North ‘merits WWC chance’
FOOTBALL fans across the nation have rejoiced as Australia and New Zealand’s Women’s World Cup bid was successful, however a North Queensland icon has lamented that Townsville has missed out on hosting rights.
Former Matilda Catherine Roncato has continued to play an integral role in the growth of the female code in the north and believes it was a mistake not to include rural and regional Queensland in the 2023 showcase.
Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Launceston will all hold games throughout the event, as well as five New Zealand stadiums.
However Roncato said greater attention needed to be given to regional Queensland, particularly following the construction of Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
“They should be promoting rural areas and that’s probably something we’ve struggled with for a long time,” she said.
“The rural areas do get overlooked and it’s a shame what we’ve got in our backyard won’t be used.
“If you look at the history of some of the players who have come from North Queensland we’ve had quite a few national players. We’ve had players have to move down south to pursue their football careers, so it would be nice if they gave back to the players of the north who do love the game and want to see the game successful.”
As to why Townsville missed the cut, an FFA spokesman said the Queensland Government made the decision to put forward one stadium for inclusion in the bid — Suncorp Stadium.
He said it was unlikely FIFA would add Townsville to the list of venues, however there could be the potential for matches to be played at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in the lead up.
Roncato hopes these options will provide an opportunity for the game’s elite players to engage with Townsville and its neighbouring communities to enable the women’s outlet to continue its growth.
“Just having games I think, especially with the times we’re at now with what has happened in the last six months, people have realised how important sport is and how important it is to support the community,” she said.
“You just admire anyone that wears the green and gold jersey. With the Sam Kerr’s, just her impact and what she does for the game is quite inspirational for our young players coming through.
“We really need to be advocating and now with everything that has happened in the last six months it’d be nice to see the community getting behind it and sustaining it.”