The Socceroos will hold a series of fan days and public appearances on the Central Coast and Sydney to help unite all Australians behind the team before departing for Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Socceroos will spend two weeks on the Central Coast and Sydney as coach Ange Postecoglou starts preparations on home soil before fine-tuning the squad in Brazil ahead of the first match against Chile on 13 June.
Football fans will be able to get up close and personal with their World Cup bound heroes at Socceroo Fan Days at Central Coast Stadium (Sunday 18 May) and Sydney's Jubilee Oval (Saturday 24 May), which will both include open training sessions.
Both Fan Days will get underway at 10am and will include Merchandise giveways, face painting, MiniRoos clinics and a signing session for fans.
The Socceroos squad will assemble on the Central Coast on 15 May and spend seven days training at Central Coast Stadium before shifting to Sydney on 22 May where they will prepare for the farewell match against South Africa, presented by NAB, on 26 May.
The 30-man Socceroo squad will also attend a public appearance at Westfield Sydney (Pitt St Mall) at lunchtime on Thursday 22 May.
“The Socceroos have the ability to unite all Australians like no other national team and the Fan Days give football supporters an opportunity to wish them well and show their support before the team departs Australian soil,” said FFA CEO David Gallop.
“The Socceroos fans days have been organised on the weekends to give fans on the Central Coast and Sydney the best chance to get behind their heroes as we all look forward to the World Cup with a sense of pride and unity.”
Postecoglou also declared the Socceroo Fan Days were an equally important way for the players, coaches and staff to feel the support of Australian football fans before they leave for Brazil.
“The Socceroos are a team for all Australians, not just the 30 players and staff, and inspiring the next generation of players and fans are an important part of being a Socceroo,” Postecoglou said.
“We want the fans to feel part of the team and we also want the players to feel the energy and support behind them.”
For all ticketing details, please visit www.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets
Tickets for the match include travel on Sydney Trains to and from ANZ Stadium for no extra charge.
The match between the Socceroos and South Africa, presented by NAB, will also be broadcast live and exclusive on Fox Sports.