FOOTBALL
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A-League heavyweights Sydney FC will return to WIN Stadium alongside their W-League compatriots for a pre-season double-header next month.
Continuing their strong, recent history with the beachside venue, the Sky Blues will take part in the South Coast Football Challenge on Friday, September 18.
The night will see the Illawarra Stingrays given the opportunity to test their mettle against Sydney FC's W-League squad before the men take on Wellington Phoenix.
It will be the first time many of Sydney FC's star-studded squad step out for the first time, including new marquee Filip Holosko.
Illawarra-born Sky Blues Matt Jurman and Aaron Calver are also likely to feature in the match after both signed new deals.
"We are looking forward to giving our South Coast fans a chance to see us in Wollongong," coach Graham Arnold said.
"Wellington proved last season what a strong team they are having reached the finals stages, and they will provide an excellent test for us at the right time in pre-season.
"We always get fabulous support in Wollongong and I'm hoping as many football fans can get out and support both our Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League teams on the 18th."
Sydney FC played their first regular-season match in Wollongong last January in front of a crowd of 11,377.
The region missed out on a similar fixture this campaign but will break new ground at the South Coast Football Challenge. It will be the first time both men's and women's top-flight football will be on show on the same evening at the venue.
"It's fantastic to see Wollongong is a regular host of some top-class football. It's particularly exciting to see the inaugural South Coast Football Challenge with a fixture showcasing women's football and our Illawarra Stingrays," Football South Coast chief executive Ann-Marie Balliana said.
"This is another great opportunity for local football fans to enjoy a great night of football."
Tickets will be available to the general public on Friday.