EXCLUSIVE: Australian football boss Danny Townsend reveals the World Cup moment when he knew the sport down under had changed forever – and the biggest challenge facing the code
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Danny Townsend, CEO of the Australian Professional Leagues, revealed during the Women’s World Cup the exact moment when he knew football had changed forever at a local level.
In an extensive interview with Daily Mail AustraliaTownsend also explained what he believes is the biggest obstacle facing world sport across the country, which is how to keep an eye on the domestic competitions for men and women in October.
When Townsend reflected on the World Cup, he was jovial.
“For me it was a Tuesday in the group stage (July 25). Colombia played South Korea at Allianz Stadium in Sydney,” Townsend recalled.
“A non-Matildas game and the atmosphere was great, you could feel the electricity (virtually).
Australian Professional Leagues CEO Danny Townsend (pictured) revealed the exact moment during the Women’s World Cup when he knew football on the local coast had been changed forever
Townsend was overwhelmed by the electric atmosphere at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium as Colombia took on South Korea in the group stage of the World Cup on July 25.
“Football is about to explode in Australia, you can’t ignore it. There’s a reason they call it the world game.’
The fact that the Matildas stole a nation’s hearts after reaching the semi-finals for the first time in a World Cup won’t hurt football’s cause either.
The likes of Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry and Mackenzie Arnold are now household names, inspiring young women across Australia to pursue a sporting career as a footballer.
Before their World Cup heroics – which saw 11 million supporters watch the 3-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals – emerging talent may have followed other athletic journeys.
But not anymore.
And according to Townsend, established or new football fans won’t have to look far for their sporting solution in the coming months.
The entire 23-man Matildas squad has played in the A-League Women’s competition – and while some are now based abroad, the grassroots’ path to international stardom is clear.
A core focus for the coming months will be keeping an eye on the domestic league, which kicks off in October and will feature eleven teams.
Sam Kerr may have started the tournament injured, but she was a key figure as Australia made their way to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
“That’s without a doubt the biggest challenge,” Townsend said.
‘The product always meets the requirements in my opinion, and although some Matildas are based abroad, they all started their professional careers here.
“Some of them will be playing domestically as well as emerging talent that you may see in Australian colors at the next World Cup.
How good will it be for Matildas supporters to see their heroes in their own capitals?
“The same goes for the men’s competition… attendances were encouraging on some stages last season, especially during the Sydney derbies for example.
“We need to unite with Football Australia and liaise with key stakeholders such as governments to secure funding so that the code flourishes.”
The support for the Matildas during the World Cup was incredible (pictured, fans in Sydney)
Townsend also believes Australia is well positioned to host a men’s World Cup – possibly in 2034, following the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“Together with New Zealand, we have shown FIFA that we can host a world-class sporting event,” he said.
“The infrastructure is already in place, now we need to continue to build on and capitalize on the success of both the Matildas and the Socceroos at last year’s World Cup in Qatar.
“At the end of the day it’s a conversion game…Aussies care about football, our call to action just has to be the right one.”