Ahead of the upcoming CommBank Matildas matches against Chinese Taipei, Emily Gielnik and Chloe Lincoln headed to Surf Coast FC to meet a group of lucky juniors from the local football community.
A 36-player CommBank Matildas’ squad was named earlier this morning, to face Brazil in Queensland and Chinese Taipei in Victoria in December, in the final FIFA Women’s International Window of 2024.
The CommBank Matildas return to AAMI Park for the first time since the FIFA Women’s World CupTM on Wednesday, 4 December, before closing out the year in Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, 7 December - the team’s first match in the region since 2017.
Over 40 junior players from Surf Coast FC gathered in Torquay on Friday, where they had the opportunity to question Gielnik and Lincoln on their experiences with the national team and receive tips on how to follow in the footsteps of their heroes.
The football community was joined by representatives from both State and Federal Government, with Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant MP, and Member for Western Victoria/Minister for Regional Development the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, alongside Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP, enjoying the inspiration the CommBank Matildas provide to the young girls of Surf Coast FC.
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.”
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.”
Victorian Match Schedule
CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets
CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Saturday, 7 December 2024
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets