Newcastle will play host to international women’s football this September when the Westfield Matildas tackle Brazil at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today confirmed that the Westfield Matildas will face Brazil in a two-match International Series at Pepper Stadium, Penrith (Saturday 16 September) and McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle (Tuesday 19 September).
The two-match series will come soon after the Westfield Matildas meet Brazil at the 2017 Tournament of Nations in the USA.
FFA’s Head of Women’s Football, Emma Highwood, said it was a great opportunity for fans to see two of the highest ranked women’s teams in world football.
“To have a national team of the calibre of Brazil agree to these two matches is a fantastic coup and we thank the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) for agreeing to play these matches,” Highwood said.
“Female football is the fastest growing area of our game and we recently announced our intention to bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. So this is a great opportunity for Australians to show their support for the Westfield Matildas in their own backyard and see top-flight women’s football live.”
Newcastle Jets Westfield W-League players may feature prominently in coach Alen Stajcic’s squad for the match at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Jets Women captain Gema Simon and Chloe Logarzo – who are both currently playing with Avaldsnes IL in Norway – have recently been part of Stajcic led sides.
Former Jets W-League player Emily van Egmond – who is currently playing her club football in Germany with VfL Wolfsburg – was on hand for the launch at McDonald Jones Stadium today.
In a coup for local footballers, all registered players in NSW will be able to purchase discounted tickets for each match.
Tickets for both matches are available for purchase from http://matildas.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets
Both matches will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS (channel 505) and ABC TV (check local guides for details).
