FIFA UNITY Pitch launched to mark one year to FIFA Women's World Cup kick off

The FIFA Women’s World Cup UNITY Pitch was today launched at Sydney’s Barangaroo, marking one year to FIFA Women's World Cup kick off.

Following today’s launch, the first Unity Pitch will be available across five days for local communities and clubs to use before it then tours the Host Cities across Australia and New Zealand over the next 12 months, before the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 kicks off next year.

NSW Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor joined FIFA’s Secretary General Fatma Samoura, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Chief Executive Dave Beeche, FIFA Women's World Cup Australia COO Australia Jane Fernandez and CommBank Matilda Ellie Carpenter to mark the milestone.

Fans and guests were then invited to watch the ribbon cut, officially unveiling the Unity Pitch, before a special game of Fans v Stars and some local football teams took to the pitch to play small-sided games.

Minister Taylor said hosting the first FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time was a huge deal and gave female footballers the opportunity to see the very best in their sport in the flesh.

Minister Taylor advised “I like the expression - if you can see it then you can be it; and all our footballers from juniors right up to seniors have the opportunity to see the best nations battle for football supremacy right here, in our own backyard.

“For the first time the tournament will expand to include 32 proud footballing nations, which is fantastic, and the eyes of the footballing world will be firmly focused on Sydney for a month as we host 11 games including Australia’s opening match and the Final.

“This is a game changer for football in NSW. Our mighty Matildas along with players from around the globe will no doubt inspire the next generation of Australian superstars.  

“We can’t wait to welcome fans and visitors to Sydney to celebrate the passion, joy and footballing prowess of the largest women’s tournament on the planet.”  

Tickets for the FIFA Women’s World Cup will go on sale from 6th October at www.fifa.com with tickets starting from $20 for adults and $10 for children. The FIFA Women’s World Cup Official Draw takes place on 22nd October 2022.

Image top: CommBank Matilda Ellie, Secretary General Fatma Samoura and FIFA Legend Carla Overbeck at the Unity Pitch launch in Sydney. Credit: FIFA; image above FIFA Sydney Unity Pitch Credit: Don Arnold/Getty Images