In another international sporting win for Victoria, football fans have the chance to watch the Matildas play their final games on home soil for 2024 in Geelong and Melbourne this December - backed by the Allan Labor Government.
Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan and Football Australia CEO James Johnson were joined by aspiring football stars from Corio Soccer Club, Geelong Galaxy Football Club and Deakin Ducks at GMHBA Stadium to announce a two-match international friendly series against Chinese Taipei - the first at AAMI Park on 4 December, then at GMHBA Stadium on 7 December.
It is the first time the Australian team has played in Geelong since the GMHBA Stadium was redeveloped, with the Matildas last venturing to Geelong in 2017.
The Labor Government invested $142 million in the new GMHBA Stadium, which now has a new function room, media centre, bar and unisex change rooms - creating a world class sporting experience in Geelong. The stadium now hosts AFL, T20 cricket, football, concerts and large community events year round.
Victoria has long produced outstanding women's footballers and the Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University, backed by the Labor Government. The world-class training centre for the Matildas, Young Matildas, Junior Matildas and the ParaMatildas and Football Victoria's Emerging Matildas program.
The Labor Government is supporting grassroots football through The Get Active Kids Voucher program, which helps children to get involved in sport by reimbursing the cost of participation, uniforms and equipment. Since the start of the program, almost 11,000 vouchers have supported children's participation in football.
Victoria has hosted a range of blockbuster events for football 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 held at the Home of the Matildas in July, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between the Socceroos and Saudi Arabia coming up in November.
The Labor Government continues to back major football events, like the sold out Matildas vs Uzbekistan Olympic Qualifier at Marvel Stadium in February, the 2024 National Youth Championships Girls' Tournament held at the Home of the Matildas in July and Matilda's 1-0 defeat of France, cheered on by 50,000 fans at Marvel Stadium in July 2023.
Supported by Visit Victoria through the Major Events Fund, this match is part of a packed major events calendar that boosts Victoria's record $39.3 billion visitor economy, featuring the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Boxing Day Test and two international netball tests featuring the Australian Diamonds.
For more information on tickets, see matildas.com.au.
As stated by Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan
"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."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"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."
As stated by Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
"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."
As stated by Football Australia CEO James Johnson
"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. 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."
