AUCKLAND – Waitakere United are calling on the wider football community for support when they tackle Kossa FC in the O-League final second leg on Sunday’s and offering free entry to the season finale in return.
Waitakere trail Solomon Islands side Kossa FC 1-3 after the Honiara leg a fortnight ago but are banking on an innovative approach to boost home support for the crucial return.
Any person who presents proof of paid up club membership will gain free entry to the ground, plus any adult attending with a child U15 will also get through the turnstile at no charge.
Waitakere United Chairman Rex Dawkins says the reason is twofold.
“Clubs do not get rich off gate money.
It would be nice to think that in the future the NZFC does drive regular gates of 2 to 3 thousand people each home game but right now we are some way off that mark, unless it is a derby game against Auckland City.”
“We decided we wanted to reward the fans who have been loyal to us throughout the season but also generate a good crowd for our final home game.
Victory to Waitakere means something to the wider football community with money [the US$500,000 is split amongst the game] going to New Zealand Football and the other NZFC franchises, this is our way of saying ‘make the commitment to come and support us on Sunday’.
Our players faced a hostile crowd of close to 20,000 in Honiara a few weeks back; it would be great if we can get at least 3 or 4 thousand on Sunday to make some noise in our favour.”
“Children are free and we are encouraging parents to come with them at no charge, or if they don’t have kids, bring their club membership cards or the flyer and they are free also.
The only requirement is that they bring their voices and make plenty of noise to help us overcome the first leg deficit.”