kamasz.
“Sydney FC is a natural fit for the Harmony Day Game, bringing Sydney’s rich and diverse communities together to celebrate the world game.”
The Sydney FC playing squad is diverse and from a broad range of backgrounds including Japanese, Dutch, French, Italian, Finnish, Maltese, Slovakian, Uruguayan, Scottish, Greek, Irish, English, Macedonian and Brazilian.
Harmony Day’s official colour is orange and is celebrated on March 21 every year. In 2012 the central theme for Harmony Day is Sport – Play, Engage, Inspire and recognises the important role and positive influence that sport has in fostering a sense of belonging, acceptance and understanding of other cultures.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Sport, Kate Lundy will be the special guest for the match and said: “Football brings Australians from all walks of life together to share in a common passion and strive for a common goal. That is what Harmony Day and today’s match is all about – celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity and remembering that everyone belongs.
“I would like to thank all of the players, staff and supporters of the Sydney Football Club for their outstanding efforts in making this a match to remember.”
Sydney FC’s Harmony Day Game will feature Harmony Day crowd giveaways, big screen messages, multicultural player mascots and small sided games featuring Football United humanitarian refugee players.
Sydney FC’s inaugural Harmony Day Game is proudly supported by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Football Federation Australia, Football United and Red Elephant Projects.
Captain Terry McFlynn, who is Sydney FC’s Football United Ambassador, said the Sky Blues will be keen to continue their current form in the Harmony Game: “We had our biggest crowd of the year last week against Melbourne Victory and we hope to repay our loyal fans with a finals berth. The Harmony Day Game also allows us to welcome new fans to Sydney FC from all backgrounds. As a naturalised Australian Citizen, it’s something I’m passionate about.”
MATCH DETAILS
Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets
Allianz Stadium (formerly Sydney Football Stadium)
Sunday March 25, 2012.
Kick off 4pm
Sydney FC is offering a special ticket offer which allows fans to buy 2 tickets and get 1 free. Adult tickets are available from $20 and families from $50. (Please note this offer applies only to pre-sale through www.ticketek.com.au)
