THE weather mightn’t have come to the party but a good crowd certainly did when Wellington Phoenix FC visited the Upper Hutt City Soccer Club at the weekend.

Despite drizzling rain, more than 300 Upper Hutt people turned out at Harcourt Park to welcome the Hyundai A-League’s newest club for a special visit.

Phoenix players and coaches put groups of junior players through their paces in coaching drills before giving the crowd a look at how they are shaping up for the 2007/08 Hyundai A-League season by running a special squad training session.

Junior players also had the opportunity to meet the Phoenix squad, having the club’s players sign autographs and pose for pictures.

Wellington Phoenix vice-captain Tim Brown was thrilled by the overwhelming response from Upper Hutt’s football community.

“Events like these are our chance as a club to meet the people that make the difference. What clubs such as Upper Hutt City do to foster and develop football in New Zealand is amazing, and we’re fortunate that they’ve taken the Phoenix to their hearts.”

Wellington Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos was equally impressed.

“It’s staggering to see the level of support out there for Wellington Phoenix FC and I’m committed to ensuring that we, as a club, repay that support both on and off the pitch.

“I would like thank to thank the Upper Hutt City Soccer Club for putting on a superb day and we hope to see everyone from the club again soon.”