CEOs and Politicians to face-off in Charity Football Match
Suncorp Stadium will host a clash of enthusiastic amateurs on Saturday, 22 March as politicians and CEOs go head to head in a charity match to raise money for Yalari Indigenous education.
An initiative by Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), the match will be played as a curtain raiser to Brisbane Roar’s blockbuster Hyundai A-League match against Melbourne Victory and feature some of Brisbane’s well known corporate identities who will relish the chance to take on local and state politicians.
“This is a unique opportunity for some of our politicians and business leaders to take the field on the hallowed turf of Suncorp Stadium and raise money for a very worthy cause,” said Rachel Crowley, Head of Corporate Relations at BAC.
Robert Cavallucci MP, State Member for Brisbane Central, who will be pulling a jersey on for the match, said playing a game at Suncorp would fulfil a boyhood dream.
“Being centre stage on the ground that has supported so many champions will be an honour and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.Here’s hoping I don’t need to be stretchered off,” Mr Cavallucci said.
Port of Brisbane CEO Russell Smith who will be running on for the opposing team said while it was a friendly match he expects some decent competition.
“It’s impossible not be to highly competitive when we hit the turf so I think it’s going to be a game worth watching, if only for the dramatic diving whenever we make it near the box,” Mr Smith said.
Yalari is a not-for-profit organisation that offers education scholarships at Australian’s leading boarding schools for Indigenous children from remote, rural and regional communities.
Yalari’s founding director Waverley Stanley welcomed the initiative and hopes that the clash will become an annual fixture, “To be part of this exciting event is fantastic and we appreciate the support from Brisbane Airport and Brisbane Roar as we continue to provide our Indigenous children opportunities for a quality education,” he said.
“The interest in this code is growing in our communities and we are thrilled to have one of our students who is a natural talent for the sport attending the match. The achievements of our scholars over the years highlight the value of these initiatives in contributing to Indigenous education.”
This event will capitalise on the growing excitement ahead of the upcoming Hyundai A-League Finals Series and Socceroos FIFA World Cup campaign in June and includes a limited number of places available to interested local CEOs who wish to relive past glories.
The Premier’s XI will be a combined side of local politicians and media while the Corporate XI will be captained by ex-Socceroo and Brisbane Roar skipper Craig Moore.