With only 86 sleeps until the 2015 AFC Asian Cup kicks off, Cessnock’s campaign to host a pre-competition training camp is building momentum.
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Last Thursday the Great Cask Hall at Hope Estate played host to the cup itself as part of a roadshow travelling throughout the Hunter region in anticipation of next year’s event.
Guests of honour included retired SBS sports commentator Les Murray, who acknowledged the Hunter’s proud football history and the significant impact that the cup will have on the area.
“This event is not just a good thing for football, it is a good thing for Australia,” he said.
“This is an opportunity to showcase ourselves through a sporting event on a global level, with cities like Newcastle and regions like the hunter showcased to millions of people.
“This area has one of the richest and oldest football regions in Australia.”
It is hoped that an announcement regarding Cessnock’s position as a pre-competition training camp location will be made in the coming weeks.
To date the city has hosted visits from the Kuwaiti and Japanese Football Associations, and Mayor Bob Pynsent said that he welcomes the possibility.
“Having a national football team located in the Cessnock area would provide a great opportunity to showcase our fabulous city across Asia and indeed the world,” he said.
“This is an idea that originally came from councillor Morgan Campbell and it has certainly grown into something much bigger than any of us could have predicted.
“I would have never envisioned the cup being here in Cessnock.”
The AFC Asian Cup is Asia’s biggest football tournament and will see 32 matches – including four at Newcastle – played over 23 days, kicking off in Melbourne on January 9, 2015.
See more photos from Thursday night in our gallery.
