World Cup fever has well and truly hit Wollongong.
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And, even though their beloved Italy failed to qualify for the month-long tournament in Russia, The Fraternity Club, Illawarra’s unofficial home of football, is joining the party.
The Fairy Meadow-based club is backing the Socceroos all the way, and will screen all World Cup matches.
But fans of the world game can also get their World Cup fix daily thanks to the Wollongong Football Show.
Hosted by football fanatic Andrew Byron, sports lovers can tune in each day for reviews and previews of the world’s largest single-event sporting tournament.
The first Wollongong-based podcast starts on Thursday, June 14 and will include a format of local content, interviews, opinions, guests and comments from ex-Socceroos, based both here in Wollongong and on the ground in Russia.
Byron said while the Daily Football Show had already started their daily show live from Russia, a Wollongong-based crew (WolfDen supporters) will soon provide details of their experiences and travels around the World Cup.
“Whether you’re a football person or not, everyone becomes a football fanatic during the World Cup,” he said.
“The tournament is always huge, we have the Socceroos there and I feel we’re going to see something special from them.
“We’ve got our microphones switched on, we’re going live each day and we want to hear your thoughts and opinions about the World Cup.
“It is the people that make the difference and we want to hear your stories and thoughts on our show.”
The World Cup edition of the Wollongong Football Show also has the backing of former Socceroo and Illawarra product Scott Chipperfield, who is sponsoring the podcast through Chippers Finishing School.
The WFS podcast can be downloaded via iTunes or on a Android App.
Meantime, fans can also listen to a ‘live’ show recording at The Fraternity Club next Thursday, June 21, when Australia takes on Denmark.