Football in NSW will receive a $10 million boost from the NSW Government as a legacy of hosting matches in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM.
The NSW Football Legacy Program will support football at all levels through the construction of new community facilities, participation initiatives, high performance, leadership and development programs as well as tourism and international engagement.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the NSW Football Legacy Program will ensure everyone involved in football across NSW will benefit from the state hosting matches at the tournament.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM will take football in this country to unprecedented levels,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sydney will host more matches than any other host city and the NSW Football Legacy Program will ensure everyone, from girls and boys lacing up their boots for the first time at the local park to our elite A-League Women, will benefit from NSW hosting matches at the tournament.
“I encourage the football family to apply for grants when the Legacy Fund opens later this year.”
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said the NSW Football Legacy Fund will enable the football community throughout NSW to support the growth of football well beyond the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 TM.
“One of the core objectives of our Legacy ’23 plan and Australia’s co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM is to create enduring tangible benefits for the community, and thanks to the establishment of the NSW Football Legacy Fund by the NSW Government, more people throughout the State will benefit from new and enhanced football-specific programs and facilities for many years to come.
Football NSW Deputy Chair Fiona Lang was thrilled about the significant impact the Fund would have on community football.
“From the moment Australia was announced as the co-host of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM, we have been working hard to ensure a significant legacy is felt across the entire NSW football community.”
“This Fund will support our Associations and Clubs to build capacity and capabilities to meet the needs of our fast-growing football community, which will champion future generations of participants.”
Football Australia Head of Women's Football, Women's World Cup Legacy & Inclusion Sarah Walsh said today’s announcement represents a significant milestone for Football in NSW.
“As Australia’s largest community sport, we are experiencing extraordinary growth in women and girls’ participation. As we strive for 50/50 gender participation both on and off the field, the NSW Football Legacy Fund will deliver much needed investment across the entire football ecosystem. We look forward to working together with NSW Government to ensure that together we reach this goal.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM will feature 32 teams competing in 64 matches across Australia and New Zealand during July and August with seven games at the SFS and four at Stadium Australia, including a Semi Final and the Final. To see the full fixture list, visit the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM website.