UNE Life director David Schmude said: “A number of Armidale businesses have come on board and supported the initiative to bring the team to Armidale, which is wonderful.”

“The team will be getting out and about and visiting a number of local businesses and talking with fans, including a visit to McDonald’s at 5pm today, where aspiring young players can meet their heroes. They will also take the opportunity to talk to local businesses. Sport is not just about the players running around the field, it’s big business and there’s a great deal going on behind the scenes.” 

Meg Georkas from Hutchinson & Harlow Real Estate in Armidale, a gold sponsor of the camp, believes having a national team such as the Jets visit Armidale is a great opportunity to expose the town to a greater audience.

“We are pleased to support Armidale and the Newcastle Jets, to develop and foster a relationship with our local youth. We are continually looking for ways to help our local groups and sporting clubs build and develop the community of which they are a part,” she said

The training camp in Armidale is part of the team’s pre-season tour around NSW and is hosted by SportUNE, in partnership with the Armidale Dumaresq Council, and supported by a number of local Armidale businesses, including gold sponsors, McDonald’s and Hutchinson & Harlow Real Estate, as well as Intersport, Armidale City Bowling Club, The Armidale Express, 2AD/FM100.3 and the Greater Building Society.