It was a celebration of women and girls football on Saturday, February 18 as FIFA and Visit Victoria hosted the launch of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour with a full day of activity on the FIFA Unity Pitch.
The Unity Pitch - which will visit all nine host cities in the lead-up to the tournament - hosted hundreds of Victorian women and girls in fun, small-sided mini-matches across the day.
Football Australia Legacy '23 Ambassador Kate Jenkins and Our Game Ambassador Naomi Chinnama joined renowned FIFA Freestyler Lia Lewis to launch the Unity Pitch and Trophy Tour.
Lewis displayed her awe-inspiring skills to keen young Victorian footballers via the launch of FIFA's Beyond Skills Drills, a campaign that will feature at each local venue during the Trophy Tour.
FIFA Legend and former USA superstar, Kristine Lilly was also on hand to farewell the FIFA Women's World Cup trophy as it starts its journey in Japan next weekend, before arriving back on our shores just ahead of the main event - the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023TM.
“Things will grow [in Australia and New Zealand] because of what naturally happens after a World Cup comes to a country,” Lilly said.
“It’s different when the World Cup comes to your own country. The atmosphere and the play on the field [in 2023] will be incredible.
"For the new fans out there, give yourself a chance, come to a game and I think you will be sold on it.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events, the Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, joined the celebrations at Kia Arena and was looking forward to showcasing what Melbourne has to offer to the world.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is a highlight on an already outstanding calendar of major events we have here in Victoria, which attracts visitors, creates jobs, and supports local businesses,” he said
“We’re backing the FIFA Women’s World Cup to champion women in sport and showcase Melbourne’s sporting precinct as one of the world’s premier places to play and watch the biggest matches.”
Check out all the photos from the day!
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium will host six games of the FIFA Women’s World Cup between 21 July and 8 August, including one Matildas group game and two matches in the Round of 16.
For further ticketing information and updates on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, please visit FIFA.com/tickets.