Tasmania is a step closer to hosting some Women's World Cup matches in 2023 as an FFA spokesperson says FIFA's site inspections went well.
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As part of Australia and New Zealand's #AsOne bid to host the 2023 tournament, FIFA representatives conducted inspections in February of stadiums, training sites, hotels and other infrastructure in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland.
Inspections may not have been carried out in Launceston but the city is still poised to host some group stage matches at UTAS Stadium and possibly act as a training base if the bid is successful.
An FFA spokesperson said five FIFA representatives conducted the inspections and they were very pleased with the venues, infrastructure and seamless operations of the entire tour.
"The inspection visit was very well received by FIFA who described it as world class," they said.
"The inspection program took place just before COVID-19 restrictions were in place so all parts of the inspection tour were not compromised."
Three young Launceston United players are excited at the prospect of getting their first glimpse of an Australian National side in their state.
Lilian Reynolds and twins Neve and Ava Farquhar said they had not watched a national match in person, only on television, but would love the opportunity to see one in person.
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Neve and Lillian said they would be most looking forward to seeing Ellie Carpenter take to the pitch and Ava said she would love to see Hayley Raso after her courageous return from a back injury.
"They're our idols so it's amazing just to even see them play," Ava said.
"It's very motivating to see professional athletes, especially women, play in front of you because you can see how they play and how you can improve."
Neve said as it was the top sport for females in the state, Tasmania would be very welcoming to the Matildas and international players.
"I think it would be really great for a lot of boys and girls to see our idols play in Tasmania, especially since a lot of the kids here aren't able to go to the mainland or overseas to watch them," Lilian said.
The Matildas or Socceroos have never played in the state and that is something Football Tasmania chief executive officer Matt Bulkeley wants to change.
Even before the World Cup, he said they were actively exploring the possibility of bringing the Matildas to the state at the moment.
"We really believe it could take female participation to another level," he said.
"One of the things that a successful bid would almost certainly... bring would be more matches down in Tasmania.
"We would be very keen to work with the Tasmanian government to try and bring the Matildas down here.
"The international level of players that would be in Tasmania for the Women's World Cup would be incredible. It's one of the biggest events of any sports and we saw in France how popular it is."
He said if the bid was successful it would be a game changer for the sport in the state.
Australia and New Zealand are up against Japan, Colombia and Brazil to host the 2023 tournament. With site inspections finished, 37 FIFA board members will cast their votes at an online meeting on June 25.
More than 643,000 people have joined the movement to support the #AsOne2023 bid, to get onside visit the AsOne website.
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