The Allan Labor Government is giving Victoria's next generation of footballers the chance to see their idols train and play up close - with Tottenham Hotspur FC, Newcastle United FC and Arsenal Women FC headlining three blockbuster matches in Melbourne in a boost for local jobs, businesses and the economy.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today joined a coaching clinic led by Newcastle United FC at the Home of the Matildas in Bundoora to celebrate Global Football Week.
Last night's match at the MCG is backed-up by a double header tomorrow night at Marvel Stadium, with Arsenal Women taking on the A-League All Stars Women followed by a second appearance by Newcastle United against the A-League All Stars Men.
The series marks the homecoming of Melburnian Ange Postecoglou following an epic first year as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur FC as well as the first time a Women's Super League team has played in Australia - featuring Matildas Vice Captain and Victoria's own, Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord.
The coaching clinic is giving Victoria's grassroots players a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the English Premier League's elite coaching staff, with a coaching session led by Newcastle United FC. 24 players from Victoria's 16-18-year-old talent squad will take part alongside a technical coaching seminar for more than 40 coaches.
Delivered in partnership with Football Victoria, the clinic will inspire football fans beyond the blockbuster matches, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and reaching millions of viewers around the globe.
The Labor Government is making sure more players and teams can play the sport they love close to home. That's why it invested more than $42 million in the Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University in Bundoora.
This world-class training base has transformed women's football in Victoria, helping grow the game and supporting female footballers for generations to come.
Global Football Week Melbourne joins Victoria's jam-packed calendar of sporting and cultural major events, with upcoming highlights including game two of the NRL State of Origin, Ballin'24, RISING, White Night Ballarat and NGV's Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition Pharaoh.
These blockbuster fixtures in Australia's sporting capital will boost the state's $37.8 billion visitor economy and attract thousands of visitors to Melbourne - boosting local jobs, businesses and our economy.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Victoria is Australia's home of big events - and this is another win for grassroots players, football fans and local businesses alike."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"This epic event is lighting up Melbourne's winter major events calendar, entertaining crowds at the MCG and Marvel, filling hotels, restaurants and bars, and showcasing some world class football."
As stated by Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks
"Our homegrown talent has a chance to train alongside some of the English Premier League's best and brightest - giving more grassroots players a game-changing opportunity."
