The Westfield W-League’s 10th season has been launched in Sydney today – and it’s shaping up to be the best yet.
Australia’s trailblazing elite women’s football league features some of the world’s best players, more double-headers with the Hyundai A-League and extended broadcast coverage amid unprecedented interest in women’s football.
The Westfield W-League begins this Friday at 5.20pm at Allianz Stadium where Sydney FC take on Brisbane Roar FC; a clash that will include 10 current Westfield Matildas.
Football Federation Australia Chief Executive Officer David Gallop believes that the Westfield W-League gives fans the chance to see some of the world’s best women players in their own backyard.
“Sam Kerr has created headlines around the world with her goal scoring this year,” Gallop said.
“She was player of the year in the Westfield W-League last season and has followed that up with a bag full of goals for the Matildas and the Golden Boot in the United States where she has also just been named Most Valuable Player in the National Women’s Soccer League.
“With Sam turning out for Perth Glory and plenty of her Matildas teammates at other Westfield W-League clubs, fans will be seeing world class action week in and week out.”
The Head of the Westfield W-League and Hyundai A-League, Greg O’Rourke, said the clubs and the players, through Professional Footballers Australia, had worked hard during the off season to finalise a new agreement which provides significantly better pay and employment conditions for Westfield W-League players.
“Football is the world’s biggest sport and women’s football is the fastest growing area of the sport here in Australia,” O’Rourke said.
“We want to create a professional pathway in our game that will attract the best female athletes.”
O’Rourke said the number of Westfield W-League games on FOX SPORTS would increase from 17 last season to 27 this season.
He also confirmed that two games a week would be simulcast on SBS Viceland, meaning the Westfield W-League could be seen on free-to-air television around Australia.
“Westfield W-League fans are getting more on television and they are getting more when they come to the ground with more double headers with the Hyundai A-League.
“With 25 double headers, one ticket gets you the best women’s football and the best men’s football.”
