Soccer taking over Bunbury as the city prepares to host Matildas

Soccer is taking over the region with youngsters kitting up at Bunbury’s Hands Oval to welcome State Government representatives as the city prepares to host the Matildas.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Rita Saffioti was in Bunbury last week and said she frequented the city each year for soccer carnivals with her children, so she knew the city would be excited to welcome the Matildas.

“I know Bunbury is a passionate sporting city and we know they love their AFL, and we know they love their soccer,” she said.

“(Bunbury) is home to some excellent soccer players and we know there will be a lot of excitement.”

Ms Saffioti said the upgraded Hands Oval was a model to be copied throughout the State, blown away by the facility she said was one of the best she had seen.

She said she wasn’t worried transport infrastructure such as the Australind train wouldn’t be ready in time for June 8’s AFL game, or the Matildas with more events in the future providing “ample” opportunity to travellers to hop on a train.

It comes after the historic announcement the women’s national soccer side will play its first game in regional WA against Panama at Hands Oval on Saturday, July 5.

The trip to the South West will come as part of a four-game block, which will also see the team play three games at Perth’s HBF Park against Slovenia on June 26 and 29, and Panama on July 8.

Bunbury MLA and South West Minister Don Punch said the excitement was building in Bunbury with the West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne game set to take place next month.

“The value about these games isn’t just about the fact that they’re here and they can come to regional WA, they inspire young people,” he said.

“We’ve seen kids kicking around soccer balls, really excited about getting into their sport and seeing the sporting stars come down here.

“I think it’s really exciting, the community is getting behind it and it’s inspiring young people to really get into their sports.”

Mr Punch said the State Government was investing in other facilities in the region to further attract other events, including music acts and other sports, rather than focusing on short-term “sugar hits”.