Victoria’s West are uniting for the Hyundai A-League’s newest club.
Football fans in Melbourne’s West, Geelong and Ballarat and all in-between are getting behind Western United as they play in their inaugural A-League season.
As the Green and Black grow, unique stories about the burgeoning fan base are coming to light.
The club’s first-ever member Andrew Tran is a perfect example. He had never supported the A-League before Western United.
But when he heard a team was forming in the West he was right on board.
“In 15 years of the A-League I had never supported it as I’m more of an AFL guy,” Tran told wufc.com.au.
“I picked Western United because it’s based in my area in the western suburbs and being from Werribee, I would be very close to the new stadium in Tarneit.”
“It’s the first time I have ever bought a sports membership even though I’m a North Melbourne fan in the AFL.
“Buying this [Western United] membership makes me more excited [than AFL].”
As recognition of being the club’s first-ever member, Tran was awarded the honour of the coin toss before the club’s first home game against Perth Glory in Round 2.
It was a moment he’ll never forget.
“On game day the experience was wonderful.
“As I walked out to ground I could hear the lads in the Western Service Crew chanting my name.
“I shook the referee’s hands and the two captains Alessandro Diamanti and Diego Castro.”
Tran, like many other Western United fans, has formed relationships with fellow supporters across the short journey.
The culture created in such a short period is reflective of how the West has been brought together.
“They [Western Service Crew] are all nice blokes from different parts of the West such as Wyndham, Sunbury, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Geelong.
“They all just love soccer (football) and want to be loud and proud supporting the team.”
Tran was at Marvel Stadium to witness the stunning comeback win over Melbourne Victory.
He says the game was another milestone for United and showed how the club and sport provide a point of difference.
“This game was very important for me as a fan and the club, because Melbourne Victory is the biggest club in the A-League who always have great talent and amazing passion.
“As the players came over we all celebrated together by chanting ‘All-West Are We’.
“It’s the main reason why soccer is a very different experience to any other sport.
“I’ll be at every home game and Melbourne away game supporting this amazing team.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Western United’s next home game is Saturday, November 9 against Western Sydney Wanderers at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong. Kick-off is 7.30 PM
CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
CLICK HERE to become a Western United member.
