The Tillies Impact
The Matilda's have changed the women's football world forever with their incredible personalities and on-the-field performances. It all started way before the 2023 World Cup, but that tournament on their home turf was a huge turning point for the sport in Australia.
The areas of growth span way beyond these three areas, but here's a few highlights:
- Participation Growth
- Viewership Increase & Revenue Opportunities
- Domestic Football (creating loads more football opportunities across the nation)
In 2024 there were 221,000 women and girls playing footie in Australia! That's a whopping 16% increase on early 2023. This edges Australian participation closer and closer to equal participation between men and women!
There was an overall 11% increase in 2024 of football participation. That's HUGE!!
The semi-final World Cup match vs England was the most watched broadcast in Australian History. Take that in... the MOST WATCHED BROADCAST EVERRRRRR! I mean, is there a bigger accolade than that? Just make Sam Kerr the President already?
As a result of the success of this inspirational group of women, the Australian government pledged $200 million to improve facilities for women's sports. This will support women everywhere!
The A-League attendance has improved as a result of the World Cup and they saw a 72% spike in the aftermath of the World Cup. Lots of work needs to happen around player salaries, but rumours have it that the league will turn professional from 2026/27.
There's so much to celebrate as a result of the Matilda's success and hard work, but there's so much work to do to support the growth of women's footie in Australia!
