A New Game Plan – 4 Ways to Grow the Momentum in Women’s Sport | Football Australia

The CommBank Matildas have created an epic movement for change. Records have been smashed. Fans packed stadiums, live sites and living rooms across Australia. Merchandise sales soared and women’s football was the daily topic of conversation across every corner of Australia.

Almost 64% of Australians tuned in to watch the semi-final against England on Saturday 19th August, making it the most watched TV program since the OzTAM audience measurement system started in 2001.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ has united our nation. It has been a flashpoint moment for Australian football and is inspiring a whole new generation.

To unlock the potential of this pivotal event for women’s and girl’s sport, over 400 global trailblazers, local changemakers, community leaders and junior players gathered in Sydney on 9th August 2023 for The Winning Playbook: Leading Innovative Change in Sport Forum. 

The NSW Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, opened the event saying: “Today is about coming up with a game plan to keep future generations of girls loving and playing sport.”

Minister Harrison also spoke about the Government’s commitment to support all levels of football through the $10 million NSW Football Legacy Fund.

Let’s dive into what we learnt:

James Johnson, CEO Football Australia opened proceedings with an urgent call to action: “Our challenge to governments, corporate entities, broadcasters and sports’ governing bodies is to make a stand - commit, invest and grow women's sport because women's sport is real. And it's here to stay. Women's football in Australia has proved that to us all.”

When it comes to leadership, you want to listen to Jill Ellis, the most successful coach in the history of the US Women’s