Josh Kennedy, Elise Kellond-Knight and Emily Gielnik support the IFCPF Asian-Oceania Championships | Football Australia

Former Socceroo Josh Kennedy, as well as CommBank Matildas Elise Kellond-Knight and Emily Gielnik, were at the CommBank Pararoos and CommBank ParaMatildas squad announcement event at Federation Square on Monday.

They spoke about the pride of wearing the green and gold, the impact of hosting the IFCPF Asian Oceanic Championships, and implored fans to come out to support the teams at the Home of the Matildas in Melbourne on 4 – 11 November.

“Any player or young kids growing up dreams of representing their country, especially the first time you walk out onto the pitch in the green and gold, it’s a special occasion,” the 36-time Socceroo said.

“For these players, the Pararoos and the ParaMatildas now, to be on home soil at the Home of the Matildas, it’s going to be an incredible experience.”

Elise Kellond-Knight echoed those sentiments.

“I’m excited for them. I’m going to be in the grandstands cheering them on, it’s a first moment for them to experience in their careers,” she said. “I hope they really cherish it.”

“Nothing quite beats playing on home soil as opposed to being overseas. Their friends and family, everyone gets the opportunity to come and watch them play,” Emily Gielnik added.

The championships are an opportunity to see a part of the tangible impact of the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

“It shows that Australia is a footballing nation, and this is just another part of it really,” Kellond-Knight said.

Kennedy explained that accessibility to watch football of all kinds was an important part of Legacy '23.

“Football over the last 12 months – we’ve seen a men’s World Cup, a women’s World Cup, and a jump in participation in community football in clubs right around Australia,” he said.

“Having the