Melbourne will hold exhibition matches in May at the MCG and Marvel Stadium for football clubs Tottenham, Newcastle United and Arsenal.

The event is designed to draw Australians in to the international success of Australian soccer stars within the Premier League.

The Tottenham and Newcastle United mens teams will play at the MCG on May 22 in a midweek friendly match to begin the exhibition. Arsenal’s women’s team, including Matildas players Steph Catley, Caitlin Ford and Kyra Cooney-Cross, will play an A-League all stars squad at Marvel Stadium on May 24.

Mile Jedinak, former Socceroo and current member of Tottenham Hotspurs coaching staff, said that these events are designed to attract and inspire Australians.

“I just take myself back to my own childhood and we had some big games where I watched on TV and it was all inspirational, so I see this event as no different,” he said. “Where that leads people in the end, only time will tell, but we can plant the seed of inspiration.”

Steve Dimopolous, Victorian sport minister, said the exhibition will boost the economy of the state. Both the matches are scheduled during the AFL season with the A-League mens grand final set to be played on the 25 and 26 of May at the MCG.

Photo: MCG by Tony is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified