World Cup stars all set for Sydney Festival of Football
Socceroos star Brett Emerton and New Zealand All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen today reaffirmed their commitment to the Sydney Festival of Football with both set to turn our for EPL glamour club Blackburn Rovers in the Inaugural event at the Sydney Football Stadium between July 25 – 31.
Blackburn Rovers will be joined by Hyundai A-League champions Sydney FC and European heavyweights AEK Athens FC and Glasgow Rangers in a three match round robin Festival of Football at the Sydney Football Stadium. The tournament kicks off on Sunday July 25, before a mid week double header on Wednesday July 28, with the pre season championship culminating on Saturday July 31.
Star midfielder Brett Emerton was one of the Socceroos best in South Africa, while Ryan Nelsen was inspirational in the All Whites astonishing unbeaten world cup campaign.
“The world cup was an incredible experience, something I will remember forever, but now it’s back to business with Blackburn Rovers. Nelsen said today.
‘I’m really looking forward to heading across to Sydney for the Festival of Football and I know the lads back in the UK are too.’
‘It’s an exciting concept and there are certain to be no easy games with Rangers and AEK Athens FC amongst the strongest clubs in Europe.” Nelsen said.
Hometown hero Brett Emerton echoed his captain’s remarks declaring the tournament a golden opportunity for Sydney to showcase itself to the football world off the back of the world cup.
“Events like these are vital if Australia is to host the 2022 world cup” Emerton said.
“Everybody knows Sydney is a beautiful city, but there are football purists out there that would rather the game’s showpiece event go elsewhere. This an opportunity for Sydney to stand up and show the world we are a footballing country worthy of hosting the world cup”. Emerton said.
Tickets for the Sydney Festival of Football are available now through Ticketek with Adult prices starting from just $29!