Sydney FC’s star midfielder and Young Matildas’ Captain Sarah Hunter has helped launch a NSW government led Football Legacy Fund which will see more than 100 grassroots football clubs benefit from improved facilities and programs to boost participation.
Hunter joined NSW Minister for Sport Alister Henskens at Naremburn Park this week alongside girls from her junior club Northbridge FC, as the Minister announced more than $3.1 million will be invested in projects to ensure the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM leaves a lasting legacy for football across the State.
“Having the World Cup on home soil is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will inspire young girls and boys to lace up the boots and emulate their football heroes,” Mr Henskens said.
“With six months to go before the tournament kicks off, there is already an enormous buzz around football and this program will help local clubs capitalise on excitement by running programs that will boost participation in the sport.
“It will also deliver funding to improve infrastructure, creating more modern and accessible facilities for communities across NSW.”
The 19-year old Sky Blues midfielder believes the Women’s World Cup can be a catalyst for interest in the women’s game and the investment will only drive further participation.
“When you have nice facilities to change in and play at, you will always want to come back and do it again,” she said.
“The Women’s World Cup is going to be incredible and I think people are unaware just how big it is going to be here.
“It will create a lot of interest and once finished, with the right investment in football facilities, it is going to mean thousands more people, young and old, will be able to enjoy this beautiful game.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will feature 32 teams competing in 64 matches across Australia and New Zealand during July and August with 11 games in Sydney, including a Semi Final and the Final.
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