The Victorian city of Ballarat will host an international football match for the first time when the Westfield Matildas face fellow 2016 Rio Games qualifier New Zealand at Morshead Park Stadium on Saturday 4 June 2016 (Kick-Off 3pm).
Ballarat will be the Westfield Matildas’ base for five days from 30 May as the squad hones its preparations in regional Victoria for a tilt at a medal at the Rio Games.
The match will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and ABC TV.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO David Gallop said the event presented a rare opportunity for the football community in western Victoria to see the Westfield Matildas in action in an important international match.
“We’re absolutely delighted that the City of Ballarat has made this match happen,” said Gallop. “The event will be part of the Matildas farewell to Rio and that will add a great sense of occasion. It will be a fantastic celebration of the game.”
Westfield Matildas Head Coach Alen Stajcic, co-captain Lisa De Vanna and striker Larissa Crummer attended the official announcement in Ballarat. Stajcic said he and the squad were excited by the opportunity to connect with fans in regional Victoria.
“This is a crucial game for us against a high quality New Zealand team that will also be fully focused on their preparations for Rio,” said Stajcic.
“Morshead Park Stadium is an excellent venue and we can’t wait to play in front of a big crowd for what is a crucial match in our lead up to the Games in Brazil.”
Ballarat Mayor, Des Hudson, expressed the city’s excitement in welcoming the Westfield Matildas to the region and being able to host an official women’s international.
“Ballarat has shown it can host and accommodate international teams when Bahrain based themselves here prior to the 2015 Asian Cup, and we’re delighted to have the Matildas play one of their farewell games here before the Rio Games,” said Hudson.
“Having the Matildas here is a treat for the many thousands of grassroots participants in Ballarat and surrounding districts to feel a part of the Rio campaign.”
Ticketing details for the match will be confirmed shortly.
The match in Ballarat is the first of two matches the Westfield Matildas will play against New Zealand in Victoria, with the teams to face off again on Tuesday 7 June 2016 at Etihad Stadium in a double header with the Caltex Socceroos’ clash with Greece.
Both of the Westfield Matildas’ matches against the Football Ferns will be shown LIVE on FOX SPORTS and ABC TV.
MATCH DETAILS
Westfield Matildas v New Zealand
Morshead Park Stadium, Ballarat
Saturday 4 June 2016
Kick-Off 3pm
LIVE on FOX SPORTS and ABC TV
Ticketing details will be confirmed shortly.