news, latest-news, Caitlin Foord, World Cup, FIFA, Shellharbour, Australian Matildas

The dream of being able to play World Cup games in her own backyard is fuelling Caitlin Foord's career. Football Australia is expected to make a bid to host the 2023 FIFA World Cup - and the Shellharbour junior would love to see Wollongong get its share of the action. The Matildas were left heartbroken after their shock early exit in France and Foord is keen to atone for that disappointment. Foord, who is currently playing for Portland Thorns in the US league, said it would be a dream come true for Australia to host the World Cup, especially if games were played in Wollongong. "That would be insane and that would definitely be something that I would remember forever," the 24-year-old said. "My family are still down in Wollongong so that's where I spend most of my time when I'm back in Australia. "I think it would just be a really good World Cup in Australia. The opportunity for us to play in front of our home nation on football's biggest stage would be absolutely incredible." Foord will be reunited with her Matildas team mates next month for a training camp in Sydney. It marks the first time the squad has assembled since the Aussies were bundled out in the round of 16 at this year's World Cup. Foord admits the disappointing campaign still stings. "We were expected to do a lot better and we felt like we had the team to go a lot further. It was heart breaking," she said. "But it's been a long time since we've been together and I'm excited to see everyone. I miss being around the girls. I'm looking forward to being back in that environment and training under 'Arnie' [coach Graham Arnold] again." Foord became the youngest Australian to play for the Matildas at a World Cup way back in 2011. She was just 16. The talented forward has now played more than 70 games for her country and Foord said she always relished the opportunity. "It's the best feeling to be able to play and represent your country. There's not a lot of people who get to do that," she said. "I never take it for granted when I pull on the Australian jersey." It has been a big couple of weeks for Foord who also put pen to paper on a contract extension with the Sydney FC W-League team. Sydney FC is the reigning champion after recording a 4-2 grand final win over Perth at Jubilee Stadium in February. And Foord is hungry for more success. "There was never really any doubt in my mind that I wanted to stay," she said. "We had come close a few times, especially losing the grand final the previous season. We definitely wanted to get there again and to win it was really cool. "It was even more special to be achieve that in front of our friends, families and our home crowd. "My goal is now to go back to back with the club." While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3 a week. Terms and conditions apply.

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