In Western United’s short history, the new Hyundai A-League club has played in another country (New Zealand) as well as across Victoria and NSW.
Racking up the miles already, from Caroline Springs to Ballarat, Geelong and Melbourne, Wellington and Gosford, the Green and Black have caught the imagination of fans wherever they play.
And the green and black fans have followed, caught up in the passion and pride the team have for the West.
Meet passionate Westie and United fan Caleb Trimble.
Trimble, who lives in Werribee, has traveled approximately 600km by car, plus a 7-hour round-trip flight to New Zealand.
“I’m someone who is born and bred western suburbs,” Trimble told wufc.com.au
“I’ve lived in Werribee for my whole life and don’t see that changing.
“So having a club that is community-based and wants to get the whole area involved is something I wanted to be a part of.”
Trimble was in Wellington to witness the club’s first-ever A-League game.
A 1-0 win at Westpac Stadium will go down in the history books, and Trimble’s positive experience comes to no surprise.
“It was absolutely incredible.
“I had never been to an interstate away game so going to a completely different country for it was something else entirely.
“The locals were lovely and showed us around the town and gave us great hospitality and made us want to come back for the next one.”
Trimble will be coming back for the next one.
He is keen to return to New Zealand’s capital in early 2020 to see the United’s Round 20 clash with the Phoenix.
It won’t stop there though, as he and others begin to plan their trips around Australia.
“At this stage, it’s looking like I’ll be heading back to Wellington in February for another away game there.
“A bunch of us are also looking to do trips to Adelaide, Newcastle, Sydney and Brisbane.
“It’s just about how much funds are in the bank account when it comes time to buy tickets.”
Attending games hasn’t been Trimble’s only way of supporting his new team.
The western suburbs local has already purchased a range of merchandise, including a Josh Cavallo printed jersey.
He’s also responsible for creating the famous ‘Poi Bo’ banner, which he had signed by United captain Alessandro Diamanti.
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Trimble added that he is loving the percentage of United fans who are buying merchandise.
“I think it’s a great thing.
“It creates a different sort of atmosphere when everyone is all together wearing the same colours and it makes the crowd look better on TV, too.
“Eventually our Western Service Crew want to put out a range of merchandise too which will help the active support grow further.
“I think it’s down to the proudness of those who live in the west who want to show everyone else they’re from here and want to support the club.
“After all, we’re all west aren’t we?”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Western United’s next home game is against Melbourne Victory on Sunday, December 8 at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong. Kick-off is 4:00 pm.
CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
CLICK HERE to become a Western United member.
