Penrith Council has kept its promise and will host a FIFA Women’s World Cup live site in the local area on Monday afternoon.
There was public backlash last month after the Weekender revealed Council would not be pursuing live site opportunities for the pool rounds of the hugely popular tournament.
At the time, Council said it would “closely monitor the Matildas’ success throughout the tournament to reassess the need for a live site”.
With the Matildas reaching the Round of 16 stage of the Women’s World Cup, Council has decided to finally come to the party.
Football fans across Penrith are invited to come together and cheer on the Matildas, with Council confirming a live site at Coachmans Park in St Marys for their next match.
The free, family-friendly live site will kick off on Monday, August 7 with the England v Nigeria game at 5.30pm, before the Matildas take on Denmark at 8.30pm.
The alcohol-free event will include pre-game activities for kids from 4.30pm, including a drop-in craft workshop where you can make your own flag in support of the Matildas, as well as giant games on the lawn.
Dinner and dessert are sorted with street tacos, soup and Dutch pancakes available to purchase, plus the first 50 people at the start of each game will receive a free coffee or hot chocolate to help keep them warm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNp3hXdHZJ8
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the live site in Coachmans Park will bring all the action and excitement of the FIFA Women’s World Cup to Penrith.
“We know how much Penrith loves football, and Council is so pleased to be able to deliver this live site for our soccer fans as the World Cup heats up,” she said.
“Our community turned out in droves to support the Matildas when they played against Brazil and Chile in Penrith a few years ago, and I have no doubt we will see that same level of passion at our FIFA Women’s World Cup live site.
“With football fever well and truly taking over Penrith again, I encourage everyone to get dressed in your green and gold and bring your loudest cheers to Coachmans Park to support the Matildas in their World Cup campaign.”
Screening of other Matildas games will be confirmed as the competition progresses.
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.
