Football Tasmania has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s support for Australia’s bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Premier Hodgman today announced that Tasmania would be a part of the bid book that makes up Australia’s push to host the biggest Women’s Sporting event on the planet. If successful, Tasmania could host up to three games in the tournament, with UTAS Stadium in Launceston the venue to be used.

Football Tasmania CEO, Matt Bulkeley, said that football is Tasmania’s most popular team sport and was glad the government had gotten on board with the bid.

“More people play football than any other team sport in Tasmania. It’s not just the World Game, it’s Tasmania’s game. Not only that, Tasmania has one of the highest levels of female football players in the country and the government’s support shows they recognise just how important football is to the community,” Mr Bulkeley said.

“Women’s football has been going from strength to strength in Tasmania for over 40 years. The Matildas performed brilliantly at this year’s World Cup and while we don’t have final figures for the 2019 season, anecdotally it’s clear we saw a big rise in female participation off the back of the 2019 World Cup. We are seeing a huge uptake in football from younger women especially and being able to see the best players in the world playing in their home state would be a game-changer for many young Tasmanian women.

“If the government wants to reach its targets relating to social inclusion, general health and childhood obesity it’s vital they work with the football community and this is a great step.”

Mr Bulkeley said all states have now agreed to support an Australian bid to host the World Cup in 2023 and FIFA will now consider all bids before making a decision next year.