Sunraysia push to host team before Women’s World Cup

FOOTBALL Federation Sunraysia (FFS) will push to host a visiting nation in the lead-up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Football Federation Sunraysia general manager Susan Watts, who was on the combined countries’ bid team, said the tournament could be an opportunity to have one of the competing teams base themselves in Mildura for a training camp before the tournament.

On top of the tourism boost, such a situation would also have an impact on the sport in the local community.

“That way we can expose our local players to actual international players,” Watts said.

“That would be fantastic, and we also might even be able to work in with a team where we have a local (migrant) community which could inspire that local community to get involved. Perhaps Congolese, or there might be an Afghan team.

“I’ve already been in touch with Football Victoria about putting our hand up to host a team before the tournament, so we would need to know what facilities we could provide,” Watts said.

“Other than actual stuff (at the Soccer Park grounds) I think we can provide good accommodation here in Mildura and good pitches. I think it could be really good.”

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With FFS looking to grow girls sport with half pitch under-13 and under-16 competitions this year, the World Cup could be another way to inspire young girls to play – as well as showcasing women as coaches and referees.

“People want to do what they see, so if they can see women doing these things at an international level then they will want to participate,” Watts said.

“They will physically be able to go and see these high-level matches.

‘That will really inspire them, and I know soccer has always encouraged different nationalities, I think the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will show young girls that’s how it is and you can get involved.”