FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to leave $10 million legacy for NSW football

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 2023.

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, believes 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 2023 will take football in this country to unprecedented levels,” 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 added 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.

“One of the core objectives of our Legacy ’23 plan and Australia’s co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 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 2023, we have been working hard to ensure a significant legacy is felt across the entire NSW football community,” she said.

“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, viewed today’s announcement as a representation of a significant milestone for Football in NSW.

“As Australia’s largest community sport, we are experiencing extraordinary growth in women and girls’ participation,” she said.

“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.”

Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland concluded; “The NSW Football Legacy Fund aligns with NNSWF’s Strategic Plan and provides NNSWF with a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to partner with government to secure an enduring legacy for our game and communities.

“NNSWF’s Board of Directors have committed to complement the NSW government’s investment through the engagement of a dedicated Legacy Workforce consisting of three full-time staff who will assist affiliated clubs and stakeholders to engage and take advantage of the various programs, services and funding opportunities aligned to the NSW Football Legacy Fund.”

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UEFA and Unilever renew partnership

UEFA has embraced Unilever as an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, kicking off in Switzerland on July 2 until July 27, 2025.

Unilever’s deal with UEFA builds off of their 2024 partnership and will see a wide array of Unilever’s Foods and Personal Care brands ignite their own integrated advertising campaigns to connect with fans and consumers in and out of the stadium, including household names like Dove, Rexona, Knorr and Hellmann’s.

UEFA marketing director, Guy-Laurent Epstein expressed UEFA’s excitement to work with Unilever again.

“Building on the success of our collaboration last summer, we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Unilever for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025,” he said in a press release.

The support and interest in women’s football is on a sharp upward trajectory, and with Unilever’s portfolio of Food and Personal Care brands reaching billions of people every day, we look forward to celebrating the power of the game and bringing excitement to fans everywhere.”

General Manager of Unilever Foods Europe, Robbert de Vreede conveyed his enthusiasm for Unilever’s involvement in the upcoming Women’s EURO 2025.

“We are thrilled to partner with the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, enabling our Foods brands to connect with a large audience who come together enjoying the thrill of a football match with friends whilst sharing delicious foods,” he said in a UEFA press release.

“Just as a great BBQ brings people closer, football unites fans in a shared experience of passion and camaraderie. In this partnership we will create memorable moments that highlight the best of summer – good food, great company, and beautiful games.”

General Manager of Unilever Personal Care Europe, Fulvio Guarneri detailed why the collaboration between UEFA and Unilever was a perfect fit.

“This is an exciting opportunity for some of our biggest brands to tap into a big cultural moment and connect with millions of consumers who will be watching the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025,” he said via press release.

“It’s a great time for women’s football and this partnership fits perfectly with our Personal Care products which are all about feeling clean and confident, and taking part in sports. Together with our retail partners, we look forward to building on the success of last year’s men’s tournament, delivering unmissable campaigns across a variety of channels that celebrate the power of women’s football.”

Unilever joins an exciting list of brands for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 tournament, including household names such as adidas, Amazon, AXA, Booking.com, EA, Euronics, Grifols, Heineken, Hublot, Just Eat Takeaway.com, Lay’s, Lidl, PlayStation and Visa.

The Club Development Conference highlights community football

Significant Sporting Events Program 2023-24

On Saturday, February 1st, over 200 attendees came together at Valentine Sports Park for the 2025 Football NSW Club Development Conference.

With registrations for the 2025 season still coming in, over 85 Football NSW clubs from both Sydney Metropolitan and regional areas gathered for a dynamic day of workshops, panels, and special guest speakers, celebrating community football.

Presented by Stephanie Brantz, the Conference included keynote addresses from Karen Jones, Acting CEO of Destination NSW and Chief Executive of the NSW Office of Sport, Dr. Catriona Rose of the Australian Sports Commission, and Matildas cap #167, Ellie Brush.

After the successful second edition of the conference, Trevor Huxley, Football NSW’s Program Manager for Club Development, expressed his excitement over the strong support from the community.

“The Club Development Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together all levels of the game to learn from one another, network and discuss best practice for grassroots football,” said Huxley via press release.

“It has been inspiring to see grassroots clubs across the state in attendance, illustrating a remarkable commitment to supporting their local communities. It’s vital that Football NSW continues to lead in this space, providing support to the volunteers and local administrators who are central to the ongoing growth of our game.”

Along with the keynote speakers, attendees were able to choose sessions tailored to their Club or role, covering topics such as safeguarding, volunteerism, marketing and data analysis, infrastructure and grant funding, player and spectator behaviour, women & girls’ football, diversity and inclusion, and grassroots coach education.

The Football NSW Club Development Conference serves as a pivotal platform for enhancing community football by Empowering Clubs, Facilitating Networking, Offering Targeted Education and Showcasing Leadership.

By focusing on these areas, the conference plays a crucial role in strengthening community football, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring the sport’s sustainable growth.

To gain further details and access Club resources, click here.

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