Today marks 500 days until the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023TM, the world’s biggest women’s sporting event, gets underway.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor joined Football Australia’s Head of Women’s Football, Women’s World Cup Legacy & Inclusion Sarah Walsh, Head of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Project Rhiannon Martin, CEO Australia, FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia Jane Fernandez, Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge and members of the CommBank Matildas today to mark the occasion, with the milestone also coinciding with the start of the 2022 NSW Women’s Week.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said it is fantastic to be here on the steps of the iconic Sydney Opera House to mark these two momentous occasions.
“Women’s football has experienced incredible growth across the State over the past decade, with more than 71,000 women and girls participating in the sport,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM is where new stars will be born, more barriers will be broken and a legacy for our next generation will emerge.”
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government is proud to be hosting 11 matches, including the Matildas’ opening match and the Final.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM marks the first time the event will be held in the Southern Hemisphere and hosting this event is a once in a lifetime opportunity to leave a legacy for the game here in NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
Today also marks the official launch of the ParaMatildas, Australia’s first national team for women and girls with Cerebral Palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms of stroke.
Football Australia Head of Women’s Football, Women’s World Cup Legacy & Inclusion Sarah Walsh said this is a momentous day for the 2.2 million women and girls living with disability in Australia.
“With the launch of the ParaMatildas, we are sending a message that football is an inclusive sport for people of all abilities. As we build towards 50/50 gender parity through participation and the pathways through Legacy ‘23, we are demonstrating that females and males have the same opportunities in football,” Ms Walsh said.
NSW Women’s Week runs from Monday, 7 March to Sunday, 13 March. International Women’s Day is on 8 March and the NSW Women of the Year Awards are announced on 9 March.
