Footballers and fans alike have been inspired by the Matildas World Cup journey
Territory football players and fans alike have been inspired by the Matildas’ incredible World Cup journey. SEE ALL THE PHOTOS.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
History will be made this weekend with the Matildas playing in the World Cup bronze final, and Territory football players are using their incredible journey as inspiration.
Despite losing 3-1 to England in a semi-final heart breaker the journey is not yet over for the Australian team who have well and truly captured the hearts and minds of the nation.
And regardless of their result on Saturday, which is still expected to be watched by millions, the match marks the furthest any Australian team has gone in a football World Cup.
Territorians are expected to get among the action once again to cheer on their Matildas not hot on the hunt for bronze.
The Darwin Waterfront will once again be the place to be with the big screen set to show the Matildas take on Sweden from 5.30pm.
The grand final between Spain and England will then be shown on Sunday from 7.30pm.
The free event hosted hundreds on Wednesday night for the blockbuster semi-final with plenty getting on their feet after Sam Kerr’s wonder goal.
Meanwhile, Territory footballers are hoping the recent wave of hype around the sport will have an impact on the local game in more than one way.
Mindil Aces player Nadi Pandithage said with so many kids now seeing what they could achieve in the sport they would be inspired to take it to the next level.
“The nation has witnessed what is achievable, on our own home ground,” Pandithage said.
“I’m really hoping women in sport and women in soccer will get some respect and funding for what the Matildas have managed to achieve with nothing.
“I think it will inspire women and girls who now have idols, you can see it on their faces what it means to them.
“Kids give up when they don’t see that end point or a vision - they now have that vision. Australian women have achieved this.
“You can see it happening even here at our club- young girls are coming through and playing a high level where they would never have been given the opportunity before”
Her teammate Abbey Hardman agreed saying it was amazing to think one of the up and coming players could one day be playing for the Matildas.
“It’s cool to see the Matilda’s and then see young up and coming players here and can think - wow that could be one of us one day,” she said.
Sport Minister Kate Worden said the NT government actively encouraged more girls and women to participate in the sport.
“The Northern Territory government provides $180,000 in funding a year to Football NT,” she said.
“In 2018 provided $700,000 for the construction of two new women’s change rooms at Darwin’s premier footballing facility Larakia Park.
“The ... government has actively encouraged more girls and women to participate in sports and created the NT Women in Sport Advisory Committee.
“The committee which advises the government on how to improve opportunities, culture and infrastructure for women in sport.”
Territory fans show support for Matildas in World Cup showdown
It may not have been the result Australia was hoping for, but still hundreds of people across the NT made their way to live viewing sites to cheer on their Matildas against England.
The Matildas’ surge to the World Cup semi-finals captured the imagination of so many Australians, and it was no different in the NT.
Hundreds of adoring fans made their way to the live viewing site at the Darwin Waterfront.
And though England did end up winning 3-1 there was still plenty of support for Australia, and a mass of celebration when Sam Kerr kicked the leveller just after the hour mark.
Among the supporters was Abby Wood who plays for the Mindil Aces under-10s side locally who said the Matildas run had been inspirational on her own footballing journey.
“It’s been really fun to watch every night, and even in the morning, I’ve sometimes had to race to school after watching them play,” she said.
“I’ve been playing for six years, my brother and sister also play and my dad is the coach of my team so it’s a big family love for the sport.
“Watching the Matildas has been so fun, I’ve watched some games with my teammates and it gets us so pumped to go out in our next game to play like them.
“It’s very inspirational to look up to them, we all want to be like them when we grow up.”
Despite the loss the Matildas have still made history going the furthest an Australian team has ever gone in a football World Cup and are still in the fight to take home bronze.
Anne Fisher was joined by friends Meg Davoren Honey and Heather Gordon at the Waterfront where they were pleased to see so many people support the Matildas.
“It’s great that there’s a free live site at the Waterfront for us to watch the Matildas, what could be better,” Ms Fisher said.
“It’s great to see so many people down here, it’s amazing for the Matildas and amazing for Australian sports and we hope to be rocking on after this night.”
ALL THE PHOTOS
More Coverage
Beloved puppy dies after missed calls
‘Abhorrent’: A furious Top End dad is seeking answers after his Blue Heeler puppy was put down by the pound without his knowledge.
NT Courts ‘in danger of failing completely’ ahead of record-breaking year
Experts warn that the Territory’s justice system is being placed under ‘unsustainable’ pressure, with thousands of extra cases predicted as a result of ‘tough on crime’ reforms. SEE THE DATA