The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ felt that little bit nearer this morning after the official opening of the Unity Pitch at Scarborough Amphitheatre.
The Unity Pitch, representing a patchwork of the tournament brand colours, reflects the cultures of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and the coming together of 32 participating nations.
The pitch is on its roadshow of all nine FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ host cities for community use and engagement, and will be gifted to the host countries as part of FIFA’s commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
It will be at Scarborough until 9 March and is free for people to have a kick or to enjoy the vibrant program of football and non-football activities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Roger Cook and Sports Minister David Templeman spoke at the launch, as well as Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell, while Perth Glory A-League Women’s captain and WA Legacy Ambassador Tash Rigby took part in a Q&A.
Also present were Football West Chairman Sherif Andrawes, Football Futures Foundation Executive Office Brent Hedley, Perth Glory duo Hana Lowry and Kim Carroll – plus tournament mascot Tazuni.
“Football West, with the support of State Government, is committed to driving the growth and development of women’s football in Western Australia,” Mr Harnwell said.
“We want to help remove the barriers to female participation through programs that create equitable female facilities and meet increased community demand via several grant programs, community infrastructure investment, and sector support.
“In fact, we want to remove the barriers to participation for all and work closely with the Football Futures Foundation to achieve this.”
Mr Cook talked up the legacy the World Cup will deliver while Mr Templeman spoke of the excitement ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
“The whole world is steaming with anticipation,” he said.
“We want to inspire a lifelong love of the game and a lifelong love of being fit.”
Other invited guests and attendees included Tourism WA CEO Rebecca Brown, Chairwoman Di Bain and Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull, VenuesWest CEO David Etherton, DLGSC Director General Lanie Chopping, FIFA Head of Host City Relations Mel Stephens, Football West General Manager – Football Perry Ielati, Football West and Football Futures Foundation Director and WA Legacy Ambassador Ivy Chen, WA Legacy Ambassador Shona Rowan and City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin.
Football West would also like to thank the players from Hyundai NTC and Balga Senior High School, as well as the school's head of football Sarah Bagshaw, who assisted with the on-pitch activation.
- The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ kicks off on 20 July 2023.
Nine countries will play in Perth/Boorloo at Perth Rectangular Stadium in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
22 July - Group D: Denmark v China (8pm)
26 July - Group B: Canada v Ireland (8pm)
29 July - Group F: Panama v Jamaica (8.30pm)
1 August - Group D: Haiti v Denmark (7pm)
3 August - Group H: Morocco v Colombia (6pm)
Buy your FIFA Women's World Cup tickets HERE
