Adelaide United Women defender, Charlotte Grant, said she was extremely excited following the news confirmed by FIFA that Adelaide would be one of the nine Host Cities for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2023.
Adelaide and Coopers Stadium were deemed a suitable location to host matches after a comprehensive eight-month review process conducted by FIFA.
Five of the Host Cities will be in Australia, while the remaining four are from New Zealand.
The Young Matildas star revealed she was ecstatic when she woke up to the news this morning and the positive impact a tournament of this scale will have on the state.
“I was overwhelmed and so excited,” Grant told the congregated media at Coopers Stadium.
“It’s just so exciting that my home town is going to be a Host City for the Women’s World Cup.
“So now to have it in my home town and in our backyard is just incredible and it’s going to be amazing for South Australia and the women’s game.”
The 19-year-old enjoyed another strong season in the Westfield W-League for Adelaide, where she has amassed a total of 34 appearances since joining the team in 2018.
Grant is yet to receive a cap for the Westfield Matildas and admitted representing her country at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2023 would be a tremendous honour.
She referenced the Reds’ Westfield W-League game against Western Sydney Wanderers Women – which set a new attendance record – as evidence the support of women’s football in South Australia was very strong and will only continue to grow.
“I think it’s just going to be amazing for the younger generation to show that women’s sport is something that anyone can be a part of, and I’m really excited to see where it will lead to,” she said.
“I think credit to everyone that’s put in the hard work to show that Adelaide is a big supporter of women’s sport, women’s football and the Matildas.
“Especially all the effort that went into the game at Coopers Stadium two weeks ago and getting that record-breaking crowd I think was incredible.
“It was incredible to play in front of 5,000 people, so I really hope I get that opportunity to play in 2023 and that would just be even more amazing to play in front of family and friends.”
Reds midfielder Lara Kirkby said the ultimate dream would be to play for her country at the tournament and suggested having such a massive football event on our shores will leave a lasting legacy.
“It’s definitely a goal of mine and a dream of mine to play here especially in front of my home town,” Kirkby said.
“… Women’s sport here is already getting so much bigger and football in general.
“We had such a big crowd here a few weeks ago so I think having the World Cup here is just going to generate more buzz and it’s just going to be absolutely amazing and the atmosphere will be great.
“It will leave such a legacy for all the juniors watching.”
