Friends of football from the Federal Government, Canberra United, Capital Football and the media came together this morning at Senate Oval for Football Australia's inaugural Women's Football Legacy Cup.
The event saw Green v Gold play-off under perfect conditions in Canberra, in celebration of Legacy '23, Football Australia's game plan to realise enduring outcomes for Australian football beyond the co-hosting of FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023TM. As Sarah Walsh, Head of Women's Football, Women's World Cup Legacy & Inclusion said "the legacy we leave will go beyond the pitch, including 50/50 gender participation by 2027, increased female representation in key roles and more inclusive facilities for our community".
Senators and Members of Parliament from both the Liberal National Party and the Australian Labor Party were in attendance, along with retired and current A-League Women's players Ashleigh Sykes, Allira Toby, Chelsee Washington, Ally Haran and Grace Gill.
Meanwhile, Canberra Times journalist Isobel Cootes flew the flag for the media.
Former Asian Football Confederation and FIFA Women's World Cup Assistant Referee, Allyson Flynn, took on the all-important role of referee, proudly representing the growing number of Australian female match officials who are integral to the growth and development of our game.
It was an action-packed friendly, Team Green took out a hotly contested match with Grace Gill honoured to accept the trophy on behalf of her team thanks to an impressive 6-4 win.
A member of Australia's FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 squad, Ashleigh Sykes spoke to the importance of the tournament in driving participation for women and girls.
"I remember the incredible experience of being a 9-year-old girl getting to attend the Sydney Olympics and the effect of hosting that major sporting event here on what I wanted to do 'when I grew up'," Sykes said.
"I hope this tournament, the biggest women's sporting event in the world, leaves a legacy across Australia in a similar way. That it encourages greater accessibility, empowers strong leaders and more progressive pathways for women."
"It's almost a dream come true, to get to play a major tournament like this with home fans and your friends and family in the stands. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best teams and players in the world to Australia, and our beautiful country to the world in turn.
The Women's Football Legacy Cup is set to become an annual event to ensure we continue to raise awareness of Legacy '23 and the important initiatives that will enable us to deliver long-lasting impacts for Australian football. Football Australia is incredibly excited about the runway of events leading into 2023 with the milestone of 500 days to go being celebrated on 7 March 2022.
