sport, local-sport,

Socceroos legend Tim Cahill could be on his way to Wollongong as part of a bold bid to bring an A-League match to the region later this year. The Mercury understands WIN Stadium is being considered as an option to host Sydney FC’s round 10 home game against Melbourne City on December 9. The move comes as City close in on the signature of Cahill for the 2016-17 campaign. Currently the fixture is without a venue as the Sky Blues regular ground, Allianz Stadium, is out of action because of two Coldplay concerts the following week. It is believed Sydney FC are in the process of finding an alternative which may involve moving the game forward to Thursday in Sydney. Several venues are also considered for the match. While the Illawarra still harbours ambitions of having an A-League team of their own in the not too distant future, the fixture would be another opportunity for fans to remind the FFA of the large football supporter base on the South Coast. Wollongong last held an A-League match in January, 2015 when the Sky Blues played out a 0-0 draw with the Newcastle Jets. A healthy crowd of more than 11,000 people were in attendance. Football South Coast chief executive Ann-Marie Balliana has welcomed the prospect of another match being brought to Wollongong. “If ever there was an opportunity for the game to be played in Wollongong, that would be terrific,” she said. “In the past, especially for the first fixture we had last year, we have drawn great crowds. “We would obviously love an opportunity to host another A-League game here.” The region has had a strong record in the past of pulling healthy crowds to fooball matches. Around 6000-7000 attended the A-League All-Stars and FFA Cup clashes at the venue in the recent times. Sydney FC have also held several preseason fixtures at the venue, including a double header which featured their W-League team in 2015.

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