Following the Matildas’ 2023 World Cup campaign, the most successful ever, of any Australian football team, community football clubs have seen a rise in registrations and participation, particularly for young women and girls.
The 2023 FIFA Womens world cup, hosted in Australia and New Zealand saw record-breaking crowds and viewership, with a "29 per cent increase on attendance" from France’s 2019 World Cup according to FIFA.
The tournament was deemed “the most successful women’s sporting event in Australian and FIFA Women’s World Cup history” by Football Australia CEO, James Johnson.
In their annual National Participation Report for 2023, Football Australia revealed a 9 per cent increase in grassroots football registrations for women and girls across Australia, compared to 2022, rising to a total of 136,406 participants.
Victoria, in particular, saw a sharp increase, with 16 per cent growth from 2022 registrations across all genders and age groups, and a 27 per cent rise for women and girls.
Victor Sekulov, coach for the Yarra Jets Senior Women’s State League 2 team, says the success of the Matildas is “a massive call to all girls that you can play this game and be recognised all over the world”.
Having coached professionally since 2006, Sekulov credits the Matildas’ positive results to this rise in registrations.
They are “an example of what each girl can strive for,” they provide “a role model, one that is within reach, unlike a movie or pop star”.
Long-time players and fans of the sport have also noticed a rise in interest since the 2023 World Cup.
“The change in the last year since the Women’s World Cup has been really clear,” says Lucinda O’pt Hoog, who has played for the Yarra Jets since 2013.
“More of my friends who weren’t interested in football or sport beforehand have been supporting and talking about the Matildas and women’s sport more and more, with some of my friends joining soccer teams themselves.”
The success of Australian players internationally has also captured the attention of fans.
Over 42,000 attended Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium for a friendly between the Women’s Super League (WSL) team Arsenal FC and an all-star squad of A-League players. The support for women’s football in Australia has never been greater.
Playing for Arsenal (or “Ausenal” as it has been dubbed by Australian fans) are Matildas stars Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Caitlin Foord, who helped their team claim a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in this year's Continental Cup Final.
Despite missing the end of the season due to injury, Sam Kerr’s Chelsea squad won their fifth consecutive WSL title this year.
With such success surrounding the Matildas stars, it's no wonder Australians have responded with Beatlemania-like enthusiasm.
For Lucinda, a long-time follower of the team, the Matildas’ star defender Ellie Carpenter stands out as her favourite player.
“She’s just so tough and always first to the ball. Ellie had to play in a boys' team growing up, so I think it’s so cool to see her dominate in the Matildas.”
It is anticipated that from 2024, grassroots football participation numbers will continue to rise, particularly for young women inspired by the national team.
Football Victoria stated in annual report from last year that, “we look to again see a strong increase in women and girls’ participation on the back of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023”.
Whilst the Matildas Paris Olympic campaign did come to a disappointing end, hope is not lost for Australia’s beloved team.
With a new coach to be appointed, the introduction of young new talent, and the support of their country behind them, the future remains bright for the Australian squad.
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