Record-breaking attendance and global viewership at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ has today led to leading figures from Australian sport and business gathering to create a ‘Winning Playbook’ – the roadmap for continued growth and development of women’s sport.
Hosted by the New South Wales Government and Football Australia, The Winning Playbook looked at the key trends driving innovation in women’s sport against the backdrop of the remarkably successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Speakers included FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, a pioneer of women’s football who has fueled the sport’s unprecedented growth; Jill Ellis, President of San Diego Wave and two-time world champion coach of the US women’s national team; and James Johnson, Football Australia CEO, who drove Australia’s successful bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
The event was an initiative of the NSW Football Legacy Program which oversees the NSW Government’s $10 million investment in football as a legacy of hosting matches of the tournament in NSW.
NSW Women’s Secretary Jodie Harrison said:
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 not only showcased the beautiful game, it also kick-started women’s sport.
“There is so much we can learn from this pivotal moment so we can unleash the potential of women’s and girls’ sport.
“The New South Wales Government recognizes the importance of hosting World Championships on home soil in increasing the visibility, engagement and support of women’s sport.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 delivered on that promise and today is about laying out a game plan so that future generations of girls will love and play the sport.”
NSW Sport Minister Steve Kamper said:
“The rise of women’s football has been remarkable, with an exponential increase in participation, record-breaking attendances and increased investment.
“With more than 1.7 million tickets sold, Australian football fans are enjoying the ups, downs and excitement of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
“While the tournament has set a new benchmark for FIFA Women’s World Cups, the New South Wales Government is also committed to ensuring it leaves a positive legacy for women and girls through sport, and that is what The Winning Playbook aims to do achieve today.”
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said:
“Accelerating the growth and development of women’s football on and off the field is FIFA’s top priority. Since 2018, FIFA has invested significant time and resources in reforming the competitions, increasing the commercial value of the game, modernizing women’s empowerment programs and promoting the professionalization of the sport.
“At this record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup, it has been exciting to see how our strategies and investments, and those of our co-host countries and participating member associations, are taking women’s football to a whole new level. The new standards and benchmarks we set at this truly special tournament will be felt for generations to come.”
Jill Ellis, president of the San Diego Wave and two-time world champion coach of the United States women’s national soccer team, said:
“Success in sport, like in any field, requires passion, dedication and a shared vision. This World Cup showed that women’s football has the power to unite, inspire and pave the way for a brighter future for the sport. We have to.” Keep that momentum going and make sure our efforts don’t end at the final whistle. That’s just the beginning.”
Football Australian CEO James Johnson said:
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 was a turning point for women’s football in Australia. The energy and commitment we saw at this event was truly transformative. However, our journey does not end here. Through a concerted effort.” Together with stakeholders at all levels of the game, we strive to harness this energy to create sustainable growth, inclusivity and opportunity for women’s sport in Australia. The Winning Playbook will ensure we remain focused and united in achieving these goals.”
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