Football West welcomes Premier's $35m announcement as work on State Football Centre gets under way

West Australia Premier Mark McGowan today revealed that HBF Park will receive a $35 million upgrade in preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, following the commencement of works for the $32.5m State Football Centre in Queens Park.

Premier Mark McGowan chats with some of the Hyundai NTC players. Photos Football West/FotoEnzo

The Perth Rectangular Stadium upgrade will include:

•             Replacing the halogen lights with a shift to modern LED lighting

•             Upgrading the pitch through removal, levelling and turf replacement

•             New player races and bench areas

•             Upgrades to the existing power supply, including a new switch room

The funding will also cover temporary infrastructure such as additional seating and facilities for players, media and supporters to cater for the World Cup.

The range of upgrades will allow the historic Perth venue to meet FIFA requirements to be a host venue in the upcoming World Cup, as well as providing benefits for future events.

The State Government also confirmed today that work on the State Football Centre had commenced. The $32.5m facility is jointly funded by the Federal and State governments, and Federal MP for Swan Steve Irons was present at today’s announcement.

WA’s first ever Home of Football is due for completion before the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The elite facility will be the capable of hosting visiting international teams as a training ground, as well as grassroots football and junior development programs. It will also be the new headquarters for Football West.

Detailed artist’s impressions of the State Football Centre we made public today.

Premier Mark McGowan gets a high-five from Perth SC Miniroos player Nicholas Rice. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo

Speaking at Perth Rectangular Stadium on the planned improvement, Mr McGowan said: “Securing games in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a massive win for Western Australia.

“This investment in HBF Park will provide some much-needed upgrades to our premier soccer and rugby venue, while also enabling further temporary fit-outs for the World Cup games.

“This will be the biggest football event Perth has ever seen – providing global exposure for Western Australia and giving fans, young and old, lifelong memories of the world's best in action.”

WA Sports Minister Tony Buti said: “Western Australia has a strong and fast-growing football community, and major events like these provide incredible inspiration for more people to get involved in grassroots sport.

“Hosting this global tournament in Perth will do wonders for the future of women's football and is further proof that we are competitive at the highest level in securing sporting events for the benefit of WA.

“The tournament will provide a unique opportunity to develop women's football in Western Australia, providing an incredible boost to the game at all levels, from grassroots to the professional leagues.”

Football West Chairman Sherif Andrawes praised the Government’s commitment to football.

“These are exciting times for our game, it is really pleasing to see this level of support from the State Government,” he said.

“Bringing the Women’s World Cup to Western Australia is enormous and will have such a positive impact on female football for future generations. This dovetails perfectly with the State Football Centre, which will play a major role in the growth of female football through our programs, exchange visits and investment.”

The photos of the artist's impressions of the State Football Centre

Football West CEO James Curtis said: “The State Football centre will support all players across Western Australia as they progress on the pathway. Hopefully we can see future players like Sam Kerr come through and train at that facility and make their way to the Matildas.

“When we look at the investment for HBF Park, we know that when the Women’s World Cup comes here in 2023 the experience for football fans across WA will be something else. What it is all about is seeing some of the world’s best footballers come here to play in Perth, and we are looking forward to hosting them and having the community turn up and really get behind the sport.

“We know on the back of the Olympics, we know how popular women’s football is, and people are very excited for 2023 to happen.”

The 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, which consisted of 24 teams, attracted a TV audience of 1.1 billion with over a million supporters attending the 52 matches.

The 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand will be even bigger, expanding to 65 matches with 32 teams to compete in the biggest women’s sporting event in the world.

The tournament will be held between 20 July and 20 August 2023. The full FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 match schedule and Perth match dates will be announced later this year.

Premier Mark McGowan and Cannington MLA Bill Johnston MLA, with Football West CEO James Curtis, WA Sports Minister Tony Buti and Football West Chairman Sherif Andrawes, plus Hyundai NTC players Grace Johnston, Georgia Cassidy, Judy Connolly, Ella Lincoln and Cameron Barreiro. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo