Hundreds, if not thousands, of people are set to cheer for the Matildas while watching the big screen at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Wednesday, as football fever envelops the region.
A bumper crowd is expected at the Bokarina venue when Australia takes on England in the Women’s World Cup semi-final in Sydney, from 8pm.
Almost 1000 people were at the local stadium to watch the Matildas on the big screen last week, when the team won a thrilling quarter-final against France (see video below). But many more locals are set to attend this time around.
Football Queensland’s acting general manager for the region, Jordie Gerbes, said Sunshine Coasters, Queenslanders and Australians, were rallying behind the national side.
“They absolutely are,” she said.
“Everyone is supporting the Matildas, who have stopped the nation in its tracks.
“Female sport, female football, has done that, in a country that is saturated by so many sports.”
Ms Gerdes said the Matildas’ campaign had created a significant shift in football, and sport in general, in Australia.
“It’s been really eye-opening to see the gender barriers removed in the game,” she said.
“To see people, no matter what gender they are, supporting the Matildas has been impressive and almost eye-watering.”
Ms Gerdes expected female participation rates to soar on the Sunshine Coast, and beyond, next season.
“We are preparing for a huge influx,” she said.
“Year on year, across the state, we have an increase in female participation. But when we add the fact that the Matildas have had such a successful campaign, I think we’re looking at something extraordinary for next year.”
Football Queensland has a goal for gender parity, with as many females playing as males, by 2027.
The state body started an initiative last year that allows women to take part in midweek social games, while girls can take part in Mini Roos and junior competitions.
“The challenge for us (Football Queensland) is to engage and retain all of this interest in the World Cup to our next registration period in January,” Ms Gerdes said.
About one-third of the 6000 registered players in Sunshine Coast Football are female.
Ms Gerdes said the Matildas, of which 10 are from Queensland including former Bli Bli player Kyra Cooney-Cross, were inspiring the next generation with their on-field and off-field efforts.
“They are very committed to the fanbase,” she said.
“We see players signing autographs for up to an hour after games.
“What they’re doing now is ensuring girls and women who are coming through the ranks don’t have to overcome the same barriers they probably did.
“I think you can tell by their interviews they know they’re making a huge difference.
“This will be remembered for a long time and it’s just the beginning (for girls and women in football).”
The event at Kawana will be free to attend.
Gate 1 will be open from 7pm and fans have been encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.
Food vendors will be on site, but visitors can also bring their own food, although alcohol is prohibited.
There will be about eight locations that will accommodate large crowds in Queensland, while football clubs were also expected to host their own events.
Majestic Cinemas in Nambour will also screen the game, as will a host of pubs and clubs around the region.
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