Funding boost for FIFA Women’s World Cup delivers long-term benefit to Aotearoa New Zealand sporting facilities
Gender-neutral changing areas at some venues are among the upgrades
Shortlisted venues for Team Base Camps for Australia & New Zealand 2023 were announced earlier this week
Aotearoa New Zealand’s co-hosting of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ is set to deliver a long-term legacy following today’s announcement of significant government funding for upgraded sporting facilities. The NZD $19m investment from the nation’s government will see upgrades at 30 sporting facilities earmarked for the tournament. Notably the upgrades announced today include gender-neutral changing areas, as well as pitch, lighting and general facility enhancements.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 New Zealand COO Jane Patterson says they are grateful for the government’s ongoing support to develop the training site infrastructure. “While the FIFA Women’s World Cup will break new ground and place women’s sport centre stage, these upgrades will lay the foundations for a legacy for many years to come.” Patterson also said she was pleased that for the first time in Women’s World Cup history, teams will use dedicated Team Base Camps in next year’s tournament. “We are delighted that if Team Base Camps in the five regional centres are selected, the tournament’s footprint will be spread even further across Aotearoa – giving more Kiwis the chance to engage with the world’s biggest women’s sporting event.”
Grant Robertson, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Sport and Recreation, said: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the largest women’s sporting event on the planet. Hosting an event of this magnitude will generate significant social and economic benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand and leave a lasting legacy for football and women’s sport in this country.” Aotearoa New Zealand will next year host the first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup Play-Off Tournament (17-23 February) which will determine the final three qualifiers for Australia & New Zealand 2023. A busy month looms with the Official Draw taking place on 22 October in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, while tickets for the tournament will go on sale online from 6 October. For information on how to apply for FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ tickets click here.