Football fanatics to help Telethon with proceeds for Italian giants’ training sessions going to WA sick kids

Soccer fanatics will have the chance to get up close and personal with two elite Italian teams before they face off in Perth, with the proceeds from the tickets going towards helping sick kids in WA.

Italian powerhouses AC Milan and AS Roma will train at HBF Park on May 30 ahead of their blockbuster match the next day at Optus Stadium.

And keen fans will be able to watch the back-to-back sessions from the stands for just $5, with the proceeds going to Telethon to support children in need across the State.

Football West chief executive Jamie Harnwell said it was a huge month for Perth soccer fans.

“It’s incredible that people not only get to see them during a match but get to see these great players train during the day, and even better, it’s not just about that it’s also about supporting Telethon as well,” he said.

“It is unbelievable to pay $5 to come and watch two Serie A teams here in Perth. I’m not sure you’d get that price anywhere in the world.”

Harnwell said he was thankful that this “great opportunity” was for kids in need across WA as well as the football community.

AC Milan will train at 4.30pm on May 30, followed by AS Roma later that evening at 6.30pm.

Tickets for the training sessions go on sale at 10am, May 2, on Ticketmaster.

Harnwell said he expected tickets to be snapped up fast as ticket sales for the coveted match at Optus Stadium had been selling like hotcakes.

Tens of thousands of tickets have already been sold for the exclusive match on Friday, May 31, with over 50,000 fans expected to fill the stadium to watch the game.

Fans are coming from all over the country as AS Roma has not visited Perth since 1966 and AC Milan is making its first visit since 1980.

AC Milan has won five Coppa Italia titles and 19 Serie A league titles, making it the third most successful Serie A club after Inter Milan (20) and Juventus (36).

AS Roma’s triumphs include three Serie A league titles and nine Coppa Italia titles.

Former AC Milan player Zeljko Kalac, who represented Australia on the international stage for over a decade, will also be in Perth throughout the week, providing meet and greet opportunities for fans.

Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said the week would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for football fans.

“Western Australia is truly cementing itself as a world-class destination for major events, and we want these blockbusters to take over our city and generate a real buzz for locals and visitors alike,” she said.