Perth is gearing up for a momentous occasion as it proudly revealed its State Football Centre in Queens Park. The stunning facility, unveiled by WA Premier Roger Cook, will take centre stage as one of the training venues for the much-anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
The State Football Centre is a 16-hectare complex with world-class amenities. It has a two-story grandstand, two competition and training pitches, plenty of on-site parking, and three five-a-side playing fields. Teams from Denmark, Canada, Panama, Haiti, and Morocco will use its elite facilities to prepare for the intense competition.
Post-Women’s World Cup, the State Football Centre will act as the administrative headquarters for Football West, marking a watershed moment for football in Western Australia.
The $46 million investment in this project was made possible through collaborative support from the State and Commonwealth governments, with the Cook Government contributing a significant $29.71 million.
Roger Cook expressed his delight on the matter, saying via press release:
“Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and opening this facility in time for the first match ensures it will leave a lasting legacy for football in Western Australia,” he said.
“My Government is proud to have jointly funded and delivered a world-class facility that will not only help players train and perform at their peak during the upcoming World Cup, but provide the same opportunities to local teams and young players working towards scoring their own taste of international football glory someday.
Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell added via press release:
“It is a special day for our sport in Western Australia to finally have a place to call home after more than 120 years, and the facilities at the State Football Centre are state of the art.
“This will be a place where our elite youngsters will train, but it will also serve as a base for our grassroots game, including coaches and referees, as well as Football West’s charitable partner, the Football Futures Foundation, which serves the needs of diverse and priority communities through football here in WA.
“It will also be a place where overseas teams can come to train, as we have seen this week with Denmark and as will continue during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
“Football West would like to thank both the Federal and State governments for their support, and we look forward to working closely with them in the future as we develop the centre.”
Perth will host five matches as part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the facility to also leave a strong ever-lasting effect.
VenuesWest and Football West will be working together to manage the venue’s day-to-day operations going forward.
