Newcastle’s premier No. 2 Sportsground has been short-listed as a dedicated team base camp training site during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
More than 30 nations will travel to Australia and New Zealand for the month-long tournament, kicking off on 19 July and continuing through to 20 August.
And, with any luck, No. 2 Sportsground could become a “home away from home” for one of the sides.
Maitland is in the mix, too.
For the first time in FIFA Women’s World Cup history, 35 short-listed team base camp options are available for selection by participating member associations to be used as a training site during the competition for their entire delegation.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes remains quietly confident Newcastle will be among the frontrunners.
“We’ve cemented our reputation as a major sporting and events host destination and would jump at the chance to welcome a FIFA Women’s World Cup side,” she said.
“City of Newcastle is committed to elevating women in sport.
“So, we’re excited at the prospect of welcoming some of the world’s best female footballers to Newcastle in their preparation for a month of elite and exciting international competition.
“No. 2 Sportsground is a world-class facility, home to the A-league Women’s Jets and regularly welcomes fixtures like the USA national soccer team who trained on the grounds in preparation for their games against the Matildas last year.
“In 2019, it also staged a women’s international rugby game between the Wallaroos and Japan.
“It is expected that more than one billion people across the globe will tune in to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – and City of Newcastle would be thrilled to welcome one of the sides for their preparations.
“Hosting a team would provide an invaluable opportunity to showcase Newcastle’s broader attractions to players and their large support contingent while offering invaluable flow-on effects for the city’s local economy.
“In the event that Newcastle is selected by FIFA as a team base camp, City of Newcastle will work closely with impacted user groups.”
FIFA is expected to confirm the successful applicants by 15 December.
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