A soccer clash for the ages is set to occur on Sunday the 19th of February to raise funds for SA primary producers and small related agricultural businesses, impacted by natural disasters, like the floods.
The team 'Pick A Local, Pick SA!' will consist of a mixed team of growers, wholesalers and retailers, who will take on members of the 'State Government' at Coopers Stadium in a curtain raiser ahead of Adelaide United taking on the Western Sydney Wanderers.
The event has been organised by the help of the South Australian Produce Market (SAPML), Pick a Local, Pick SA! and Foodland, together with Bank SA, the State Government, including Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia.
Each player will be supported through donations and sponsorships to be part of the teams, with match attendees being able to add a donation to the RBS Relief Fund when purchasing their game day tickets through Ticketek.
Rural Business Support Chief Executive Officer, Brett Smith said the charity game will offer much-needed support to those impacted by natural disasters.
"Money raised through the SA Flood Recovery match will be used by our Relief Fund to assist farming families who are already doing it tough and have been impacted by a natural disaster, like the River Murray flood," he said.
Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer Nathan Kosmina said Adelaide United are proud to be supporting the match and said people must help those recovering from natural disasters.
"In times of crisis it is paramount that considerable efforts are made to support those affected, and this initiative will ensure the communities still navigating their way through recovery are helped and not forgotten," he said.
The South Australian Produce Market (SAPML) Chief Executive Officer, Angelo Demasi will be lacing up for the clash and said it will offer the state the chance to support those who have provided quality produce.
"South Australian growers have been resilient and continue to provide the State with quality fresh fruit and vegetables and primary produce and we wanted to show our support and appreciation in these challenging times," he said.
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Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Claire Scriven said this match will support SA farmers who continue to face challenges.
"This is a really important way for us to show our support for primary producers and also residents along the river," she said.
"They're dealing with a lot at the moment, it's been a very difficult time and for farmers that difficult time is going to continue.
"What we know is the recovery will take at least 12-18 months for primary producers and this match is really important to show that we're supporting them."
Ms Scriven encouraged people to donate and help those affected by natural disasters.
"I do encourage everyone to get behind this to donate and really make a difference for the Riverland and Murray land communities," she said.
"I think it's a really good opportunity for people to come along, watch the fundraising match and watch what I'm sure will be a really good game after."
On the night Ms Scriven will be involved in the game, while watching her parliamentary and ministerial colleges try to get the win.
"I'll be tossing the coin and presenting the trophy and I'm really looking forward to watching it," she said.
The charity match with kick off at 12:30pm, with people being able to donate through the Rural Business Support website.
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