Sydney is poised to take the global stage as it proudly becomes the host city for the prestigious FIFA Women’s Football Convention 2023, set to run from 18th to 19th August, right on the heels of the grand finale of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
The event at the International Convention Centre Sydney is expected to draw an impressive crowd of 1,000 delegates spanning over two action-packed days. It’s not just about the numbers; this gathering represents an anticipated injection of $1.2 million into the New South Wales (NSW) economy.
What is the convention’s primary objective? To foster discussions centred on the evolution of women’s football, sharing knowledge, and setting benchmarks that can further stimulate the growth of this dynamic sport globally.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the convention’s significance: “We find ourselves at an inflection point in women’s football’s journey. Witnessing the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup, replete with record-smashing moments, it becomes imperative that we keep this momentum alive by hosting the second FIFA Women’s Football Convention at Sydney’s landmark International Convention Centre.”
It’s essential to look back to understand the strides made. The inaugural convention was hosted in France back in 2019. Flash forward four years, and the exponential growth of women’s football, bolstered by FIFA’s unwavering support during a global pandemic, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Echoing this sentiment, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura stated, “This tournament has fundamentally altered the trajectory of women’s football. The sheer passion and unrivalled game quality thus far have been spellbinding. The upcoming convention in August is another milestone we eagerly anticipate.”
A significant aspect of this year’s convention is FIFA’s invitation to 211 member associations. Their collective gaze will be directed towards the overarching development of women’s football, focusing on the manifold social advantages it offers women and girls and its pivotal role in championing female empowerment.
JOHN GRAHAM, the NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, couldn’t contain his excitement, declaring, “This surpasses any event in women’s sports history. Both locals and visitors have shown overwhelming support during the matches in Sydney. After the Women’s World Cup, the city is brimming with anticipation for the FIFA Women’s Football Convention.”
Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney, stressed the broader implications of the event. “Beyond the entertainment spectacle of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the upcoming FIFA Women’s Football Convention 2023 in Sydney is poised to be a crucible for progressive change, potentially reshaping global football’s business and human landscape. This offers Sydney the perfect platform to showcase NSW’s unparalleled prowess in sports organisation, marking the Women’s World Cup and the convention as historical events.”
An ensemble of global speakers, luminaries in their respective domains, will grace the convention. Handpicked for their contributions towards empowering women and girls, these stalwarts are committed to ensuring that potential, be it in football or the broader societal context, is fully realized.
For an in-depth dive into this transformative event and more, visit BESydney.com.au.
Written by: Bridget Gomez