Brisbane set to Roar in Mackay

Published: 23 Oct 2020

Brisbane Roar has announced the club’s A-League squad will be journeying to Mackay for a pre-season training camp this November.

With the support of the Mackay Regional Council and the Magpies Sporting Club, the five-day training camp in North Central Queensland sees the State’s only A-League club return to Mackay for the first time since 2018.

The camp, which will include a number of community-based activities in the Mackay region by the Roar’s players and coaches, will culminate in a pre-season fixture between the Roar and local outfit Magpies Crusaders United at Soliginkin Oval on Saturday,  November 14 (6.30pm kick-off).

“We are thrilled to be returning to Mackay for the second time in three pre-seasons,” Brisbane Roar CEO David Pourre said.

“We are a team for all of Queensland and we thoroughly enjoy travelling into communities throughout the State, as we have in Mackay, Gladstone and the Fraser Coast in recent seasons.

“Brisbane Roar would like to thank the Mackay Regional Council and the Magpies Sporting Club for their support in making this camp possible.”

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said it was an exciting opportunity for the Mackay region to welcome the Roar back once again.

“The last time the Roar were in Mackay it was a wonderful evening of football when they took on the Magpies Crusaders in a friendly,” he said.

“This will be a treat for Mackay fans and a great opportunity for our Magpies Crusaders players to test themselves against A-League opposition before returning to the NPL Queensland next season.”

Brisbane Roar Head Coach Warren Moon added: “We are Queensland’s team and the opportunity for our squad to continue our A-League season preparations in Mackay is both a terrific opportunity for our squad and for the local football fraternity.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing plenty of passionate Brisbane Roar fans throughout the trip and at what will be a strong test for our squad against Magpies Crusaders United on November 14.”

The Roar last ventured to Mackay in July 2018 for a week-long camp which included a 5-0 win against Magpies Crusaders in front of more than 3,100 passionate local supporters.

Magpies Crusaders Chairman Barry Jansen said: “This is an opportunity to continue our partnership with the Mackay Regional Council and build and strengthen our relationship with Brisbane Roar, which is something that Magpies Crusaders feel strongly about.

“Giving back to the community through this type of opportunity with the major support of the council is important considering the year than 2020 has been. This will be a week-long festival to round off the season and help Brisbane Roar prepare for theirs.”

Magpies Sporting Club General Manager Darren Smith added: “It will be a great occasion for Brisbane Roar and Magpies Crusaders United to play at our premier facility, Soliginkin Oval. Having a top-class professional outfit train and play in Mackay is something Magpies Sporting Club is proud they can facilitate."

Ticketing details and information around community events to be confirmed in the near future.