NSW welcomes FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 trophy

The FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour 2023 has visited each of the 32 qualified countries as part of a mission to inspire and spotlight future female football talent, build excitement, and increase support ahead of the tournament.

The NSW leg of the Trophy Tour will visit locations across Sydney and regional NSW over the long weekend, giving football fans the chance to see the greatest prize in women's football first-hand.

Premier Minns was joined at the launch at Taronga Zoo today by Matildas Clare Hunt, Courtney Nevin and Sarah Hunter, as well as tournament mascot Tazuni, where they were introduced to some of Australia's iconic native wildlife at the Zoo's new Nura Diya Australia habitat.

As part of the launch, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper also announced that a further $3.23 million was available to football clubs, associations and councils under Round 2 of the NSW Football Legacy Fund for new and upgraded football facilities and participation programs.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

"The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is the pinnacle of the sport and throughout July and August, Australian football fans will get to witness the highs, lows, thrills and excitement right here on home soil.

"The Trophy Tour is another milestone in the build-up to the tournament which will give fans of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to feel part of the contest.

"I can't wait for the Matildas to kick off their campaign against the Republic of Ireland on 20 July right here in Sydney."

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

"The FIFA Women's World Cup will see 32 teams compete across 64 matches during July and August with 11 games in Sydney, including a Semi Final and Final.

"The FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour 2023 is an opportunity for communities across our state to unite in their love of football and celebrate the tournament coming to our shores."

"The NSW Government is committed to ensuring NSW remains the nation's major sports event capital. The Football Legacy Fund ensures our grassroots clubs and communities will continue to grow."

Minister for Tourism John Graham said:

"The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will help grow the state's visitor economy and create jobs.

"More than 16,000 visitors are expected to come to Sydney during the tournament, injecting more than $21 million into our state's visitor economy.

"The FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour 2023 will build anticipation for the start of the tournament among fans coming to Sydney for matches and encourage those that have not yet purchased their tickets to do so."

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Australia and New Zealand COO (Australia), Jane Fernandez said:

"We are delighted the iconic FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy has arrived in Australia for the Trophy Tour.

"After the global tour the Trophy will now visit each Host City giving fans the opportunity to be part of history as the countdown to the biggest and best FIFA Women's World Cup continues.

"I would urge all fans and communities to take advantage of this moment in time and come together to celebrate what will be an unforgettable tournament in July and August."

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said:

"We can feel the excitement building as Australia prepares to welcome the world to our shores and the global spotlight shines on us with the FIFA Women's World Cup fast approaching."

"With the CommBank Matildas starting their campaign in Sydney on 20 July, it is fitting that the Trophy Tour commences in NSW where the first Australian "A" international match was played."

"The Trophy Tour is another uniting moment for Australians to share and the Football Legacy Fund will mean that the momentum of this tournament carries through to our grassroots."

Clare Hunt (Matildas cap #224) said:

"The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is the pinnacle of our sport and the tournament that every women's footballer dreams to be a part of.

"Every moment you get a chance to represent our nation is special, but to potentially do so on home soil would be an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience.

"With the Trophy Tour in NSW it makes it that more real that the world's best footballers are coming to our shores.

"I hope that this moment really excites everyone to make sure they are involved in a truly special moment for Australian football and Australian sport."

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour:

Visit FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 for further information on the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour 2023 activities.

Further information on the funding is available at NSW Football Legacy Fund.