Matildas’ World Cup run set to grow the sport in South Australia
The Matildas’ captivating World Cup run will have a long-lasting impact on and off the pitch, with young boys and girls set to flock to the sport.
SA News
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The Matildas’ remarkable World Cup performances will spark unprecedented growth in football at the local level – and not just among young girls.
Boys around the state have also been swept up in Matildas-mania, which should lead to a “massive boom” in participation rates among all juniors, authorities and sporting experts say.
Football SA chief executive Michael Carter said he expects to see 200 new teams participating in women and girls outdoor football leagues by 2026, while 50 new schools are set to register in the next three years.
The incredible success of the Matildas will drive “thousands of children” to take up the sport, Mr Carter said, with many dreaming of emulating Australian superstar Sam Kerr.
“Interest in playing football is at an all-time high,” he said.
“The performance of the Matildas and the World Cup more broadly has been huge nationally and in Adelaide … however we won’t know the real impact until registrations open for the 2024 season.”
The significance of Australia’s Cup campaign – which saw them captivate the nation on the way to the semi-finals – cannot be underestimated, according to Sport SA chief executive Leah Cassidy.
She’s expecting a “huge uptake” in football across both genders in the months and years to come.
“It’s been fascinating to see young boys as well as young girls embracing the team. I’ve got two young boys myself and they both want to be Matildas now, I don’t think they even know who the Socceroos are,” she said.
“As well as inspiring young boys and girls to play the game, it’s inspired inclusion and diversity. We are seeing women of all cultural backgrounds, and of diverse sexual orientation playing the game, and no one is even questioning that. It’s not raising an eyebrow.
“There are women who haven’t felt included in sport that can see it’s okay and it’s a safe space for them to be in.”
Former Socceroo and Adelaide United premiership player Bruce Djite said the Matildas’ groundbreaking Cup run was a “watershed” moment that goes beyond sport.
“Everyone’s talking about it, literally. It’s captured the whole nation,” he said.
“My eight-year-old son will be playing in the backyard and commentating while he’s dribbling and shooting and now he’s Sam Kerr. He’s always been Messi, Ronaldo … but now he’s Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord. The younger generation don’t see gender.
“It’s amazing what it’s done on the field … but what’s unquantifiable is the societal impacts it’s had.”
A staggering 11.15 million viewers tuned in for the Matildas v England semi-final on Wednesday night, smashing all previous TV viewing records.
Adelaide’s Kristy Moore, who played internationally for both Australia and England, said while the Matildas failed to secure the Cup trophy, their campaign was a huge win for football Down Under.
“You’re seeing lots of young boys at the games, you’re seeing them in the kits with the girls names on their backs. It’s an inspiration to everyone,” she said.
“It will definitely help a boom within the sport. I know in recent times some of the girls have been going over to AFLW, the new and exciting thing happening in South Australia.
“So hopefully this will bring some more girls into the sport and keep them in the sport, having those clear pathways and goals they can aim for, with role models they can emulate.”
Adelaide United’s A-League women’s coach Adrian Stenta said the local league has come a long way in the four years since he’s been in charge.
He predicts the Matildas’ biggest legacy will be “meaningful and long-lasting” investment in local soccer clubs, starting with the State Government’s near $20m pledge to women’s and girls’ sport.
Premier Peter Malinauskas announced this week that $18m would be invested in female sporting infrastructure, including $10m towards women’s and girls’ soccer.
“Many of our local clubs are struggling to provide good facilities for the number of kids turning up on their doorstep and wanting to play the sport, and in particular female-friendly infrastructure, even at the professional level,” Mr Stenta said.
“This grant is a step in the right direction but there’s still a way to go.”
Djite added: “The worst thing that can happen is boys and girls can flood local clubs and they’re turned away because they’re full and they lack the infrastructure and the space.
“There’s a fair bit more that’s needed but the benefits are huge.”
Leo Spagnuolo, 7, who’s been playing football for over two years, said Sam Kerr was among his favourite players.
“I’ve loved watching the Matilda’s play the World Cup I loved watching Sam Kerr score her goal she’s the best,” he said.
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