The Matildas celebrate after winning against France in the quarter final of the 2023 World Cup following a long penalty shootout. Photo: CommBank Matildas Facebook.
With 20,000 tickets sold in less than 48 hours for the game against Argentina on 2 June at GIO Stadium, the Matildas have again demonstrated their immense appeal.
Good luck trying to buy multiple seats together for the game following the surge in ticket sales in the first two days. It has become slim pickings.
It’s no surprise to fans of sport in the ACT, though, given the focus on women’s teams such as the Capitals, Canberra United and the Meteors.
It should also send a clear message that there is a market for women’s football in Canberra as our Women’s A-League side continues an ongoing battle for survival.
I’m not sure of the current status of the rescue bid to ensure the team remains afloat, but corporate sponsors looking for exposure through women’s sport should see a clear opportunity to invest in Canberra United.
The problem is that women’s sports are still regarded as a niche by some who make quick comparisons on crowd numbers and television coverage and believe that male sports are more popular because of these figures.
The Matildas’ Michelle Heyman playing for Canberra United. Photo: Supplied.
In a number of cases, it is hard to argue against that theory especially in sports such as AFL, NRL and ARU.
It could also be argued that in many sports, when it comes to women playing at a representative or national level, it remains a part-time profession, making it harder to reach its full potential. The salary for women falls well short of a proper wage when a wage would enable them to train and play full-time.
I’ve worked as a media manager focusing on women’s and men’s sports and have been a sports journalist for more than 30 years. I can tell there is next to no difference in the level and intensity of training between women and men. This makes the effort of many women even more impressive, given the juggling of work commitments with training and parental requirements.
The Matildas, along with the women’s cricket team, have shown what is possible with the right amount of support.
It hasn’t always been the case, with both teams struggling to attract an audience less than 10 years ago. These teams are now playing in front of big crowds.
The WNBL, under new ownership, has expressed a strong desire to take their sport to a new level with increased financial support.
The hope is that potential corporate sponsors recognise what is possible with Canberra United when the Matildas run out onto GIO Stadium with fans hanging from the rafters.
