An impressive 26 community clubs from South Australia met on Monday, 1 May at ServiceFM Stadium, home of Football South Australia, to work on developing strategies to leverage the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.
Grace Lambourne, Football Australia's National Club Development Manager presented Game Changer, Football Australia's Club Development Program.
The key themes were the steps to become a "1-Star Club", the importance of creating an Action Plan for delivery in the next 12 months, as well as recognition and benefits of the program such as opportunities to engage with the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
Attendants were rewarded with the arrival of FIFA representatives, led by Madame Secretary General Fatma Samoura.
She was accompanied by FIFA Chief Women's Football Officer, Sarai Bareman; FIFA Chief Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 CEO, David Beeche; and FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 COO, Jane Fernandez.
The FIFA Secretary General addressed the room congratulating the first seven Game Changer Clubs of South Australia for their dedication to the development of women and girls in football and their commitment to provide welcoming and inclusive environments, improving the experience for women and girls in all areas of the game.
"It's a pleasure and an honour to be here tonight to recognise some outstanding achievements from your clubs," the FIFA Secretary General said.
Following the FIFA Secretary General's speech, Certificates of Achievement were presented to the clubs who reached the first star on Game Changer, Club Development Program. The club volunteers received these certificates and were encouraged by her to keep up the good work they have done so far.
The seven clubs awarded were:
- Flinders United Women's FC
- Metro United Women's FC
- Moana Districts FC
- Naracoorte United FC
- Salisbury Sharks United SC
- Salisbury International SC
- Seaford Rangers FC
After the recognitions, the FIFA Secretary General reiterated the importance of the tournament approaching, how the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will be the biggest women's event ever in the Australian territory, and the legacy this competition will leave to the sport.
David Beeche then spoke with the group and highlighted how Adelaide, as a host city, is getting prepared ahead of the kick-off date.
Mr. Beeche congratulated football fans from South Australia with tickets for all 5 matches to be played in Adelaide all sold out - a testament to the community's palpable support and anticipation for the upcoming tournament.
The night concluded with additional clubs registering to Game Changer, completing the Our Game: Women & Girls in Football module, and working on their action plans, in collaboration with Football South Australia and Football Australia.
In what was a very successful forum, concluded with clubs networking and sharing their plans to leverage the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
