Australian soccer clubs to visit Downey for friendly matches

DOWNEY - Two high school soccer teams visiting the United States from New South Wales, Australia will compete against Downey AYSO teams this weekend in a series of friendly matches. The Australian teams hail from St. Vincent's Academy and are led by renowned coach Mark Bradley. Their visit to Downey was arranged by Travel International Sports, an organization formerly headquartered in Downey.

Two games featuring 19u and 16u girls take place Friday, Sept. 27, at the Discovery Sports Complex. The first game starts at 5 p.m.

The next round of friendly games are Monday, Sept. 30, at Downey High, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Both games are free and open to the public.

"This is a great opportunity for the players and parents of our community to build new relationships and experiences through the sport of soccer," said Downey AYSO Commissioner Armando Rodriguez. "Our emphasis has always been to build up our players' skills on the pitch as well as to develop their life skills off the field of play.

"We encourage soccer fans to come out and enjoy the experience and see firsthand the experience of a lifetime for the players in our region."

Players and coaches from both teams will enjoy pizza parties catered by Shakey's Pizza in Downey after each game.