IN PICTURES: Albany soccer fans turn out in their thousands for preseason Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets game

Soccer fans in the Great Southern soaked up the chance to see their A-League heroes up close and personal during Perth Glory’s regional visit last week. Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets faced off in a preseason fixture at Retravision Stadium in Albany on Wednesday, which highlighted the club’s trip to the region. Glory hosted a community open day on Tuesday with hundreds of budding young players taking part. Youngsters were involved in skills sessions and there was also a chance for signings and photographs. The Glory players then trained in front of their adoring fans in preparation for Wednesday’s game. More than 2000 people flocked to Albany’s premier sporting facility to witness the Glory and Jets fixture, the first men’s A-League preseason match played in the city. Glory delighted their home fans with a strong 2-0 win and the post-game atmosphere was electric as the Glory players lined the oval signing memorabilia and posing for photos with hundreds of kids itching for a moment with their idols.