(Photo: 91.9 The Bend)
Moncton will be hosting professional soccer matches this summer at Medavie Blue Cross Stadium on the Université de Moncton campus.
English football (soccer) club Sunderland AFC U23 will be playing a friendly match against CF Montreal U23 on August 5.
The two teams will also play each other in Charlottetown on August 7.
Moncton mayor Dawn Arnold says after two challenging years, it will be exciting to host a world-class sporting event.
“These events bring economic return, continue the buzz around Moncton momentum and also play an important role in showcasing world talent which has an especially profound impact on young Monctonians.”
Arnold added, “More and more, sporting events, promoters and organizers are looking to Moncton to host these types of events and we welcome them with open arms.”
On July 30, Sunderland AFC U23 will take on the New Brunswick All-Stars.
In addition to the matches, Sunderland will also be hosting coaching clinics.
“We are excited to bring a professional soccer match to Moncton and Charlottetown’s world-class facilities” said John Graham from On-Ice Entertainment.
“While this will be the first time the Sunderland AFC will play in the Maritimes, we are confident that we will continue to build on the success of this event for future soccer matches in the city.”
“Hosting both CF Montreal and a top level professional team from England is an opportunity to showcase high-calibre soccer,” said Younes Bouida, Executive Director and Director of Technical Development with Soccer New Brunswick.
“These events have a long-term impact on inspiring people to play and enjoy the sport, and Soccer New Brunswick looks forward to hosting these two matches and working with partners on a series of other events to be announced in the weeks ahead.”
Tickets for these matches are now on sale through Ticketmaster with prices starting at $20.
