FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ one year away as Football West launches State Facility Report
Today is officially the One Year To Go milestone until the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.
WA Minister for Women’s Interests Simone McGurk joined Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell at a media event to mark the occasion.
Also among those present were Venues West CEO David Etherington, Tourism WA Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull, City of Vincent Mayor Emma Cole and Perth Glory Women’s captain Tash Rigby.
And to tie in with the milestone, Football West has launched its State Facilities Report following a comprehensive audit of WA football clubs and associations.
READ FOOTBALL WEST'S STATE FACILITY REPORT HERE
The report highlights the pressing need for investment in facilities, in particular for female football with more than 60% of facilities in the state not having female friendly changerooms.
The One Year To Go media event took place at Perth Rectangular Stadium, where five matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will take place.
The State Government has committed $35million into upgrading the venue in time for the tournament. And while the teams who will be coming to Perth will not be known until October when the draw is made, anticipation is starting to build.
Ms McGurk said: “It’s very exciting. We’ll see one of the biggest sporting events for a number of decades in Australia, but we’ll also see women’s sport at such high levels inspiring not only everyday Australians but the next generation of world athletes.
“That’s why everyone’s pleased to make sure that this event is given the recognition and the lead-up it deserves. The State Government is not only doing everything it can to promote this event but it’s also putting dollars into improving this particular venue. It’ll be a legacy item for a long time - $35m does give you a lot of improvements to a sporting facility.
“I can’t stress enough the significance of government and the community getting behind teen girls and women playing sport and recognising the talent that we have here in Australia. But also the message that it sends to young girls, it’s really saying to them that they can participate in the sport and they can aspire to be world athletes.”
Mr Harnwell said: “Football West and the football community as a whole are delighted we only have one year to go until one of the biggest sporting events in the world comes right here to Perth, home of Sam Kerr, one of the greatest players in the world.
“This is a huge achievement by State Government and by Venues West to ensure we can host games here in Perth. We know that’s going to provide a huge spike, not only to participation but to legacy. There’s legacy here, at Perth Rectangular Stadium, there’s legacy at the State Football Centre which is being funded by the State Government in combination the Federal Government.
“The key one for Football West is for all participants across the state moving forwards. Football West is proud to release its State Facility Report, which is designed to ensure that all community facilities cater for female players across all age groups, across all ability levels, so the young girls … the mums … whoever wants to play the game, are able to do so in an inclusive environment and enjoy their experience.
“We look forward to working with the local government and the State Government to bring that fruition.”
Football West conducted detailed audits on 135 of the 165 venues used for weekly football activities.
The key findings included:
- 64% do not have female friendly change rooms
- 63% of shower facilities are not female friendly and lockable
- of the 63% of clubs that had match official change rooms, only 35% were female friendly
Mr Harnwell added: “Football West believes $90m of investment is required to improve existing infrastructure. This funding will come from Federal, State and local governments, the business and commercial sector, Football Australia and other sources.”
Perth Rectangular Stadium General Manager Shane Harris, Perth Venue General Manager Meg Knuckey, DLGSC Executive Director Infrastructure Lisa Fanciulli also attended the media event, as well as youngsters from Hyundai NTC, Floreat Athena and Perth SC.
