Minister for Sport Senator Richard Colbeck and Sport Australia CEO Kate Palmer have wished the Australian women’s football team the best in their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.
Minister Colbeck said the 23 players on the Matildas squad had consistently shown on and off the field that they would represent Australia proudly at the tournament in France, beginning with their opening match against Italy on 9 June.
“The Matildas are source of inspiration for Australians, and especially for young girls,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Whether it’s captain Sam Kerr celebrating goals with backflips, or the entire squad staying behind for hours after matches to sign autographs for fans, the Matildas have proven to be fine ambassadors for their sport and our country.
“They enter this tournament ranked sixth in the world and no doubt millions of Australians will be hoping our team can go well into the tournament and contend for the title.
“I commend the Matildas for all they’ve done to get to this point, especially the inspiration they provide to the thousands of young girls now taking up football.
“Our Government is a strong supporter of female sport and we will be cheering loudly and proudly as our girls take on the world.”
Sport Australia CEO Kate Palmer also wished the Matildas the best, citing a study last year which said the Matildas had one of the strongest emotional connections with sport fans.
“That study was based on measures such as respect, pride, enjoyment and trust, something every team in every sport should aspire to,” Ms Palmer said. “The Matildas have proven to be a benchmark team.
“The Matildas captured Australia’s attention with an inspired performance to make the quarter-finals at the last World Cup, in 2015, and they’ve certainly held our attention since.
“A World Cup is a huge occasion, there’s no doubt going to be many twists and turns throughout this tournament. We wish coach Ante Milicic and his squad the very best of luck.”
