- $5.5 million investment providing upgraded facilities for elite and community sport
- Three venues supported by Cook Government selected as training venues for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026
- Part of the WA Government's PlayOn WA initiative to deliver 2,030 community sports infrastructure items across WA by the year 2030
- Cook Government promoting active healthy lifestyles
Upgrades at the Sam Kerr Football Centre and Litis Stadium are complete, just in time to welcome some of the world's best football players to Western Australia.
From next week, Litis Stadium, the Sam Kerr Football Centre and Kingsway Reserve will serve as official training venues for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, placing Perth at the centre of this major international event.
The Cook Government's record investment in sporting infrastructure, including a further $750,000 in upgrades at Kingsway Reserve, ensures facilities are ready for the global stage, while delivering lasting benefits for local clubs, players and communities.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup will be held in Australia from 1 to 21 March, with Perth hosting matches at Perth Stadium and Perth Rectangular Stadium.
The State Government's investment of $800,000 at Litis Stadium has delivered upgraded lighting and facility improvements in partnership with the City of Vincent.
Just completed, the upgrades enhance the venue's ability to host elite training sessions and night matches, while also increasing access for local clubs, women's competitions and junior football.
Meanwhile Sam Kerr Football Centre has seen a $4 million investment for two new turf pitches, upgraded lighting, shade structures, fencing and landscaping which increases capacity for community programs, junior participation, talent development pathways and elite competition, while also providing a world-class training environment.
The completion of the Stage 2 expansion brings the WA Government's total investment in the Sam Kerr Football Centre to more than $55 million and builds on the facilities delivered as part of Stage 1, which included two floodlit full-size hybrid turf pitches, three five-a-side pitches, a 700-seat grandstand, change rooms, sport science centre and administration facilities for Football West.
In addition, $750,000 has been invested at Kingsway Reserve in the City of Wanneroo to deliver upgrades to the audio system, electronic scoreboard and seating, building on a previous $2.6 million investment by the WA Labor Government through the WA Recovery Plan to upgraded lighting and facilities at the venue.
Tickets for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 matches in Perth are available through the official tournament ticketing provider. Fans are encouraged to visit the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 website and follow official event and venue channels for match schedules and ticketing updates.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Together, these upgrades ensure Perth is ready to host a world-class football tournament while leaving a lasting legacy for community sport in Western Australia.
"These local facilities will welcome some of the best international teams to Perth and they will continue to serve local families and the community long after the final whistle.
"Delivering these upgrades means more training opportunities, more matches, and more women and girls able to participate in football at the local level.
"I look forward to seeing clubs, players and families enjoy the new facilities and encourage all Western Australians to support the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Perth by heading to a game and cheering on these amazing athletes."
As stated by Perth MLA John Carey:
"Litis Stadium is a vital sporting hub for Perth and local communities, and these upgrades will make a real difference for the clubs, players, and volunteers who use it throughout the year.
"Improved lighting and irrigation mean more training sessions, more matches and more opportunities to get involved in sport close to home."
As stated by Landsdale MLA Daniel Pastorelli:
"Kingsway Reserve is a much-loved community sporting hub and is fast becoming the elite football facility of the northern suburbs, for players and spectators, thanks to the work of the Club's volunteers and the investment in the facility by the State Government and City of Wanneroo.
"Hosting world-class teams at Olympic Kingsway is something I know the Club is proud of and will only go further to helping inspire the next generation of football stars."
As stated by Cannington MLA Ron Sao:
"The new playing fields at Sam Kerr Football Centre will open the door for more local kids to get involved in football, with more space for junior programs, local competitions and training.
"The Sam Kerr Football Centre is a point of pride for our local community, and this expansion builds on its purpose to provide young players with access to high-quality facilities while also supporting high performance pathways close to home."
