English Premier League club Brentford will host October’s international between New Zealand and Australia.
The All Whites and Socceroos will play for the Soccer Ashes Trophy when they meet on Tuesday October 17 (UKT) at London’s Gtech Community Stadium.
The match will see the Soccer Ashes trophy put on the line for the first time since 1954 after it was rediscovered earlier this year.
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Housed in an elaborate wooden casket and constructed from a combination of rewarewa and Australian maple, the trophy contains the ashes of cigars smoked by Australian captain Alex Gibb and New Zealand captain George Campbell following the first meeting between the two nations in Australia in June 1923.
Built by New Zealand trophy maker Harry Mayer in 1923, the Ashes are held in a silver-plated razor case that was carried by Queensland Football Association Secretary Private William Fisher at the landing of Gallipoli in 1915, a powerful symbol of the Anzac Spirit which underpins the strong trans-Tasman sporting bond and rivalry.
“This game is going to be a very special moment for trans-Tasman sport,” says All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley.
“Playing Australia is always a significant occasion but to be competing for such a historic trophy, for the first time in nearly 70 years, is something the whole squad can’t wait to be part of.
“With this game, as well as the match against Republic of Ireland in November, plus other international friendlies to be announced soon, we have a schedule of fixtures this spring that will really push us as a team which is exactly what we want, especially looking forward to FIFA World Cup qualifying next year.”
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New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said:
“Since the Soccer Ashes trophy was rediscovered, locking in a game against Australia to play for them was a top priority, so I’m delighted to finally confirm the match details and look forward to seeing all the Kiwis and Aussies at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
“This trophy represents not just the shared footballing history of our two countries but also the shared history of our two nations in general, so it will be a special occasion to see it competed for this October.”
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said:
“The trophy is a powerful symbol of the many ties that bind our two nations, and I am pleased we have been able to work so closely with New Zealand Football to bring back the Soccer Ashes trophy.
“We’re delighted to provide the many Australian and New Zealand expats living in London and throughout Europe with the opportunity to support their respective national teams live, and I’d like to thank the team at Brentford Football Club for hosting us at Gtech Community Stadium.”
Main photo: No such thing as a friendly? Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Fixture
Game to be played on Wednesday October 18, 2023 (NZT)
New Zealand v Australia
Gtech Community Stadium, London, 7.45am (NZT)
Tickets
Tickets for the game start from £12 Under 17, £14 for young adults (18-24 years) and seniors (65 years+) and £16 adults
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