Junior participants provided with affordable access to Matildas

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Football Australia confirmed that junior participants will be provided with affordable access to some of the world’s best footballers when the Commonwealth Bank Matildas host the U.S. Women’s National Team later this month.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Football Australia initiative was a fantastic opportunity to get up close to the action.

“This is an exciting era in Australian women’s football and it’s great our sports-loving kids can witness world-class action right here in NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.

Australia will host the U.S. Women’s National Team for the first time in 21 years at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday, 27 November 2021 and McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Tuesday, 30 November 2021.

Children registered in Australia’s largest club-based participation sport will be able to access a special offer for both games. Junior participants, 12 years and under, will be able to access $5 tickets across all ticket categories with an accompanying adult or concession ticket purchase.

Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said providing an occasion for the next generation of footballers to see their heroes live was essential for the future of football.

“In the Commonwealth Bank Matildas and the U.S. Women’s National Team, there are a group of players that are not only some of the best in the world at what they do on the pitch, but also an inspiration off the pitch as well,” said Johnson.

“For our junior participants to have the chance to see these superstars up close at Stadium Australia, the host venue of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023TM final, and McDonald Jones Stadium, will ignite dreams that will build a legacy beyond these matches and 2023.”

“We thank the Federal Government, NSW Government and the City of Newcastle Council for their infrastructure and financial support that has enabled us to host the U.S. Women’s National Team. It is a significant contribution to ensure we partner to deliver world class preparation for the Commonwealth Matildas for major tournaments, while also inspiring the nation and developing the next generation of talent.”

“The NSW Government will work with Football Australia to ensure this event is COVID-safe and families can enjoy a great atmosphere watching some of the best players in the world.”

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said this is another great coup for NSW and will help to get the state’s visitor economy back on track.

“NSW has kicked another goal bringing out the world champion US team to face-off against our mighty Matildas and is again leading the return of international sport as the nation’s home of football,” Mr Ayres said.

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the upcoming blockbuster games were just a taste of what’s to come ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023TM.

“This is an amazing opportunity for our kids who play football to cheer on their heroes right here on home soil,” Mrs Ward said.

Football Account holders will enjoy a pre-sale window for the November matches against the U.S. Women’s National Team beginning on Monday, 8 November 2021 at 3pm AEDT, with further tickets released to the General Public from Tuesday, 9 November 2021 at 2pm AEDT.

In addition to the offer for junior participants, Football Australia will have affordable ticketing starting from $5 for the match at Stadium Australia and from $10 for the match at McDonald Jones Stadium, valid for Football Account holders.

Commonwealth Bank Matildas midfielder and Newcastle native, Emily van Egmond, said the team was excited that even more football fans have the chance to see the team live in action.

“Walking out and playing against Brazil in front of so many vocal Australian fans was incredible. We have waited so long to play at home, and I think it is fantastic that even more fans have the chance to see us play in Sydney, and in my hometown of Newcastle,” Van Egmond said.

“My dreams to play for Australia started on the pitches of Newcastle and I know how amazing it would have been to be able to watch world class footballers when I was growing up. To be able to be those footballers that inspire the next generation, to build a legacy for football, is a real privilege and we can’t wait to see the fans again.”

Network 10 will broadcast the two-match home series between the Commonwealth Bank Matildas and the U.S. Women’s National Team live and free and simulcast on 10 Play.