Matildas visit on the cards as Karratha Soccer Association seeks to expand world game’s footprint

A visit from the Matildas is on the cards for Karratha as WA’s governing body for soccer eyes better representative pathways, support for local clubs and more visits from the sport’s key talents in the Pilbara. Football West chief executive James Curtis said regional WA was soccer’s largest growth area and represented 25 per cent of its total player base. “We’re really making sure that we can top up the great work that the community is doing with a few more technical programs, working on those skills and expertise that can sometimes be hard to get access to,” he said. “We also want to make sure we bring football from across Australia and overseas into the region in the run-in to the (FIFA) Women’s World Cup in 2023; our key priority for Football West is to make sure we activate each part of the State.” Mr Curtis said the body was planning to get the Matildas to Karratha. Football West chief football officer Jamie Harnwell said the program was not just about promoting the next Socceroos or Matildas. “It’s about giving access to those people who might not normally be able to play, ensuring they’re able to and there’s trying to reduce those barriers to participation across this sport but supporting others to get out and move as well,” he said. Football West recently announced the establishment of the Football Futures Foundation, which will focus on reducing participation barriers, particularly in remote communities.