THE Newcastle Jets return to Coffs Harbour for a pre-season trial match against the Brisbane Roar on Wednesday 20 September, kicking off at 7pm at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Beyond the excitement of having a professional football team play in their backyard, Coffs Harbour residents are set to benefit from enhanced community engagement initiatives.

The Jets will spend four days in the region engaging with the community, including a free football clinic at Mclean Street on Monday 18 September and an open training session on Tuesday 19 September.

The Jets have made Coffs Harbour and the C.ex Coffs International stadium their second home over the past few years.

In 2021, the Jets launched a second half comeback to share the points in a 1-1 in their A-League clash against Perth Glory.

In 2020 the Jets drew with the Brisbane Roar 1-1 in pre-season and last year they engaged the community with an exhibition match against the best players from the North Coast.

Whilst the 17-1 victory to the Newcastle Jets highlighted the gulf in class, there was thunderous applause when local talent Jacob Field from the Coffs Coast Tigers danced through the A-League defence and slotted the ball past Jets goalkeeper Tim Duncan.

The Newcastle Jets’ deep relationship with the region opens doors to a wider fan base, allowing them to foster stronger connections with supporters who might not have had the chance to witness professional football up close.

Newcastle Jets Executive Chairman Shane Mattiske said the journey north represents a great opportunity for the club to engage with its member and supporter base as well as the wider football community in Northern NSW.

“As a club we are delighted by the prospect of returning to regional Northern NSW as part of our pre-season preparations,” Mattiske said.

“We know we have a number of supporters in the region, and thanks to Greater Bank and the City of Coffs Harbour we have a great platform to engage closely with them and the wider football community this September.”

The collaboration between the Newcastle Jets and Coffs Harbour isn’t solely about football; there’s broader benefits to the local economy and promoting tourism.

“We’re excited to be welcoming the Newcastle Jets back for their pre-season training camp,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said.

“No doubt the highlight will be seeing the Jets take on Brisbane Roar at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

“With free kids entry, we expect the Coffs Harbour community to be out in force, cheering on the home-away-from-home side.”

Greater Bank’s Regional Sales Manager Scott McCluskey reflected on the FIFA Women’s World Cup that captured the heart of the nation.

“On the back of the Matildas’ historic showing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the whole region has caught a serious case of football fever, and we’re so excited for the Jets to come and connect with our fans and community,” McCluskey said.

“The clinics will allow our budding football talents to hone their skills under the watchful eye of some of the A-League’s finest, before the Jets give all their local fans a taste of what’s to come this season under new Head Coach Rob Stanton – right here at our world-class stadium.”

By David WIGLEY