Keeping the passion alive: The Manchester United Official Supporters Club of New South Wales

THE Manchester United Football Club team have left Australia for now, but Hieu Chau tells you how to keep the passion alive.

Photo: nasmac via Flickr

After watching Manchester United absolutely demolish the A-League All Stars 5-1 at the Sydney Olympic Stadium recently, it’s time for Manchester United supporters in Australia to stow away their Manchester United jerseys and scarves. Or is it?

If it wasn’t already apparent at Olympic Stadium, there’re plenty of Manchester United supporters in Australia, and they are represented by Manchester United supporters clubs in each Australian state. The largest of those clubs is the Official Manchester United Supporters Club of New South Wales.

The Official Manchester United Supporters Club of New South Wales is officially endorsed and registered by Manchester United Football Club and is one of the oldest supporters clubs in Australia.

“We are an official supporters club so, if anything, [we] feel [we have] a responsibility to represent Manchester United well in Australia,” says the club’s Membership and Communications Manager Emma Fitzgerald.

“We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2014, so next year will be special for us.”

The club currently has 300 active members and many more followers on its Facebook page.

“The majority of our members live in New South Wales, but we do have some members in most states around Australia,” says Emma.

“Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds, but come together to share in our joint passion for Manchester United.”

This past few years, the club has also “had a growing membership from students and short term workers from several Asian countries”.

So why should international students consider joining a supporters club? Is it worth their time? What are the benefits of joining?

Matt Mifsud, Alex O'Connor and Mark O'Connor presenting Robin van Persie with the Official Manchester United Supporters Club of NSW Australia, "Player of the Year" trophy. Image supplied.

Supporter club Vice Chairperson, Matt Mifsud, Alex O’Connor and Chairperson Mark O’Connor presenting Robin van Persie with the Official Manchester United Supporters Club of NSW Australia, “Player of the Year” trophy. Image supplied.

Aside from showing love for their favourite teams, the communal bond that club members share is strengthened by them attending exclusive activities organised by the club.

For example, during Manchester United’s stay in Sydney, members had the opportunity to lunch with David Moyes, the manager of Manchester United Football Club. Other member-only activities included meeting some of the players, attending a question and answer session with some of Manchester United’s legends and watching the team practice the night before their match.

Furthermore, club members enjoy discounts at select sporting bars, partake in monthly meetings and can contribute to the club’s magazine.

For more information about the Official Manchester United Supporters Club of New South Wales, visit its official website.

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