Grassroots clubs to show their colours for Italian football blockbuster

• Western Australia set to host some of Italy's most iconic football teams in August
• Grassroots football clubs across WA encouraged to rally their communities ahead of Australia-first sporting spectacle
• Clubs from across metro and regional WA selected to fly the flag for four Italian clubs
• Calcio Italiano part of the Cook Labor Government's commitment to diversifying the economy and supporting grassroots sport in WA

Football clubs across the State are being invited to show their colours and become part of one of the biggest international football events ever hosted in Western Australia.

The new Community Tifosi initiative will connect local clubs, players, volunteers, families, and supporters with AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus FC, and Palermo FC ahead of their arrival in Perth this August for Calcio Italiano.

The Cook Labor Government has secured four major Italian football clubs to play three blockbuster matches at Optus Stadium, with AC Milan taking on Inter Milan on Wednesday, 5 August, Inter Milan facing Juventus FC on Saturday, 8 August, and Juventus FC playing Palermo FC on Tuesday, 11 August.

Tickets are on sale now for all three matches, with clubs, families, and supporters encouraged to be part of the atmosphere at Optus Stadium and help showcase WA's passion for football to the world.

Thousands of tickets have already sold for the Australian-exclusive tournament, which is expected to attract strong out-of-state visitor numbers and boost local tourism businesses across Perth.

Centred around the theme, 'Show Your Colours', the Community Tifosi initiative invites Football West affiliated clubs across WA to proudly back one of the four visiting Italian clubs and become part of the spectacle that will bring international football, Italian culture, and community celebration together in Perth.

An initial group of Western Australian clubs have been identified in consultation with Football West to be involved in the program, with all Football West affiliated clubs invited to register their interest.

These clubs include:

• Juventus FC - Perth Azzurri SC, Swan United FC, Dampier Junior Soccer Club (Pilbara);
• AC Milan - Armadale SC, Olympic Kingsway SC, La Fiamma Sporting Club (Mid West);
• Inter Milan - Bayswater City SC, Balcatta Etna FC, Denmark SC (Great Southern); and
• Palermo FC - Fremantle City FC, Mandurah City FC, Bunbury United SC (South West).

All Football West affiliated clubs across metropolitan and regional Western Australia are invited to take part in the initiative by registering, selecting the Italian club they wish to support, and showing their colours throughout the campaign period.

Registered clubs will go into the running for a range of football and tournament experiences, including matchday activities, open training access, junior football experiences, and parade participation.

Football West affiliated clubs can register their interest in Community Tifosi from Monday, 15 June.

Tickets for all three matches are on sale now via Ticketmaster. More than half of the available tickets for each match have been priced below $100, with adult tickets starting from $49.80.

For more information, visit calcioperth.com

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti: 

"This major event is bringing four of the world's most iconic football clubs to Western Australia and the Community Tifosi initiative gives our local clubs, players, volunteers, and families the opportunity to be part of the excitement.

"We want football communities across the State to get behind the tournament, show their colours, and help create a genuine football atmosphere in the lead-up to these matches.

"This initiative is about celebrating the strength of community football in Western Australia and creating opportunities for local clubs to connect with this major international sporting event."

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:

"Community Tifosi demonstrates that beyond strengthening the tourism sector, diversifying the State economy, and showcasing Western Australia on the global stage, major events also deliver a lasting social legacy and meaningful benefits for local communities.

"The initiative gives clubs, players, volunteers, and families the chance to show their colours in the lead-up to Calcio Italiano, connect with the visiting Italian clubs, and help bring the matchday atmosphere to life at Optus Stadium.

"Football clubs and supporters across Western Australia are encouraged to rally their communities, secure their tickets, and be part of the crowd when AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus FC, and Palermo FC arrive in Perth this August."