Football fans from the Tamworth region will see some of Australia’s best go head-to-head this weekend as the Newcastle Jets bring their men’s and women’s teams to Tamworth for two exhibition games during the World Cup break.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government was backing the event with a $250,000 grant from the Regional Events Acceleration Fund.

“Football is one of the most popular and competitive sports in our region with popularity booming off the back of the Socceroo’s campaign at the world cup and the ongoing success of the A-League,” Mr Anderson said.

“It’s great news that we’ll be welcoming some of our nation’s best men’s and women’s players to Tamworth and I have no doubt that the event will inspire local juniors to work hard to achieve their footballing dreams.”

Newcastle Jets Executive Chairman Shane Mattiske said the teams were excited to be heading to Tamworth

“The Jets are excited to be able to come to Tamworth this week for what will be a great celebration of Football.  Fans will be able to engage with our professional men’s and women’s teams throughout the week, along with representatives of our winning Jets Powerchair team,” Mr Mattiske said.

“Saturday’s event will bring A-League powerhouse’s Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers to town for a Women’s and Men’s match respectively, followed by a broadcast of the FIFA World Cup Socceroo’s match at 9pm in the Wests League’s Club.

“The support of the NSW Government and particularly Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has been invaluable in making this great event happen for the City of Tamworth and the surrounding Tamworth.”

West Entertainment Group Deputy CEO James Cooper said Wests were continuing to bring high level sport to Tamworth

“Wests have been hosting NRL games since 2018 and the annual event has added a big boost to the local economy,” Mr Cooper said

“We’re excited to now add football to the mix with an exciting exhibition of some of the games best. We know that when the NRL comes to town, accommodation is booked out and local hospitality venues do very well, so we’re keen to replicate that success with football.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is supporting the growth of existing regional events and attracting new major domestic and international events to regional NSW.

“Money is rolling out right across regional NSW helping local events go from strength to strength and putting regional NSW on the map,” Mr Toole said.

“We know that hosting events in regional areas attracts visitors to towns, and those guests will spend money in local shops, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or café, and boost regional businesses and economies.

“Since its inception, the Regional Events Acceleration Fund has supported the delivery and development of 85 events, with more than one million visitors travelling to the regional areas where these events are held.”

The Newcastle Jets Women’s team will take on Western Sydney Wanderers from 3pm while the men’s team will go up against Melbourne City from 5:30pm. This will be followed by the broadcast of the Socceroos V Tunisia at Wests from 9pm.

Tickets are selling fast and are available online at https://wtlc.com.au/event/newcastle-jets-festival-of-football/