Football NSW Celebrates 500 Days to Go Milestone
Football NSW in conjunction with the NSW Government and Football Australia today celebrated a major milestone of 500 days to go until the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ hits our shores.
Hailed as the world’s biggest women’s sporting event, celebrations took place on the steps of the iconic Sydney Opera House to mark this moment on the journey to 2023.
Joining in on the event was a strong Football NSW female representation which included the likes of Referees Coordinator and A-League Women’s official Emma Kocbek, Northbridge Bulls coach and Canterbury District Soccer Football Association Female Participation Coordinator Trudy Burke, Football NSW Institute player Erin Gordon and Football NSW’s Deputy Chair Fiona Lang.
Matildas stars Chloe Logarzo and Bryleeh Henry and New Zealand Football Fern Lily Alfeld were also present and joined by junior participants, development players, administrators and officials from Football NSW and Football Australia.
“We are counting down the days to Sydney hosting an incredible eleven FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures in 2023,” said Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge.
“Football NSW has been committed to growing all forms of women’s participation in pursuit of gender parity in our game, and the 2023 tournament will no doubt provide another significant boost to our numbers.
“With just 500 days to go, we are eagerly anticipating the launch of NSW Legacy programs to ensure our clubs and associations have the capacity and capabilities to effectively meet the growing demand for female football.”
The Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC, Minister for Women, Minister for Regional Health, and Minister for Mental Health was thrilled to be part of the milestone event.
“What better time to be celebrating 500 days until the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup than at the start of NSW Women’s Week,” said Mrs Taylor.
“Women’s football has experienced incredible growth across the State over the past decade and 2023 is set to inspire a whole new generation of young girls participating in the sport.
“I look forward to our continued work with Football NSW and Football Australia around Legacy programs that will help provide a safe environment for female football participants now and well into the future.”
For the first time, the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ will be held in the southern hemisphere with co-hosts and 2023 is set to be the biggest edition yet with 32 teams to play 64 matches across a month of competition.
With five nations from the AFC joining the host nations in qualification, Australians are looking forward to welcoming the world to our shores once again in just 500 days’ time.
The two co-hosts will continue their preparations for the tournament with a two match international series in April. The Matildas will welcome the NZ Football Ferns on 8 and 12 April with Football Australia last week announcing that Canberra will host the second match.
Match details are available on matildas.com.au.
