The A-League’s newest team, Western United, will kick off its first season in two months’ time and while newborns Camilla Grech and Isabella Cassar probably won’t be at the ground cheering for the United boys in their first game, they will be their biggest – but tiniest – supporters.
Last Tuesday, two Western United players visited Werribee Mercy Hospital’s maternity unit, presenting the two ‘Little Westies’ with United gear and the honour of being the fledgling club’s youngest supporters.
Isabella’s soccer-mad Dad, James, supports a rival A-League team and might take some convincing to be converted to United’s colours but he concedes his firstborn’s team is now firmly set.
“She is definitely a Western United supporter now,” he said. “She suits green.”
A new first-time father himself, United defender Brendan Hamill comfortably cuddled baby Isabella, who lives in Tarneit, the suburb that will be home to United’s brand new home stadium when construction completes in time for the 2021/2022 season.
Meanwhile, Italian national team player Alessandro Diamanti, who has previously played for clubs including Fiorentina and West Ham United, was a little more anxious cradling one-day-old Camilla from Point Cook. The father of three felt ‘out of practice’ holding babies, as his three bambinos are aged 10, nine and six. He is, however, practising hard on the training track ahead of his A-League debut in October.
Western United trains in the heart of Melbourne’s West in Caroline Springs and will play its home games in Geelong and Ballarat until its new Tarneit stadium is ready for action. The players are busy training and immersing themselves into the ever-growing Western Melbourne community before the season-opener and will be regular visitors to Werribee Mercy Hospital.
Download full media release ( PDF, 192.1K )Last reviewed November 8, 2019.
