It’s ‘game on’ for Glory

Perth Glory coach Alistair Edwards grew up just three houses down from United’s home at Thomas Oval.

The former Grover Way resident, a Kattlers Deli regular, started life playing football on his local pitch before being skyrocketed to an international athletic career as both a player and coach.

Edwards turned around Glory’s devastating eight-game losing streak after the sacking of former coach Ian Ferguson in February, leading the team on a meteoric rise through the ladder to take on Melbourne Victory in the finals.

The club’s revolution is one thing, but Edwards says the changes he’s seen in Kwinana are ‘amazing’. ‘Particularly over the past three years, it’s been a massive transformation,’ he said. ‘Being here brings back a lot of memories.’

The former Kwinana United player said he was keen to bring Glory to Kwinana this weekend to play their first game of the pre-season against the locals.

‘Hopefully they go easy on us,’ he said.

Kwinana United president Luke Higgins encouraged Kwinana and Rockingham sports fans to head down to Thomas Kelly Pavilion in Rowson Place, Medina. Kick-off for the free match is at 2pm, but kids’ entertainment, including bouncy castles, player signings, face painting and giveaways will be available from 11am.

‘Hopefully, this will help to encourage local youngsters to get involved in football and sign up to play next year,’ Mr Higgins said.