Anthony Albanese heaped praise on the Matildas after their semi-final loss,for their “incredible skill,ferocity and flair”.Credit:Getty
“I can only speak for the Matildas[but],you know,we need funding in our development,we need funding in our grassroots. We need funding,you know,we need funding everywhere,” the team’s captain said after the match.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson backed that call,and said:“I agree with the players. This is not the end of something,this needs to be the start of something. And with that comes money as well.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Sport Minister Anika Wells both attended several Matildas games and Albanese heaped praise on the team after Wednesday’s loss for its “incredible skill,ferocity and flair,and a camaraderie that defines what it means to play team sport”.
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Albanese’s comments on X,formerly Twitter,drew a pointed response from some social media users. One responded:“Cool. Now invest in the sport” and “show them the money”.
In response to questions from this masthead about whether a funding boost for the Matildas and grassroots soccer was in the works,a federal government spokesperson said:“We want funding to be fit for purpose,so more women and girls can participate and compete in sport at all levels – and we will always look for more ways to do that.
“We are determined to help girls inspired by the FIFA World Cup,Netball World Cup,women’s basketball and rugby world cups to have safer facilities to enjoy sport for life. We want more opportunities for more Matildas. This tournament has been incredible and proven that women’s sport isn’t a phase,it’s here to stay.