Epic $4m upgrade to Sam Kerr Football Centre kicks off
The stage two expansion, scheduled for completion early next year, will increase the facility's capacity by adding two new soccer fields, lighting, shade structures, fencing and landscaping.
The additional pitches will support community teams, development workshops and elite competition.
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Since opening in October 2023, the $50.9 million centre in Queens Park has already established itself as a premier sporting venue.
It has successfully hosted Perth Glory A-League Women matches, national tournaments and operated as a training ground for international teams during the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell, Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti , Premier Roger Cook and Member for Cannington Ron Sao MLA. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian
On Thursday, Premier Roger Cook said the start of the upgrades marks an exciting time for the soccer community in Perth.
'The $4 million expansion of the State's premier football facility will secure the infrastructure needed to continue to support football at a community and elite level, as well as continue to increase women's participation in the sport,' he said.
The minister for sport and recreation Rita Saffioti said the upgrades make the Sam Kerr Football Centre a 'valuable asset' for aspiring young players.
'Sam Kerr's connection to the centre will continue to inspire a new generation of young players eager to follow in her footsteps and realise their dreams,' Ms Saffioti said.
'Not only does this support healthier lifestyles through sport and physical activity but also brings people together to create a sense of community.'
The centre was named in honour of Matildas captain Sam Kerr who said having her name adorn the new State Football Centre was one of the highlights of her career.
'It's pretty crazy to be honest, I haven't wrapped my head around it, but I'm a proud West Aussie, so this is right up there with one of the proudest moments of my career,' she said at the ribbon cutting in 2023.
Football participation in Western Australia has surged to historic highs, with significant growth across all demographics - most notably a 34 per cent increase in female participation.
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The Australian
a day ago
- The Australian
Matildas 2025 Asian Cup Fixtures: Who are Australia playing next?
The Matildas' path to their first Asian Women's Cup victory since 2010 has been set and while they avoid clashing wtih competition front runners in the group stage the road to victory won't be without challenges. As hosts and the third highest ranked Asian team qualified for the 2026 Asian Women's Cup the Matildas couldn't be matched up with top nations Japan or Korea DPR in the group stage. The draw, held in Sydney on Tuesday night, saw Australia drawn into a pool with Korea Republic, Iran and Philippines. Matildas have to finish as the top two team in its group to guarrantee progression to the knockout stages. The two best placed third teams will also progress. The Matildas were drawn alongside Iran, South Korea and the Philippines. Picture: Getty Images It shouldn't be an issue but as seen at recent tournaments - unknown teams - Iran and Philippines can prove difficult for the Matildas to handle. It was South Korea who put an early end to the Matildas 2022 Asian Cup campaign knocking them out with a shock 1-0 win. Several of the Philippines players have starrred in the A-League's Women's in recent seasons and they have most recently been coached by former Matilads coach Alen Stajcic before former Western United Women's coach Mark Torcasso took over. Matildas are desperate to lift the trophy, a feat not achieved in 15 years, especially after coming so close at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and falling dissappointingly short at the 2024 Olympics. New coach Joe Montemurro has just two international windows left to prepare the Matildas for the tournament - which will be hosted by Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from March 1 The Matildas celebrate winning the 2010 Asian Cup after a penalty shoot out with North Korea. Can the current crop get the job done on home soil? 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Fans can purchase a pass to follow the Matildas through the opening three group stage games in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney – tickets start at $130. There are also options to buy passes for each stadium, a group stage pass, play off pass and finals passes. Finals tickets start at $80. Read related topics: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Matildas' Asian Cup Ultimate Guide: Who and where Australia are playing, how to get tickets
The Matildas' path to their first Asian Women's Cup victory since 2010 has been set and while they avoid clashing wtih competition front runners in the group stage the road to victory won't be without challenges. As hosts and the third highest ranked Asian team qualified for the 2026 Asian Women's Cup the Matildas couldn't be matched up with top nations Japan or Korea DPR in the group stage. The draw, held in Sydney on Tuesday night, saw Australia drawn into a pool with Korea Republic, Iran and Philippines. Matildas have to finish as the top two team in its group to guarrantee progression to the knockout stages. The two best placed third teams will also progress. It shouldn't be an issue but as seen at recent tournaments - unknown teams - Iran and Philippines can prove difficult for the Matildas to handle. It was South Korea who put an early end to the Matildas 2022 Asian Cup campaign knocking them out with a shock 1-0 win. Several of the Philippines players have starrred in the A-League's Women's in recent seasons and they have most recently been coached by former Matilads coach Alen Stajcic before former Western United Women's coach Mark Torcasso took over. Matildas are desperate to lift the trophy, a feat not achieved in 15 years, especially after coming so close at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and falling dissappointingly short at the 2024 Olympics. New coach Joe Montemurro has just two international windows left to prepare the Matildas for the tournament - which will be hosted by Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney from March 1 The draw was an elaborate event, attended by government officials, AFC representatives, Football Australia interim CEO Heather Garriock, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro and Tom Sermanni – the last coach to guide Australia to victory 15 years ago. There was a cultural dance, unveiling of the competition slogon 'dream fearless' and virtual tour of the three host cities - Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney. COO of the AFC Women's Asian Cup local organising committee Sarah Walsh said 'dream fearless' was more than just a slogon. 'It's a mindset that runs through every part of this tournament,' Walsh said. 'It reflects the courage of players chasing greatness on and off the pitch, the ambition of nations rising together, and the power of football to break barriers. 'This bold new brand captures that energy and sets the stage for a truly inclusive celebration — one that unites communities across Australia, Asia, and beyond through the shared language of the beautiful game, while proudly representing the stories and cultures of First Nations peoples.' EVERY MATILDAS GAME Game 1: v Philippines on March 1 at Optus Stadium, Perth. Game 2: v Iran on March 5 at Cbus Stadium, Gold Coast. Game 3: v South Korea on March 8 at Accor Stadium, Sydney. HOW THE GROUPS LINE UP HOW DID TEAMS QUALIFY? As the host nation the Matildas automatically qualified for the 2026 tournament. China, South Korea and Japan all gained entry as they claimed the top three spots at the 2022 Asian Women's Cup. Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Philippines are back after topping their groups in qualifying. Iran will make a repeat appearance after debuting in 2022. Uzbekistan made the cut for the first time in 23 years and North Korea will make its first appearance since 2010. Bangladesh ranked 128th in the world is the only tournament debutant. HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS? All 12 teams will be divided into three group of four. Each team will play every team in the group once with the top two teams in each group and two best placed third teams progressing to the knock out stages. The final will be held on March 22. WHO WILL BE IN THE MATILDAS SQUAD? New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro will be able to name 23 players for the tournament – a bigger squad than the 18 allowed for the Olympics. It opens the door for fringe players including Charli Grant, Courtney Nevin, Sharn Freier and Tash Prior to really push for a spot in the squad. Sam Kerr is expected to make a return in time for the tournament and Mary Fowler is racing the clock to be fit post her ACL surgery. MATILDAS ROAD TO THE ASIAN CUP The Matildas have just two international windows left before the Asian Cup kicks off in March – the first in October and the second in December – they will then not regroup until the tournament. Montemurro is yet to lock in opponents for those windows. With very limited time to get the squad in shape for the tournament who the Matildas play in those windows will be crucial to their preparation. WHERE WILL GAMES BE PLAYED? Matches will be played across three host cities – Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast. Games in Perth will be shared between Optus Stadium and HBF Park. Gold Coast matches will be played at Cbus Stadium. Sydney will host matches at Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium. WHAT'S ON THE LINE? The winners will be crowned Asian Champions – a feat the Matildas haven't achieved since 2010. For the last time the tournament also serves as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup – the top four teams will earn automatic entry to the tournament. The four nations who lose the quarter-finals will then have to play off for the final spots in the World Cup. The top eight teams will gain entry to the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers. PAST WINNERS The Matildas last won the tournament in 2010 - it is their only major tournament win. There were high hopes for the Australian side at the 2022 tournament but they were knocked out by South Korea in the quarter finals. Australia took the runners-up title in 2006, 2018 and 2014. China are the most successful team at the Asian Cup with nine titles. 2022: China 2018: Japan 2014: Japan 2010: Australia 2008: North Korea 2006: China HOW TO BUY TICKETS Tickets are already on sale via Ticketmaster. Fans can purchase a pass to follow the Matildas through the opening three group stage games in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney – tickets start at $130. There are also options to buy passes for each stadium, a group stage pass, play off pass and finals passes. Finals tickets start at $80.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Matildas handed tough draw in Women's Asian Cup group
The Matildas are set for a rematch with the team that knocked them out of the last Asian Cup after being handed a tough draw for next year's tournament on home soil – their first major tournament under new boss Joe Montemurro. Australia's group stage opponents were confirmed at Tuesday night's draw ceremony at Sydney Town Hall, with South Korea, Iran and the Philippines landing in Group A. Though the Matildas won their two friendlies against Korea earlier this year, the last time they met in a competitive fixture was at the 2022 Asian Cup in India, where scored a last-gasp winner to abruptly end Australia's bid for a second continental crown in the quarter-finals. The Taeguk Ladies went on to lose the final to China. The tournament will begin with a showdown between Australia and the Philippines – who are coached by an Australian, Mark Torcaso – at Perth's Optus Stadium on March 1. The Matildas will then face Iran at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast four days later, and Korea at Sydney's Accor Stadium on March 8. Loading It was close to the toughest draw possible for Australia, who were drawn with the top-ranked teams in pots three and four, and the second-highest ranked team in pot two - avoiding former Matildas boss Ante Milicic and his Chinese side, who are in Group B with North Korea, one of Asia's top women's football nations. The importance of topping the group is critical, as the runners-up of Group A will face the second-placed team from Group B in the quarter-finals - and to book their spot at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, the Matildas will likely need to progress through to the semi-finals. This Asian Cup will be the last edition that also doubles as the final stage of qualification for the World Cup, with the top six teams earning an automatic berth. Should the Matildas reach the quarters and lose, they would then take part in one of two 'play-in' matches against another losing quarter-finalist. The winners of those will also qualify for the World Cup, while the losers would be forced into the intercontinental play-offs.
