Territory Football to de-conflict fixtures with Matildas’ final match

The Women’s World Cup is having cascading effects on Territory football this weekend. Read why Tillies Fever is postponing fixtures across the Top End.

Football Northern Territory have rescheduled junior and senior fixtures as a result of the Matildas World Cup run this week.

In a statement, FNT said the decision was made to ensure the local community could prioritise the Matildas final match of the Women’s World Cup, regardless of whether the Matildas make the final or compete in the third-place playoff.

“Games have been rescheduled so we can all enjoy the Matildas magic and the greatest ever Women’s World Cup,” FNT said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and let us always remember how privileged we are that Australia is hosting the largest women’s sporting event in the world.”

FNT confirmed it would host “games and activities” in support of the Darwin Waterfront live-site on Wednesday, including ball juggling, small-sided games, and face painting.

“While (the semi-final) is great for football it is equally great for all sports engaging with women and girls and that is whether it’s for the first time or, like football, for over 100 years.” FNT said.

“This is a moment when the culture of sport pivots and we head toward a true equality of opportunity be that in pathways, facilities or funding.”

The Darwin Waterfront will host a free live-site of the Matildas semi-final on Wednesday.

Local football fixtures were not the only arrangements to adjust to the magnitude of the World Cup, with the Darwin Festival having changed its schedule to accommodate for a live-screening of the Matildas on Wednesday evening.

“Darwin Festival celebrates the rich tapestry of our culture, and this includes the iconic moments in sport that bring us together,” artistic director Kate Fell said.

“Following the success of our opening week, there’s no better way to kick off the second week than by celebrating this shared moment of national pride.”

Darwin Waterfront will also have a free live-site for kick-off from 7.30pm on Wednesday.