Melbourne Heart FC will launch an unprecedented digital initiative in the Hyundai A-League today, ahead of this Saturday’s clash against Perth Glory at AAMI Park.
Melbourne Heart FC will launch an unprecedented digital initiative in the Hyundai A-League today, ahead of this Saturday-s clash against Perth Glory at AAMI Park.
In a first for the A-League and other sporting codes in Australia, Heart will display the Club and player-s Twitter handles on the back of the team-s playing jerseys for a one-off ‘interactive- match this Saturday.
The Twitter ‘handles- will replace the standard surname on the back of the shirt. For example, Richard Garcia-s surname will be replaced with his Twitter handle; ‘@RichGarcia19-, while the numbering will conform with HAL standards.
The match will also celebrate and recognise the Club-s fan-designed Third Strip, which was selected by Head Coach John Aloisi, and will be worn for this Round 20 match against Perth at AAMI Park.
Heart has also partnered with children-s agency Save the Children Australia to auction the jersey of the Twitter-voted man-of-the-match, with all proceeds going to Save the Children.
Heart players Garcia and captain Fred (@FreddaSilva_5) will reveal the initiative at a media opportunity after Melbourne Heart FC training today (Tuesday 5 February) at La Trobe University Sports Fields from 12.30pm.
Those players without Twitter handles will wear the Club-s Twitter account; @MelbourneHeart.
Heart is set to liaise with Fox Sports to utilise non-playing players- and fan-s tweets throughout the match.
The digital concept has taken shape through Heart-s commitment to its digital engagement with fans.
“Heart is committed to delivering professional and engaging initiatives to reward members for their support for the Club,” Heart CEO Scott Munn said.
“This initiative will allow fans to interact, comment and discuss key points of the match with other fans, about their idols in real time and feel part of the club through a digital phenomenon which is growing in scope and popularity.
“We have seen the power of social media and its ability to allow fans to interact with one another and now we are giving fans and viewers the ultimate digital connection with their Heart stars.
“Partnering with Save the Children will allow us to contribute financially to a children-s agency that is committed to assisting vulnerable children across Australia.”
Heart striker Dylan Macallister is an ambassador for Save the Children and will be available for interview upon request.
Further Details:
– Melbourne Heart FC-s Official Twitter Account has over 10,600 followers
– Click here to see the following Melbourne Heart FC players who have Twitter accounts: https://twitter.com/MelbourneHeart/followyourheartstars/members
– The Club will use the following Twitter ‘hashtags- in its social media coverage of the match: #interactivematch, #goheart.
– Save the Children Australia has created a microsite: www.savethechildren.org.au/interactive, which will be live today and which will contain the details of the man-of-the-match jersey auction.
– The Third Jersey is sponsored by the Club’s away sleeve sponsor, MatchWorks.
