An Indigenous designed strip which embodies Alice Springs will be worn by Adelaide United this weekend for their matches in the Red Centre.
The jersey has been designed by Allan Sumner, an Indigenous artist from South Australia, who is a proud Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Yunkanytjatjara man. The artist aimed to encapsulate special places in Central Australia in a special commemorative strip.
Elements of the jersey design include depictions of Uluru and The Olgas, a representation of the people and teams travelling into Alice Springs for the matches, and The Gap.
Two variations of the jersey will be produced, with Adelaide United wearing the design on a black background for their matches against Alice Springs All Stars on August 21 and their A-League pre-season match against Melbourne City on August 23. The Alice Springs All Stars will wear the jersey design on a white background when they play Adelaide United, and the teams playing in the halftime match will each wear one of the designs.
The matches are part of the Northern Territory Government’s two-year agreement with Adelaide United to play trial matches, pre-season fixtures and hold training camps in Alice Springs.
“We are pleased that Adelaide United is fully embracing the significance of coming to Alice Springs to play in these matches, and Centralians will be proud to see the landscape of our beautiful and dynamic region depicted on these jerseys,” said Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing Matt Conlan.
“These are very special places of great cultural importance to Central Australians, and travelling into Alice Springs for sporting events is a popular tradition, so it is fantastic to see these places and this practice celebrated on the jersey.”
Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer Michael Petrillo believes the strip highlights the spirit of the partnership between the Central Australia and the Adelaide United Football Club.
“The new strip designed specifically for this historic football tour really captures the spirit not only of the beauty this iconic area but of the people that it represents” said Petrillo.
“Our commitment to the Northern Territory and specifically to Alice Springs goes beyond just this tour and the two matches to be played there. We are in this for the long haul and through our involvement in the grassroots of the game in Central Australia many benefits will flow on to the communities and the sport within the region”.
The match jerseys to be used have been produced by Adelaide United sponsor Kappa, and will be available for purchase on line through the Adelaide United website at the completion of the tour.
Tickets for the A-League pre-season match between Adelaide United and Melbourne City on Saturday August 23 are now on sale over the counter at Intersport Alice Springs (Formerly Centralian Sports), Hot Stuff for the Sporting Buff and Sportspower. Tickets will also be available at the gate (cash only).
Unreserved grandstand seating is $15 for Adults, $10 for concession and under 16, children under 5 are free and $40 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). General admission is $10 for Adults, $5 for concession and under 16, children under 5 are free and $25 for a family pass.
Entry to the Alice Springs All-Stars v Adelaide United match on Thursday 21 August is by gold coin donation at the gate, with all proceeds going to Football in Central Australian (FICA).
Image courtsey of The Advertiser
