IT'S been eight long years since Wade Park hosted an elite level soccer game, but in just under a month the Hyundai A-League will return to Orange.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Orange City Council finalised a deal during the week, rekindling a dormant relationship with the Central Coast Mariners, who will take on traditional rivals Newcastle Jets in a pre-season trial on Sunday, September 20.
The game marks the Mariners' return to Wade Park having played at the ground twice before, against Adelaide United in 2006 and Brisbane Roar in 2007.
"It's good news, football is very popular in Orange, you just have to look at junior participation to know that," Orange City Council sports and recreation committee chair Jason Hamling said.
Councillor Hamling said despite the match being a trial punters can expect the clubs' best players to be on show, and a top quality game.
"From what I understand this will be coming toward the end of the two clubs' pre-seasons so we're expecting the Mariners and Jets to field their strongest sides," he explained.
"It's fantastic that top-flight football games are being played in regional centres."
The Mariners will arrive in Orange on Wednesday, September 16, and will host a plethora of skills clinics and sessions leading into the game at Wade Park.
"We have a strong connection and support for the Mariners across regional NSW," Central Coast CEO Shaun Mielekamp said.
"We are passionate about delivering to the community and intend to form partnerships that will see us return.
"Whilst we're in Orange the full playing squad will be running training sessions with local junior players along with a host of other community activations."
Outside the National Rugby Championship last year, the clash will be the first major event at Wade Park since the NSW Waratahs played Fiji in 2010, and reignites the debate of Wade Park versus a rectangular sporting complex.
Councillor Hamling, once again, confirmed their is room for both in Orange and said the Mariners had signed off Wade Park's facilities prior to the agreement's finalisation.
"There is upgrades to Wade Park in the pipeline and also the rectangular sporting field is on council's agenda, but the Mariners came up and had a look at Wade Park and are very happy with the facilities," he explained.
Central Coast already has strong ties to the area, using the Western NSW Mariners as somewhat of a feeder program.
As a result Central Coast will also bring its under 20 squad, to take on their Western NSW counterparts in a curtain-raiser to the main event.
At this stage, the A-League trial will kick off at around 3pm.