This Friday night at CommBank Stadium, the Western Sydney Wanderers will go head-to-head with Wellington Phoenix with more than just three points up for grabs – the Sister Cities Shield will also be on the line.
The Shield celebrates the longstanding Sister Cities relationship between Blacktown City in Western Sydney and Porirua in Wellington, a bond that was formally established in 1984 to foster cultural and commercial connections between the two communities.
Over the past 41 years, this relationship has grown to include a wide range of activities across sport, education, culture, and the arts, enriching both cities and creating opportunities for collaboration and celebration.
The Sister Cities Shield first became part of an A-Leagues fixture in March 2018, adding an extra layer of pride and rivalry to matches between the Wanderers and the Phoenix.
Since then, every encounter has carried the spirit of friendly competition and community connection, with both sides vying not only for league points but also for the honour of lifting the Shield.
For the Wanderers, Friday’s clash represents a chance to show their strength in front of the home crowd while continuing to build momentum in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
The men’s team will be joined by the Women’s team, who kick off the evening as part of a thrilling double-header celebrating Multicultural Round – a perfect complement to the values embodied by the Sister Cities Shield.
Fans attending will not only witness top-flight football but also a celebration of community, culture, and shared history between Western Sydney and Wellington.
It’s a night for the Wanderers family to come together, cheer on their teams, and honour the connection that has brought these two cities closer for over three decades.
