Matildas to kick off in Geelong

AUSTRALIA’S best women’s soccer players will kick off in Geelong later this year, with the Matildas to play a game against Chinese Taipei.

Announced today (Friday, September 13), the game at GMHBA Stadium on December 7 will be the second of a two-match international friendly series and follow the first game at AAMI Park on December 4.

It is the first time the Australian national women’s soccer team has played in Geelong since the completion of the GMHBA Stadium redevelopment, with the Matildas last playing in Geelong in 2017.

The Victorian government funded the $142 million Stage 5 works, which have created a new function room, media centre, bar and unisex change rooms.

Victoria has long produced outstanding women’s footballers and the Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University, backed by Victorian government, is providing a world-class training centre for the Matildas, Young Matildas, Junior Matildas and the ParaMatildas to train at.

Football Victoria uses this facility for its Emerging Matildas program, talent identification and development, skill acquisition programs and community competitions.

Victoria has hosted a range of blockbuster events for soccer fans in recent years, including the sold-out Matildas vs Uzbekistan Olympic Qualifier at Marvel Stadium in February, the 2024 National Youth Championships Girls’ Tournament at the Home of the Matildas in July, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between the Socceroos and Saudi Arabia to be played in November.

The Matildas captured our hearts and we cannot wait to welcome them back to Victoria, giving more people the chance to see their heroes play in their own backyard,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

“We’re backing events that people really care about, attract visitors from all parts of the world, and that boost local jobs and businesses – with those benefits flowing into local communities,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos added.

The event is being supported by Visit Victoria through the Major Events Fund.

“The Matildas’ final match for 2024 is another international coup for our state’s packed major events calendar, providing an opportunity for Victorians to see elite sport in their own backyard,” Visit Victoria chief executive officer Brendan McClements said.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson welcomed the two-match series.

“Victorians are equally as passionate about football at the grassroots level as they are in their support of our national teams as evidenced by their continual strong turnout for home games,” he said.

“Pleasingly, the two-match series will also travel beyond the city to give fans who may not usually get the chance an opportunity to see their beloved CommBank Matildas.”

For more information on tickets, head to matildas.com.au