The Matildas' win in Perth on Thursday night has been followed by a $9.3 million investment into grassroots football by the state government.
The state government said the funds would be used to ensure the FIFA Women’s World Cup delivers a lasting legacy for the sporting code in Western Australia.
It comes after Perth-born star Sam Kerr netted her 65th international goal in the last 20 minutes of the game to cement a 2-0 win against Iran at HBF Park.
It marked the first of three Perth appearances for the Matildas, including a sold-out game set for Optus Stadium, as parts of the team's efforts to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Under the funding package, more than $6 million will be invested in two additional pitches and lighting to expand the recently unveiled State Football Centre in Queens Park, where the Matildas have been training.
A $2.4 million grants program will be rolled out to improve facilities and infrastructure for clubs participating in Football West’s NPLWA Women’s competition.
The funding package also includes additional support for the governing body Football West to further boost grassroots football in the state.
Football West chief executive Jamie Harnwell welcomed the announcement that he said endorsed the body’s work and advocacy for the women’s game.
“Football West has long advocated for greater investment into female-friendly facilities and we particularly welcome the money that the government is putting into this area,” Mr Harnwell said.
“The news that $6.1 million is going towards the building of additional pitches at the State Football Centre is exciting for both local residents in the City of Canning and the wider public.
“The State Football Centre will be a real football hub, not just for the south-east corridor but the whole of WA.
“We have seen this week, with the Matildas being here, how the State Football Centre is a game changer for football in WA.”
This morning’s announcement will be followed by the State Football Centre Festival at the $50 million centre in Queens Park with appearances from captain Sam Kerr and other Matildas players.
"The Women's World Cup was an incredible tournament that Perth played a part in and we want to make sure that the world game, and women's football in particular, can continue to benefit from its success,” Premier Roger Cook said.
"Our government's investment in the women's game is all about making sure every young Western Australian has the opportunity to become the next Sam Kerr.
"A key element of that is supporting grassroots clubs and a further investment in the State Football Centre – the WA home of football."
