The NSW Football Legacy Program features five initiatives that will aim to develop the women's game at all levels and leave a lasting legacy from NSW hosting games at the tournament, including the Final at Stadium Australia on 21 March.
Initiatives delivered under the Program include:
- Women in Leadership Program: empower women in football to have stronger confidence and a positive influence on the sport, build a network of advocates and prepare them to take on or advance their leadership positions.
- Body Image and Well Being Program: educate and build confidence in young female representative footballers (National Premier League) aged 13 - 18 years in relation to body image and wellbeing.
- Flexible Football Initiative: remove barriers to entry to grassroots football through flexible football format options for women
- Coach and Referee Mentor Program: create role models within football to improve and increase the number of suitably qualified and experienced female coaches and referees.
- First Nations Football: Provide pathway opportunities to first nations footballers aged 14 -16 years and coaches within high performance environments.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"Women's sport has seen tremendous growth and success in recent years, including the unforgettable performances of the Matildas at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™.
"The Minns Labor Government wants to ensure that the momentum from that tournament and NSW's hosting of 11 games at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ leaves a lasting legacy for women's football in NSW at all levels.
"The initiatives delivered through the NSW Football Legacy Program will ensure football is a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls to play the World Game.
"Importantly, the Program will play a vital role in enabling young female footballers to develop a better understanding of the challenges that can stop them playing, like body image, resilience and confidence.
"The NSW Football Legacy Program is a key outcome of the NSW Government's women's sport strategy; Play Her Way which aims to enable more women and girls to play and stay involved in sport."
Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas said:
"Football NSW has experienced unprecedented growth in female football and we are delighted with the NSW Government's continued commitment to our game.
"The initiatives being supported, including the Empower Her body image and wellbeing program, will help to ensure that football is an accessible, safe and enjoyable sport for women and girls across the state.
"We look forward to seeing the impact of these new and expanded programs over the coming years as Football NSW continues towards the goal of gender parity in our game."
Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) CEO Peter Haynes said:
"Northern NSW Football is thrilled to receive this contribution from the NSW government, which will have a lasting impact on women and girls' football in our region.
"This support will allow NNSWF to further enhance its Women in Football Leadership program, Coach and Referee Mentor Programs and First Nations Football activities.
"Investments in women's football like this make a real difference to our football community and we appreciate the NSW government's commitment to football in northern NSW."
Football Australia General Manager - Women's Football Carlee Millikin said:
"Football Australia welcomes the NSW Government's commitment of an additional $400,000 to the NSW Football Legacy Program.
"In 2024, we saw participation of women and girls in New South Wales soar up 9 per cent on 2023 levels. It's a powerful sign that the legacy of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is still being felt, and it's only just the beginning.
"With New South Wales set to host the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2026, we have another incredible opportunity to elevate the game even further-igniting passion, driving participation, and inspiring the next generation of footballers.
"This ongoing investment means we can keep building on the momentum, expanding our leadership pathways and unlocking new opportunities across every level of the game.
"We're excited to continue this journey with the NSW Government, Football NSW, Northern NSW Football, and the entire football community-because together, we're creating a future where football truly belongs to everyone."
