Football New South Wales is calling for increased funding after a 34 per cent increase in registered players, dubbed the “Matildas effect”.
By the end of February, more than 25,000 new players had registered compared to the same period last year.
The fastest growing membership group is women and girls.
Football NSW chief executive John Tsatsimas said while clubs were excited about the “renaissance” of football in Australia, they needed support to ensure infrastructure could keep pace.
“The response to the World Cup has certainly been exceptional,” he said.
“The challenge for us is to get everyone on the field at the same time.
“There are only 24 hours in a day… so we need lighting, infrastructure, and sometimes the rain stops the games.”
Football NSW’s John Tsatsimas says the government needs to step up its efforts to support clubs that have seen an influx of new players. (ABC News: Jessica Rendall.)
Women’s participation on the rise
Female player registrations have increased by 23% since the start of the year and they now represent almost 30% of all players.
Among them are Sydney teenagers Lily Carter and Niamh Lynch, who joined Maroubra United FC in Sydney’s east after watching the Matildas at the World Cup last year.
“I didn’t really think girls in football was a big thing until I saw that,” Lily said.
“To see that atmosphere of men and women supporting the Matildas… it was really inspiring.”
Maroubra FC is one of several clubs in the state that has seen an increase in player registrations since the Matildas’ performance at the World Cup. (ABC News: Jessica Rendall.)
Mr Tsatsimas said it was essential to support the increasing participation of women.
He said some clubs had limited infrastructure, including a lack of women’s toilets.
“We need to make sure the next group of girls coming through – the future Matildas – are motivated and encouraged,” he said.
“The ease of access to the facilities will allow this to happen and allow us to be at the top of the game internationally.”
