Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Wednesday, 16 September, 2020. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Wednesday 16th of September, 2020,
Greater Shepparton City Council has partnered with Football Federation Australia (FFA) to submit a second bid to host Asian Football Confederation (AFC) youth women’s qualification fixtures in Australia next year.
In addition to the bid alongside Cessnock City Council to host a round one qualification group for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2022 in April next year, Council has also partnered with FFA to bid for a round one qualification group for the Asian Football Confederation U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2022 which is scheduled to take place in March next year.
If the bids are successful, three or four Asian nations would join the Young Matildas in regional Victoria for a tournament that would inject significant investment into the local economy.
FFA Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, said FFA remains acutely aware of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines in Victoria and nationally, and added that any event staged by FFA in the current environment would only be held in close cooperation with authorities.
“We are excited to have partnered with Greater Shepparton City Council to submit another bid to host AFC youth women’s football content in Australia next year,” Mr Johnson said.
“This bid – alongside our submission with Cessnock City Council announced in August – aligns with our vision to host more national team matches on home soil, particularly in the lead up to our hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in 2023.
“Like our bid with Cessnock, this submission with Greater Shepparton City Council has taken place in the hope and expectation that the COVID-19 situation in Australia will have improved significantly by 2021. Should we win hosting rights we will work closely with AFC and representatives from all levels of Government to deliver the tournament if it is safe to do so.
“We recognise and acknowledge Greater Shepparton for their foresight to work with us on this bid, which may result in some of the potential stars of 2023 featuring in regional Victoria just two years prior to the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on our shores. The tournament will be a wonderful opportunity for our future stars to showcase their talent in front of friends and family. Football is a global game and we want to create more opportunities for our communities, particularly in regional Australia, to see international matches and connect with the game.”
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Seema Abdullah, said the potential hosting of the qualification tournament would help our region on its road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Council is very excited to partner with FFA to bid for such a prestigious international women’s tournament,” Cr Abdullah said.
“Securing an event of such calibre would be a real coup for Australia and our region.”
“Our community has a proud football history and it would be great for the promotion of the sport in Australia and so inspiring to see our country’s best junior women’s footballers go up against Asia’s best, in our own backyard at the Shepparton Sports City precinct.
“As the health and safety of our community is the number one priority, if Greater Shepparton were awarded this tournament Council will work closely together with FFA to monitor the Chief Health Officer’s directions and Government restrictions in the lead up to the 2021 event.
“Local businesses in our visitor economy are doing it tough right now and if the tournament is secured and safe to go ahead it would be a real boost to our business community.”
More News from Greater Shepparton
Thursday 16th of October,
Community invited to participate in Aussie Bird Count
Greater Shepparton City Council and RiverConnect are encouraging community members to participate in Australia’s largest annual citizen science event – Aussie Bird Count. Read more
Tuesday 14th of October,
Council awards contract for construction of new Cosgrove Landfill Cell
Greater Shepparton City Council has awarded the construction contract for the next landfill cell at Cosgrove Three, securing future waste disposal capacity and supporting sustainable waste management across the region. Read more
Monday 13th of October,
Greater Shepparton secures back-to-back Australian Junior Motocross Championships
Greater Shepparton City Council, in partnership with the Goulburn Valley Junior Motorcycle Club, is proud to announce it has been selected to host the Australian Junior Motocross Championships in both 2026 and 2027. Read more
Thursday 9th of October,
Council urges community to have their say on VicGrid’s Renewable Energy Zone proposal
The Victorian Government, through VicGrid, has released its Victorian Transmission Plan, identifying several Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the state, in areas it considers most suitable for future solar and wind farm development. Read more
Friday 3rd of October,
Make your next career move at Council’s Early Years Recruitment Day
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce its third Empowering Early Years Recruitment Day, designed to connect passionate people with rewarding careers in early childhood education. Read more
Thursday 2nd of October,
Greater Shepparton to host 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference
Greater Shepparton is proud to be announced as the host city for the 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Monday 20th of October,
Victorian Seniors Festival Matinee Movie - Sometimes Always Never (PG)
Join us for this free movie screening at Shepparton Library. Read more
Tuesday 21st of October,
Book Chat at Shepparton Library
Bring a book, enjoy a cuppa, and have a chat about your favourite books! Read more
Saturday 18th of October,
Bonegilla-The migrant's journey
The show uses two large screens. One for European post war migrant interviews and the second for interviewee photos. This is then embellished with a live music soundtrack played by piano and a string… Read more
Wednesday 22nd of October,
Puff Walk
Walk. Talk. Laugh. Repeat! Read more
Tuesday 21st of October,
Tech 000 Drop In Session - Tech Help at Shepparton Library
Need help with your mobile device? Can’t work out how to change your settings or use an app? Our Tech000 staff can help! Read more
Saturday 18th of October,
The Harbour Agency presents Pseudo Echo -- Love An Adventure Tour Part 2
Pseudo Echo have always loved an adventure! View on Riverlinks
See All Events