Australia’s bid for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup gets the support it needs

Liam Watson

Australia is considering themselves as a contender to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and with commitment already made towards the cause, we could be seeing some of the world’s best in our own country.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has given praise to the Queensland government after they put their hand up to commit towards the bid to get the FIFA Women’s World Cup here in Australia.

Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane would be the main venue that would host several matches being played throughout the tournament.

The New South Wales Government has also given their support for this bid, and it is sure to encourage other states to lend and continue their support.

FFA has already received $5 million in funds from the Australian Government in preparation for the bid, showing that there is some keen interest to getting a major tournament down under.

FFA Chief Executive David Gallop gave the Queensland government credit.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the Queensland Government.  The confirmation of this support and the inclusion of Brisbane as a proposed Host City significantly strengthens Australia’s bid, he said.

“This will secure an outstanding legacy for female sport in Queensland and Australia, powering FFA’s drive towards Gender Equality in Football.

“Suncorp Stadium is a magnificent venue of football, and the prospect of hosting World Cup matches there is an extremely exciting one for the Westfield Matildas and everyone at FFA.

Representatives from Queensland have spoken of the importance hosting these type of events.

“We want Queensland to be known as a world-class destination for major events.  Hosting World Cup teams could make Queensland the centre of attention for a massively growing global audience, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“It’s a big prestigious event, televised round the world and FIFA reports it attracted an audience of more than a billion during the tournament in France earlier this year.

The success of the 2019 tournament in France has led to a decision by FIFA to expand the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to a 32-team tournament up from 24.”

“Hosting this event would be a game changer for women’s sport in our state, Queensland Minister for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones said.

“The Matildas captured the attention of the world at this year’s World Cup in France. But there is nothing like playing on home soil.

“To give the Matildas the chance to play in Queensland would do great things to promote gender equality and encourage more women and girls into sport in our state.”

FIFA will announce the host of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in May next year.

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Queensland Government grants boosts growth and affordability

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Image credit: PxHere website

Queensland’s sporting community will benefit from comprehensive state government grants, which will help kids join local clubs, support elite athletes, and upgrade facilities.

For children

  • Access up to $200 in FairPlay vouchers per eligible child to assist with sport and recreation club membership costs.
  • Support of up to $800 is available through Emerging Athlete Pathways for athletes and officials under 18 attending state, national and international competitions.

For clubs and organisations

  • Become a registered organisation to accept FairPlay vouchers, allowing eligible children to use up to $200 towards membership, registration or participation fees.
  • Register your organisation’s competitions at state, national and international levels through Emerging Athlete Pathways to enable athlete and official funding eligibility.
  • Apply for the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund to create accessible, safe and inclusive community sport and recreation spaces.
  • Not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations can access Active Clubs funding to support volunteers and deliver flexible, safe physical activities to boost participation.

Disaster recovery

  • Eligible not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations affected by significant weather events can apply for up to $5,000 through the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program to restart operations.

Other Sports and Recreation funding sources

  • Explore funding opportunities for not-for-profit organisations through your local council.
  • Contact your state sport and recreation organisation for information about activity-specific funding options.
  • Access various funding programs for individuals and sporting organisations through Sport Australia.

Sporting clubs have always been vocal about the importance that government backing has in the upkeep of the sporting industry.

Though it will take time to see the full effect of these grants, this comprehensive list of grants shows that Queensland’s government is dedicated to supporting its sporting industry.

It’s a positive sign and hopefully, it will help increase the sporting output and relieve the financial stress for the people of Queensland. A strong sporting Queensland is a benefit for sport in the country as a whole.

Learn more here.

Major grant boost for women’s football in NSW

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NSW Government - Level the Playing Fund
Image credit: Football NSW

In a major win for women’s football growth in NSW, a $654,000 grant from the Federal Government has been awarded to support the ‘Play Our Way’ initiative for women and girls.

Football NSW’s ‘Empower Her’ project, focused on leadership, education, and inclusion for women in football, was among 120 grants awarded as part of the Federal Government’s $55 million scheme.

The grant will focus on three key areas—leadership, education, and inclusion—to attract, retain, and develop women in football. It will also support intersectional communities through initiatives like the NAIDOC Cup for First Nations youth and community sustainability efforts for priority groups via Football4All and the State Parafootball team.

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, mentioned the crucial role that the funding will have for Football NSW.

“The generous funding from the Federal Government will play a pivotal role in supporting Football NSW’s mission to expand and elevate female participation in football across the state, ensuring that more women and girls can thrive in the sport at every level,” he said via press release.

“Female football continues to soar following the incredible success of last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.

“Over the past 12 months, female participation has surged by an impressive 23%, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and opportunities for women and girls in the sport.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Federal Government for their invaluable support. This funding will help us grow and create more opportunities for women and girls to participate in all facets of football across NSW.”

Sport Minister, Anika Wells, added her comments about the Play Our Way initiative.

“Play Our way is the single biggest package for women’s sport participation and facilities ever and these 120 projects will create greater opportunities for women and girls to enjoy being physically active,” she said via press release.

“The huge response to this grant opportunity, and the range of great project ideas, show that Australian communities want to be more supportive of women and girls.”

The grants are part of the participation stream, the first funding confirmed under the Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program.

A second phase of the Play Our Way program, focused on facility grants, will be confirmed soon.

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