The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on Gadigal land was transformed into a festival of football this morning in a celebration of culture, bringing together the community to mark the 25-day countdown until the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023TM.
As co-host of this year’s FIFA Women’s World CupTM, Football Australia is proud to be a significant player in the global football community. The tournament will be the biggest sporting event Australia has staged since the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the sport’s governing body is honoured to be the host Member Association of this global event which has the nation engulfed in football fever, as witnessed today in Sydney.
Amidst the sparkling backdrop of the Sydney Harbour, more than 4,000 football loving fans kicked-off festivities on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and took part in this once in a lifetime opportunity for the FIFA Women’s World Cup “Unity Celebration”. Football Australia was joined by representatives from FIFA, New South Wales Government, former players, CommBank Young Matildas, grassroots football communities, plus many more.
Eager to celebrate the tournament and the talented players who will represent the very best of women’s football, fans gathered on the world-renowned landmark to the tournament’s official song ‘Do it Again’ and the Unity Beat and watched live cultural performances and presentations. Representing the tournaments’ Beyond Greatness™ slogan and distinctive cultural elements, the 17-metre-tall Unity Jersey was unveiled in spectacular fashion on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Unity Jersey design reflects the vibrant local landscapes and rich colours of the two host countries, building a palette based on the rainforests, earth, mountains, cities, and water. A radial motif featuring 32 colourful squares celebrates the 32 participating nations coming together, serving as a visual testament to the spirit, values and diversity that reflect Football.
Speaking at the event, Football Australia, CEO, James Johnson said: “Today marks three years to the day since we won the right to co-host the 2023 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and what a fitting way to celebrate atop one of the most iconic and recognisable structures in the world. Today, the Sydney Harbour bridge was closed to celebrate football. This is a significant moment for our game and is something which the Australian football community should take pride in and savour – this is our time.
“In 25-days, we will be cheering on the CommBank Matildas when they take on the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia in front of an expected sell-out crowd. This is a golden window for Australian football where from 20 July to 20 August, the country will experience a festival of football like never before. We are ready to welcome the world and cannot wait for the tournament to kick-off.
“We thank FIFA and the New South Wales Government for their partnership, and the thousands in attendance, for making today possible and giving Australians and citizens of the world a day to remember,” Johnson concluded.
Since winning the bid to co-host the tournament, Football Australia has worked tirelessly to revolutionise football in Australia, thanks to its Legacy ’23 Plan that was put into motion during February 2021. This strategic initiative has led to a transformation in the sport with a surge in community participation and investment in community facilities and stadium infrastructure, a trajectory that is set to continue with an expected 20% increased participation following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM.
Speaking at the event, FIFA Council Member, Johanna Wood, said: “What a fabulous morning of football, culture and community coming together. We are committed to delivering an exceptional tournament and experience that will not only captivate the hearts and minds of football fans but also empower women in sport across the globe. We are ready to go Beyond Greatness and football, once again, has demonstrated how it unites the world.”
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, said: “Today we stand on one of Australia’s iconic structures, excited to host the world’s best players and their passionate football fans in NSW. I am excited to have 11 matches scheduled here in NSW and welcoming all the world class football teams and their fans at what is set to be the biggest FIFA Women’s World Cup ever.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will run from 20 July – 20 August 2023 across five Australian host cities: Sydney/Gadigal, Melbourne/Naarm, Brisbane/Meaanjin, Adelaide/Tarntanya and Perth/Boorloo and four New Zealand host cities including, Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, Dunedin/Ōtepoti and Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
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