‘Matildas success is the game’s success’ says The Golden Generation
The success of the combined Australia/New Zealand bid in hosting the 2023 World Cup is a monumental opportunity for football, according to The Golden Generation.
“We know how big a World Cup is, and what a great time visitors and local fans can have.
“This win is a great boost not only to women’s football but the game overall,” said co-founder Craig Moore.
“We congratulate Football Federation Australia and Football New Zealand for putting together a compelling case as hosts.
“We also congratulate FIFA on its process for evaluating and voting on the bids.
“Playing on home soil is a wonderful opportunity for the Matildas and Football Ferns to shine on their own turf in front of their home fans, and we hope the tournament motivates and inspires young girls in both countries to play our game.”
Moore said it was also vital that the World Cup leave a legacy for the sport, the most important one being around better facilities.
“The single biggest event in any Olympic Games is also the football tournament, yet when Sydney hosted the 2000 Olympics, football largely missed out a substantial legacy in terms of facilities or assets, even though the football tournament was played in five cities.
“We must not let this happen again. Football is the most popular sport in the world, and it’s also the most popular in Australia based on the number of people who play the game.
“We need spaces we can call our own and places to play.”
Moore said the Matildas can lead the way in terms of national team success.
“We hope that women’s football goes through the roof here and in New Zealand.
“Great competition delivers better results, and better results brings more competition.
“The Matildas success is the game’s success, and it should also give fresh impetus to everyone in the game to emulate the women’s achievements,” Moore said.
“We’re looking forward to the journey as the Matildas work to be crowned world champions in 2023.”
