Glen Willow: Home Of The Charity Shield 2025 & 2026

Published on 25 September 2024

Mid-Western Regional Council has announced that Glen Willow Stadium will remain the official home of the Charity Shield, with the 2025 and 2026 matches scheduled to be played in Mudgee as part of an extended two-year partnership with St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Having proudly hosted five Charity Shield fixtures, Glen Willow looks forward to welcoming two more in the coming years. The dates for the 2025 match will be announced later this year.

Brad Cam, General Manager of Mid-Western Regional Council, expressed pride in the strong relationships built with NRL clubs, stating, "The region's love for sport and its welcoming community makes us an ideal host for these prestigious matches. It's fantastic to see NRL clubs giving back to the regional areas that help produce next-generation football talent."

Brad also highlighted the stadium’s proven ability to host large-scale events: "Our track record for delivering successful sporting events has been key in securing high-profile games like the Charity Shield. The economic impact from these games is significant, with visitors boosting the local economy while helping raise the region's profile on a national scale."

Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly, says Rabbitohs Members are expected to flock to Mudgee for the annual pre-season event.“Here at the Rabbitohs, we’re very excited to be returning to Mudgee for the annual Charity Shield match against the Dragons over the next two seasons.”

“We weren’t in a position to play in Mudgee last year due to the season opener in Las Vegas, however as soon as this became an option for us to return, alongside the Dragons with the support of Mid-Western Regional Council, we jumped at it.

“The feedback we get from our Members and supporters about the annual trip to Mudgee is always very positive. It’s a wonderful region to visit and our players enjoy the support we receive from the town and the surrounding areas.

“It also means that Souths Cares can head back out to the region and deliver their life-changing programs to kids in the central west of New South Wales with one of their many regional tours they conduct each year.

“The best, and potentially only, way for Rabbitohs supporters to secure Charity Shield tickets is to become a Member, so jump onto the Rabbitohs website now to renew or sign up for your 2025 Membership.

“We’re all very excited and we look forward to returning to Glen Willow Stadium in February 2025 to paint the town red and green!”

The St George Illawarra Dragons are equally excited with their return to Glen Willow, according to CEO Ryan Webb.

“Our players, fans and staff have always embraced our pre-season trips to Mudgee and we are delighted to be heading back for an eighth consecutive year,” Webb said.

“It’s great to have another two Charity Shield fixtures locked in at Glen Willow Stadium and we look forward to returning early next year.”

More information on the upcoming Charity Shield match in 2025 will be shared when more details are available.