With just over a month until kick-off in the opening matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, excitement continues to build across the Central Coast as some of the best footballers on the planet get prepared to descend on our patch of paradise.
Preparations are well underway to welcome Germany to the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex at Tuggerah and England to Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium for the duration of the world’s biggest female football tournament.
To have the football associations of Germany (currently ranked number two in the world) and England (number four) select the Central Coast for their all-important base camp is a huge coup for the region and its facilities.
Both nations have sent delegations to the Central Coast in recent months and are looking forward to getting their campaigns underway when the tournament begins in late July.
Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said World Cup fever was starting to hit the Central Coast.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 will be an enormous event for Australia, and I am pleased that the Central Coast gets to play its part by hosting two outstanding international teams,” he said.
“I am looking forward to welcoming the two teams when they arrive, and I am sure, although the Matildas are everyone’s first choice. our knowledgeable football community will still get behind Germany and England.
“What’s really inspiring to hear is how the community is getting excited about the World Cup especially the young girls who aspire to live their own football dreams.”
Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the event would bring international attention to the Central Coast and in particular its sporting facilities, which will have a long-term benefit for the region.
“The Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex and Central Coast Stadium are both strong community assets and it’s great that international sporting bodies are taking note,” she said.
“Earlier this year Central Coast Stadium successfully hosted the Matildas as part of the Cup of Nations tournament, and it has proved itself to be a strong ground for football.
“The closer we get to the tournament the more real it becomes and it’s great for not only the facilities but also the staff who work there.
“Our groundskeepers are getting a PHD in how to grow a suitable surface and everyone across the community is really starting to get excited.”
Germany will have exclusive access to the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex while the England Lionesses will be based at Central Coast Stadium from July 1-August 20.
Source:
Central Coast Council