It was another busy month for Adelaide United in the community, with our players doing their bit to give back.
Here is a recap of some of the things we have been up to:
SA Bushfire Relief Fundraiser
In the wake of the Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island bushfires which devastated the region, Football South Australia and Adelaide United joined forces to organise a friendly match to help raise much needed funds for those affected by the disaster. On Wednesday, 5 February an Adelaide United XI, comprised of players from the Hyundai A-League and Youth Team squads, faced the Football SA All-Stars at Marden Sports Complex. More than 1,400 people attended as the Reds prevailed 4-1 past the National Premier League’s best players. It was a great event, generating funds for an important cause.
In addition to participating in this match the Club raised and donated over $20,000 for the SA Bushfire Appeal and Kangaroo Island Mayoral Relief Fund, raised funds for Rural Aid as part of a league-wide initiative at the Hyundai A-League home game with Melbourne Victory and Westfield W-League match versus Western Sydney Wanderers, and auctioned two jerseys signed by the A-League squad to aid Foodbank SA’s bushfire food relief efforts.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6130007825001
#BookThemOut
Adelaide United, Flinders University, and the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) have aligned in support of the #BookThemOut campaign.
SATC’s current #BookThemOut campaign is focusing on encouraging tourists from overseas, interstate, and people from within South Australia to visit Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide Hills. This follows the devastating bushfires that ravaged Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island, causing losses in life, family homes and businesses, and wildlife.
To aid the campaign in reaching a broader audience, Adelaide United will wear the #BookThemOut logo on the front of their away shirt for select away matches for the remainder of the regular Hyundai A-League season.
Read more about the initiative here.
Childhood Cancer Association
Back in December, Reds goalkeeper, Paul Izzo, decided to become a Childhood Cancer Association ambassador and makes regular hospital visits in his spare time, supporting families impacted by childhood cancer. United defender, Michaël Maria, also went along with Paul last year to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital to put some smiles on kids’ faces.
Additionally, as one of our charity partners, Children supported by the Childhood Cancer Association were junior mascots for each player, while two kids tossed the coin and carried the ball for Adelaide United’s Round 9 match against Newcastle Jets.
I couldn’t be prouder to officially become a @childhoodcancr Ambassador and support the incredible work they do for children with cancer and their families. pic.twitter.com/jSzrApSOZo
— Paul Izzo (@P_izzo) December 4, 2019
Adelaide United Skills Program with Marcelo Carrusca
On the back of the successful AUFC Football clinics launched during last year’s Term 3 holidays, another program was launched. Towards the end of the summer holidays, the Club in collaboration with Marcelo Carrusca ran a skills program at Ridley Reserve West, two days a week across a four-week period. Each session went for two hours with 46 registered participants learning new techniques from Marcelo and his team of coaches.
All registrants received a full Adelaide United Macron Training Kit, while players from the Hyundai A-League squad also visited during some of the sessions to sign autographs, stop for photos and answer any questions. The Club would also like to thank Sportspower Zorich Group for supplying all the equipment from goals, bibs, cones, and balls, in addition to the City of Playford for providing the venue. Keep an eye out for the next program during the Term 1 holidays.
Where I’m From
Ahead of rebel Play Football Round Louis D’Arrigo and Ryan Kitto returned to where it all began at local side West Torrens Birkalla. The pair paid a visit to their former club with Louis spending his juniors there while Ryan managed to represent the Eagles at the senior level before making it professionally.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6129915172001
Adelaide 500
Club staff members were at the Adelaide 500 all four days of the event with the inflatable goal and handing out 2-4-1 ticket offers for registrants. Charlotte Grant and Emily Hodgson also participated in a trolley race to raise awareness for Foodbank SA against other South Australian athletes with the segment filmed for Channel 10.
Flinders O’Week visit
Adelaide United players and staff activated at Flinders University, the Club’s Premier Partner, for O’Week. Giveaways including merchandise and free tickets were handed out to new students. On Monday, Charlotte Grant and Victoria Mansueto introduced themselves to fans and signed autographs, in addition to our two E-League players, Joel Andruszkiewicz and Daniel Ryan who played students in FIFA20 on PlayStation. Tuesday, saw Ryan Kitto and Louis D’Arrigo attend as they interacted with students and played FIFA20, while Nikola Mileusnić and Stefan Mauk were present on Wednesday, participating in activities such as quoits with students.
Junior matchday volunteers for December, January and February
Hyundai A-League:
Round 8 vs Wellington Phoenix – Adelaide Cobras and Bedford Group
Round 9 vs Newcastle Jets – Childhood Cancer Association
Round 12 vs Western Sydney Wanderers – Para Hills Knights and Adelaide Thunder
Round 15 vs Melbourne Victory – Woodside Warriors
Round 17 vs Melbourne City – Tea Tree Gully
Round 19 vs Central Coast Mariners – One Culture
Westfield W-League:
Round 2 vs Sydney FC – Fulham United
Round 6 vs Canberra United – Salisbury Inter
Round 8 vs Perth Glory – Active Sport
Round 9 vs Melbourne Victory – Modbury Jets
Round 11 vs Western Sydney Wanderers – Cumberland United
