Steph Catley is well aware of the impact that hosting the Women’s Euros had in England. She witnessed it firsthand as she walked the streets of London, basking in the glow of the Lionesses’ triumph. Catley saw how it affected her Arsenal teammates, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, who became like superheroes to young girls in England, unable to walk down the street without being recognized.
But now, it’s Australia’s turn. The upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup, the biggest sporting event in Australia since the 2000 Olympics, is just a month away. The tournament has become a symbol of hope and progress in Australia ever since FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the successful joint bid with New Zealand. It promises to be a catalyst for change, with hopes of a dramatic increase in participation among young girls and a more equal gender split in the sport. The A-League Women’s competition is also looking to capitalize on the World Cup to generate greater interest and larger crowds for the upcoming season.
The legacy of the World Cup goes beyond just numbers and interest. There is a focus on improving facilities at all levels and creating more female-friendly spaces in communities where they are lacking. The goal is also to promote greater female representation in leadership positions such as refereeing, coaching, and administration.
Catley acknowledges the pressure and the potential impact that their success in the World Cup could have on women’s football in Australia. She has seen firsthand how well-performing teams in major tournaments can bring about positive changes, citing the example of the Women’s Super League in England. However, she emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the present and taking it one game at a time.
Hosting the World Cup represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by countless women’s pioneers in Australia. The Matildas have been at the forefront of raising the profile of women’s football and pushing for equality. Catley describes the feeling of winning the bid as a match-winning moment, highlighting the team’s determination to continue fighting for progress and using football as their platform.
While there is excitement and pressure surrounding the World Cup, Catley is keenly aware of the weight that comes with the added expectation of winning on home soil. She mentions the buzz that winning the tournament created in England and how it inspired her to want the same for her country. The focus remains on taking it one game at a time, but there is no denying the desire to bring home the World Cup for Australia and leave a lasting legacy.
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