One of the globe’s best football teams is set to use the Sunshine Coast as a platform for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The England Lionesses will be based in the region during the lead-up to their first game, against Haiti in Brisbane on July 22.
The European champions will train at Sunshine Coast Stadium and stay at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort from Friday, July 7.
The soon-to-be-expanded stadium, part of the Kawana Sports Precinct, is the planned venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games preliminary football matches.
England recently had a 30-match unbeaten run snapped with a 2-0 loss to Australia in London, but they are considered genuine threats to lift the cup.
England coach Sarina Wiegman said the world number four-ranked team couldn’t wait to get to Australia.
“It is great we know where we will continue our World Cup preparations and we are very happy to have this perfect combination of training ground and hotel,” Wiegman said.
“The work we do in the last weeks before the tournament will be essential for making sure we get off to a good start on July 22.
“I was very impressed with what I saw when I visited Sunshine Coast Stadium (early in the year).
“We will have everything we need on the pitch, as well as high-performance gym and recovery facilities.
“We had such a warm welcome from all the people there which is also important.
“I know everyone will be behind the host nation, but we felt Sunshine Coast will feel like a home away from home for us.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson was thrilled to welcome the Lionesses.
“We’re excited to host the European champions at Sunshine Coast Stadium as they prepare for the World Cup and bring more football content to the region, particularly ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games where this same venue will co-host the Olympic Games football competition,” he said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to further position the Sunshine Coast as a premier destination for high performance sport and showcase our region and facilities to the world.”
Following their opening World Cup match, England will head to Terrigal, an hour north of Sydney, and set up camp for the rest of the tournament.
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