England

Matildas effect exposes football’s $2.9bn facilities shortfall

12-Feb-2024 14:00:18 | Guardian

• Football Australia reveal funding gap in World Cup legacy report
• Grassroots clubs face soaring interest after Women’s World Cup

Football officials claim $2.9bn in infrastructure spending is required to bring the country’s grassroots facilities up to an acceptable level, as the sport deals with surging interest after the success of last year’s Women’s World Cup.

Female participation will grow by approximately one-third this year, according to early registration data, strengthening football’s place as the most played team sport in the country.