Win the chance to take the field with Matildas stars as they return home for fan event

The Matildas are set to cap off their stellar year with the ultimate event for fans, with an opportunity to play alongside their hero.

The Matildas are set to cap off their stellar year by returning to Australia for one last football match on home soil this December. And this time they’re not just playing for their fans, but with them.

As if Australia’s favourite daughters could smash any more goals in 2023 – after capturing the nation’s hearts and breaking records left, right and centre during the FIFA Women’s World Cup – they’re coming back for a world-first fan-focused event.

Open Air Live will see three of our Matildas heroes reunite in Sydney to hit the pitch with some of their biggest, and youngest, fans for a game and masterclass at CommBank Stadium on December 21.

This rare opportunity will see some lucky kids make their debut as a Matilda alongside their heroes.

We rode the epic highs and lows of the FIFA Women’s World Cup with them, now you can be a Matilda for an evening. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Brick wall (and fill-in minister of defence) Mackenzie Arnold will be among the Tillies trio to offer her expertise to fans on the night, and says she is excited to welcome fans into the Matildas “family”.

Arnold will be joined by her two best friends, defensive tower Alanna Kennedy and star forward Caitlin Foord at CommBank Stadium.

Arnold said the trio were looking forward to sharing stories and highlights from their games, as well as some “on-field antics” which “some fans won’t be expecting, either”.

“We are humbled to share our game with so many young fans and we hope to have inspired them to get even more involved in sport,” the goalkeeper said.

“We are really passionate about encouraging girls to give soccer a go and hopefully, one day, cheer them on from the sidelines.”

Mackenzie Arnold. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Caitlin Foord. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Defenders Mackenzie Arnold and Alanna Kennedy will also be offering their insights to young fans at the Open Air Live event. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

It’s the ultimate early Christmas present for any Aussie who fell in love with the Matildas during their historic WWC campaign, and as they rally again in their fight to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

But there’s one catch: to take to the pitch, you have to be under 15 years old.

Every ticket purchased to the Open Air Live event gives kids the chance to make their debut as a Matilda alongside some of their heroes.

Defender Alanna Kennedy says as well as their “top playing tips”, the trio will share their personal stories about the highs and lows of their football careers.

“As professional athletes, physical strength and fitness is a top priority for staying at the top of our game,” she said.

“Whilst we love what we do, it’s always tough when things don’t go our way,” she said.

“We want to reinforce to our fans the importance of self-belief and resilience when going after what they want.”

Kennedy said she’s “looking forward to sharing my journey” and connecting with fans on the Tillies’ home-ground.

Meanwhile Foord said she was looking forward to showing supporters “just how much they mean to us”.

“It’s been such a big year and what better way to top it off than with our Aussie fans, especially all of the kids who aspire to be Australia’s next generation of football players,” Foord said.

“I can’t wait to share my journey with not only my teammates, but also my best mates, who have been on this journey with me.”

Alanna Kennedy, Mackenzie Arnold and Caitlin Foord are best friends off the pitch.

Want to know what winning the longest penalty shootout in World Cup history feels like? Ask the Tillies yourself. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

As well as taking part in a live masterclass with the players, winners will also get to take part in a post-match meet and greet, and get a player jersey and an autographed ball.

The inaugural Open Air Live kicks off at 7pm on Thursday, December 21, at CommBank Stadium. Tickets are $49 for general admission.

All entrants must have a ticket as winners will be announced live at the event.

To purchase tickets and get a chance to win the once-in-a-lifetime on-field game play experience, visit the Open Air Live website and fill out the form and choose which player you would want to learn from.

It has been an incredible 2023 for the girls, whose heroics during a mammoth international season and epic World Cup tournament saw them win the prestigious The Don Award – they are just the third national team to do so.

“You can never be too young to get involved in sport, so we hope this encourages young girls to reach for the stars,” Arnold said, promising Open Air Live is “going to be a great night.”