Westfield Matildas to play Chile in Australia this November

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Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced that the Westfield Matildas will face Chile this November in the “Seven Consulting International Series” at Panthers Stadium, Penrith (Saturday 10 November) and McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle (Tuesday 13 November).

FFA CEO David Gallop was excited to make the announcement on Monday.

“Last year’s matches against Brazil at these two venues were truly memorable events with a sell-out crowd in Penrith and a new crowd record in Newcastle,” said Gallop.

“The past 18 months have seen the Westfield Matildas go from strength to strength, they have captured the imagination of all Australians and have inspired a new generation of footballers.

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“With the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup coming up in nine months, and our own bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup ramping up, matches like this are important on and off the field.

“I would like to take this opportunity to also thank the NSW Government, Penrith City Council, Newcastle City Council and Seven Consulting for their ongoing valuable support to make these matches possible,” concluded Gallop.

The NSW Minister for Sport, the Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, was proud that these matches will be played in NSW.

“The Matildas are without doubt one of the most popular and successful Australian sports teams at the moment and this is a fantastic opportunity for football fans in Penrith and Newcastle to see them in action on home soil,” Mr Ayres said.

“Following on from the success of last year’s international friendlies against Brazil, which saw the Penrith game sell out and a record crowd attend Newcastle, we expect this two-match series against Chile to be irresistible to fans.

“These matches also offer fans the opportunity to experience everything Penrith and Newcastle have to offer and I encourage visitors to book their tickets and extend their stay and get out and explore the many wonderful venues and attractions on offer.

“Announced in 2016, the NSW Government’s five year partnership with Football Federation Australia is expected to contribute more than $20 million to the NSW visitor economy, which is a massive boost for our hotels, restaurants, bars and tourism operators.”

Westfield Matildas Head Coach Alen Stajcic will be using these two matches to as part of his team’s preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be held in June next year in France.

“Chile are an emerging nation in international women’s football and have qualified for next year’s FIFA Women’s World cup for the first time in their history,” said Stajcic.

"They (Chile) had a fantastic Copa America this year and have showed a great level of technical proficiency, as we would expect from a proud South American footballing nation.

“For us to prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup we need to play against a diverse range of opposition and Chile will be great challenge for us.

“The atmosphere at our matches in Penrith and Newcastle last year was amazing and I know that the players are looking forward to running out in front of large, vocal home crowds,” concluded Stajcic.

Seven Consulting Founder Declan Boylan says they are proud to continue their support of the Westfield Matildas with this Series sponsorship.

Boylan said: “Seven Consulting as a business are fully committed to supporting the Westfield Matildas, with our staff voting in favour of the sponsorship and three Matildas undergoing paid project management internships with Seven Consulting. We are 100% behind the Matildas.

“We strongly believe that the Westfield Matildas are one of the best teams of any code in Australia. After their brilliant results in America, we are delighted to be see them back home playing in Penrith and Newcastle where we are expecting two wonderful matches in packed out stadiums.”

Members of the Football Family and registered players will be able to purchase tickets from 11am (AEST) Monday September 3 2018 with the general public on-sale from 11am (AEST) Thursday, September 6 2018. For all ticketing information visit https://matildas.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets

Both matches will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS (Channel 505) and SBS TV (check local guides for details) as well as on the My Football Live app – Live, Fast and Data Free for Telstra customers.