Revealed: The stunning honour that awaits the Matildas after their World Cup playoff for third against Sweden
Revealed: The stunning honor that awaits the Matildas after their World Cup play-off for third place against Sweden
The Matildas are handed the keys to the city at a fan day being held in their honor in Brisbane after their World Cup third-place play-off against Sweden.
Australia’s national team have broken TV viewing records, sold out stadiums and changed the sport forever in their stunning success at the tournament and Sunday’s ceremony is likely to be the first of many for skipper Sam Kerr and her teammates.
The Matildas will take the honors on the Riverstage at the City Botanic Gardens from 10:30am.
“The Keys to the City are awarded to those who embody Brisbane’s ideals, and the Matildas’ tenacity, team spirit and determination is a perfect example of what it means to be not just a resident of Brisbane, but an Australian.” Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.
The Matildas (joking during a team photo on Friday) will receive the keys to Brisbane City in what is sure to be the first of many ceremonies to congratulate them on their incredible run at the World Cup
The news of the honor comes shortly after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that women’s sport in Australia will receive a $200 million boost after the Matildas gave the country “a moment of national inspiration”.
He also announced the appointment of an expert panel of former female athletes to help design the program, including Liz Ellis, Lauren Jackson, Madison de Rozario and Tal Karp.
“This is an important announcement so that women and girls across Australia can have the facilities and support they need to choose a sport they love and be able to take part,” Albanese said.
“We’re going to see an explosion in participation in sports, which is why this $200 million will make a difference.”
Skipper Sam Kerr’s wish for better funding for grassroots football was answered in a major way with a big announcement on Saturday
Anthony Albanese (pictured during the World Cup match between Australia and England) unveiled a $200 million funding boost for Australia’s women’s sport
The investment comes after Matildas captain Sam Kerr asked for more funding to help develop grassroots football in Australia following the historic Women’s World Cup semi-final.
Funding will be available to upgrade facilities and provide equipment specifically for women and girls in an effort to get more involved in the sport.
The program will be available for all sports, but football, the most played game in Australia, will be resource intensive.
Program scholarship applications are expected to open in early 2024.
Sports Minister Anika Wells said it was vital to provide safer facilities.
“Too often women and girls change in men’s bathrooms, wear hand-me-down boys’ uniforms, play with men’s equipment on poor fields that boys’ teams wouldn’t train on,” she said.