Nike reveal when fans will be able to get their hands on Mackenzie Arnold’s famous purple keeper kit
Nike came under fire during last year’s World Cup – with fans furious about being unable to show support for some of their favourite players. All that will change this week.
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Nike have delivered on their promise to make the Matildas’ goalkeeper jersey available earlier than expected with fans able to get their hands on the iconic purple kit in time for the final leg of the Olympic qualifiers this week.
The global sporting brand came under fire during the FIFA Women’s World Cup as fans were unable to show their support Mackenzie Arnold or English keeper Mary Earps due to their jerseys not being available for sale.
Some fans went to extreme lengths even making their own versions of the shirts to wear to matches and fan sites.
They have delivered on their promise ahead of time with the jerseys set to hit stores on Tuesday – just in time for the Matildas game against Uzbekistan in front of a sold out Marvel Stadium on Wednesday night.
Arnold was given a chance to give the jerseys to friends and family.
“The support we as goalkeepers have felt from our fans over the last year has been absolutely incredible,” Arnold said.
“It means so much to me that we’ll head into another huge year for our team, and our sport, knowing that our families, friends and fans will be backing us all the way, and wearing our jerseys with pride.”
Arnold is especially excited to see young aspiring goalkeepers in the stand.
“When I was a young athlete, the idea that I could make a living as a goalkeeper never really crossed my mind,” Arnold said.
“It’s a testament to how far our game has come that the next generation of keepers will now see fans wearing our jerseys in the stands.”
Nike Pacific vice president and general manager Ashley Reade said the support for the Matildas was at an highest.
“In the past two decades we’ve seen football in Australia grow to incredible heights thanks to the power of and pride of our National teams, like the Matildas,” Reade said.
“Last year’s tournament saw fandom for our goalkeepers take on a new energy which we loved to see.
“We are so proud of Mackenzie Arnold’s performances on and off the pitch. We also continue to be inspired by the broader goalkeeper squad, including Teagan Micah, Lydia Williams and Jada Mathyssen-Whyman.”
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said it was a fantastic result.
“For many years now, our national team goalkeepers have become national heroes and household names, so we are thrilled that through the support of Nike, fans can now access the CommBank Matildas’ goalkeeper jersey and we can’t wait to see that support in the streets and stands during another big year for our women’s national teams,” Johnson said.
The jerseys will first go on sale via Football Australia’s online store from midday (AEDT) Tuesday and will be available at Rebel Sport and Ultra Football stores from Wednesday.
They will also be available at the merchandise stands inside and outside Marvel Stadium on Wednesday.
The CommBank Matildas’ Goalkeeper jerseys will be available from $125 in women’s, men’s and $100 for youth sizes.
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