Broadmeadow Magic FC will kick off the local charge this month in the prestigious Australia Cup 2022.
The schedule for the competition’s round of 32 was released by Football Australia during the week.
And, four fixtures featuring eight member federation clubs headline the first of six scintillating showdowns.
On Thursday 21 July, games will be contested in NSW, Northern Territory, Victoria and Western Australia.
That includes Broadmeadow Magic FC tackling Bentleigh Greens SC at the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex in Cheltenham.
The bout between the Novocastrians and Victorians will be far from the only action on the opening night, with Mindil Aces FC (Northern Territory) also hosting Avondale FC (Victoria), Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC (NSW) welcoming Oakleigh Cannons FC (Victoria) and Armadale SC (Western Australia) taking on Modbury Jets SC (South Australia).
Meanwhile, the Newcastle Jets begin their campaign against Adelaide United at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 30 July (7.30pm) while Newcastle Olympic FC (NNSW) locks horns with Melbourne City at No. 2 Sportsground, Newcastle West, on Tuesday 2 August (7.30pm).
Similar to 2021, the Australia Cup 2022 will serve as a pathway to Asia, with the winner of the tournament granted one of Australia’s slots in the Group Stage of the AFC Cup 2023.
The AFC Cup is the second highest level of club football in Asia, sitting below the AFC Champions League.
The winner of the Australia Cup 2022 will be crowned on Saturday 1 October, when the final is contested just days prior to the start of the 18th season of A-League Men.
Melbourne Victory enters the Australia Cup 2022 as the reigning titleholders, with Tony Popovic’s chargers having won the last ever FFA Cup contested in 2021.
Newcastle-based clubs Australia Cup 2022 – round of 32 fixtures:Â
Thursday 21 July, 7.30pm
- Bentleigh Greens SC (VIC) v Broadmeadow Magic FC (NNSW)
- Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Cheltenham, VIC
Saturday 30 July, 7.30pm
- Newcastle Jets FC v Adelaide United FC
- McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow
Tuesday 2 August, 7.30pm
- Newcastle Olympic FC (NNSW) v Melbourne City FC
- No. 2 Sportsground, Newcastle West
