As part of the China International Series, the CommBank Young Matildas were joined by the Chinese U-20 Women’s National Football Team for a festival celebrating women’s football, hosted by Xiamen Xindian Middle School in the Fujian Province.
The FIFA-Chinese Football Association ‘Chasing Dreams’ Girls’ Football Festival commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony, which included a cultural dragon and lion dance, as well as a traditional martial arts and acrobatics performance.
Following this, the CommBank Young Matildas and Chinese U-20 Women’s National Football Team took to the adjacent football field to run a series of football clinics for 120 girls of various ages from six schools across the Xiang’an District.
CommBank Young Matildas Jessika Nash and Sasha Grove welcomed the opportunity provide some football activity for girls in Xiamen alongside their Chinese counterparts.
Nash said: “It was great to spend the morning with some players from the Chinese team, working together to support young girls who want to play football.”
“We’re looking forward to the matches in the next few days, but this was a chance for us to learn more about China’s culture by seeing the performances, and spend time together off the field too.”
Grove echoed this, noting that representing your country comes with responsibility on and off the field: “The games we’re playing against the Chinese U-20 team and the school visit are opportunities for both countries to learn from each other and bring people together.”
“I’m proud to play a role in connecting Australia with the rest of the world through football.”
China U-20 Women’s National Football Team players Mei Jingyan and Zhang Yiqian also spoke about how the world game can bring countries together.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup [hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2023] is the hottest event in football. It’s a great channel to meet players from other countries and strengthen the ties we have between our cultures.”
“I’ve never been to Australia, but I’d really love to visit in the future. I wish to experience the culture there, and the differences between China and Australia.” Zhang Yiqian said.
Mei Jingyan turned her thoughts towards to Sunday’s fixture against the CommBank Young Matildas, the first of two in the China International Series.
“Personally, I’m looking forward to playing against your team. This is our first time as a team competing against an Australian U-20 team, I hope both sides can play their best.
“I think the Australian team are really friendly and nice. Although there is a language barrier, we can communicate through the smiles on our faces.”
The CommBank Young Matildas’ time in China is supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, an Australian government initiative established in 2020 to strengthen understanding and engagement between Australia and China.
China U-20 Women’s National Football Team v CommBank Young Matildas
Date: 3 December 2023
Kickoff: 15:00 CST (local)
Venue: Auxillary Field of Xiamen Egret Stadium
Broadcast: Streaming Details TBA by China Football Association
China U-20 Women’s National Football Team v CommBank Young Matildas
Date: 6 December 2023
Kickoff: 13:00 CST (local)
Venue: Auxillary Field of Xiamen Egret Stadium
Broadcast: Streaming Details TBA by China Football Association
