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Sports Minister Matthew Bonson today congratulated A League’s newest member – Northern Thunder – saying he was looking forward to top class soccer games in the Territory.

“This is fantastic news for Northern Thunder, and for all soccer fans in the Territory,” Mr Bonson said.

“Northern Thunder will be based in Townsville but we are hoping the club will call Darwin its home away from home, and bring top level games to the Top End.”

Mr Bonson last month endorsed Northern Thunder for inclusion in A League, writing a letter of support to the Football Federation of  Australia offering support for its bid.

“I had very positive discussions with Northern Thunder managing director James Gage earlier this year about the team potentially adopting Darwin as its home away from home.

“All indications were that Darwin could host up to two games this season, and I look forward to having further discussions with Mr Gage about this prospect.

“This could – for the first time – provide Territory players a direct pathway to the highest level of Australian football, and also help in the development of Indigenous football talent in the NT.”

Mr Bonson will also meet with Football Federation officials in Darwin next month to discuss A-League Games becoming part Darwin’s sporting fixture.

 

“I will be talking to officials about bringing more A-League games to Darwin, and allowing them the opportunity to assess our facilities,” Mr Bonson said.

 

“With the NT Government’s recent opening of the $8 million Darwin Football Stadium, I think we may have paved the way for an appropriate facility to host games of this quality.”

Related files:
bonsonnorthernthunder.pdf ( 1.08 mb )