Tasmanian soccer will get a huge boost from Australia’s winning bid for 2023 Women’s Football World Cup

Tassie has been approved as a host for 2023 Women’s Football World Cup matches, and a big-name Matildas player is expected to lead games. All the details >>

Ruby Playle 7 with teammate Maddy Ball from Waimea Heights School Soccer Club Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

BREAK out the green and gold Tasmanian soccer fans because Australia’s winning bid for the 2023 Soccer World Cup means the state will almost certainly host a WC match and see the Matildas play lead-up games here as well.

Tasmanian soccer boss Matt Bulkeley said the World Cup would be a boon for local participation and fans aching to see top-flight international women’s games.

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The state has been “pre-approved” as a host for WC football matches and as a host for international teams but what games we might be allocated is in the hands of FIFA.

Bulkeley stayed up for FIFA’s host country announcement at 2am and was ecstatic that Australia got to nod.

“It’s very exciting,” Bulkeley said, “I’m having a coffee but I feel like champagne.”

Australian stars like Sam Kerr and Kyah Simon will lead the Matildas into the World Cup and Tasmanian fans should get to see them live.

UTAS Stadium in Launceston has been approved as Tasmania’s 2023 Football World Cup venue.

It needs modification to host WC soccer, such as presenting a soccer pitch inside the AFL oval-shaped field, and the addition of seating on the “spare grass” to bring its total seating capacity to the World Cup venue minimum of 20,000 – up from its current sit-down capacity of approximately 17,500.

“UTAS has been put forward as the host venue for Tasmania and then there’s a number of local facilities that have been put forward as base camps for some of the teams that are coming to Australia,” Bulkeley said.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for Tasmania to be involved as one of the hosts across the tournament.

“We are hoping to host World Cup matches and have some international teams come and play and train here.”