Inspiring the next wave of Matildas
Published: 22 November 2024Even more budding Matildas fans will get a chance to see their home-grown football heroes up close with matches locked in against Chinese Taipei for Geelong and Melbourne later this year.
Victorian football fans have 2 opportunities to see the Matildas in December. The team returns to Geelong’s Kardinia Park on Saturday, 7 December - their first match in the region since 2017 - and AAMI Park for the first time since the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, 4 December.
Ahead of the upcoming matches squad members Emily Gielnik and Chloe Lincoln headed to Surf Coast FC to meet a group of lucky juniors from the local football community.
Over 40 Surf Coast players gathered at the club’s home at Banyul Warri Fields Torquay to do some drills and get tips from Gielnik and Lincoln on how to follow in the footsteps of their heroes.
Surf Coast FC President Brett King said, ‘We’re so grateful for this opportunity for our players to spend time with Emily and Chloe.
‘They both provided great insights into life as a Matilda, memories which our girls will cherish on their own football journeys.’
Chloe Lincoln commented on the fantastic football facilities in the region and her excitement to return for the Geelong match.
‘As somebody who grew up in a regional area, opportunities to meet my sporting heroes were few and far between.’
‘It was great to visit the Surf Coast today and see the amazing facilities down here that are supporting these girls to chase their dreams.’
The Victorian Government kicked in $2 million towards female friendly pavilion extensions complete with grandstands at Banyul Warri Fields, which opened in late 2022, with Surf Coast FC also providing more than $24,000.
Football Victoria’s Executive Manager, Marketing, Engagement and Legacy, Mandy McCarter, was thrilled to connect the local community with heroes from the national team.
‘The Matildas effect is highly visible in this area, with an incredible 40% growth in female football participation numbers in 2024, and 29% overall in the region.’
‘It was wonderful for these aspirational juniors to spend time today with Emily and Chloe. We know they will bring the noise for the team in their upcoming matches, particularly just down the road in Geelong.’
For more information about the upcoming matches against Chinese Taipei visit the Matildas website.