Ipswich footballers have sights set on 2023 World Cup
24 September 2020
Momentum is building for Ipswich’s bid to host a team for the 2023 World Cup, as more than 150 footballers from across Queensland compete in state championships in Ipswich this week.
Western Pride Football Club is hosting the Yeh the Girls Football State Championship at Briggs Road Sporting Complex, with more than 150 players from Ipswich, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and the Gold and Sunshine Coast regions.
Each team from Under 12 to Under 16 age categories will play four games across three days of competition, with regional and SEQ-based teams split across both pools.
Mayor Teresa Harding welcomed players from across Queensland and said council was looking forward to the 2023 World Cup.
“It’s fantastic to see so many talented young players here at Briggs Road for the Yeh the Girls Cup,” Mayor Harding said.
“Ipswich City Council is excited about the 2023 World Cup and gearing up to see what we can do to secure hosting rights for an international team.”
Western Pride FC Football Operations Manager, Pye Augustine, said it was exciting to host the event following several cancelled competitions this year due to COVID-19.
“It’s always a pleasure to host championships like the Yeh the Girls Cup, which is a precursor for selection into a QAS squad and a great opportunity for everyone to play in front of FFA national team coaches,” Ms Augustine said.
“It’s also great to see the girls come together and form lasting friendships through their love of football.”
“Briggs Road Sporting Complex is a fantastic ground and it would be amazing to have an international team playing here, so we’re feeling optimistic about 2023.”
A host of COVID Safe measures are in place for the event, including QR code attendance tracking, non-contact temperature checks, hand sanitisation stations and frequent sanitisation of equipment.
Regional teams competing in the tournament have also been placed in an ‘athlete bubble’ in South East Queensland for the duration of their stay.