Former Socceroo Jade North declares support for Legacy 23' plan

Former Socceroo Jade North was among those who discussed the incredible opportunity arising out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ at Parliament House last week. 

The day highlighted the 'once-in-a-lifetime' chance the tournament brings to impact the Australia for the better through participation, community facilities, high performance, tourism & international engagement and leadership & development. 

Read more about the five pillars here: Legacy '23 

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North, a proud Indigenous Australian, shared how he feels the sport is well poised to make significant progress off the back of the event. 

"We are a leader in this country when it comes to sport across the participation rates across in our men's, women's and children," the 41-time Socceroo said. 

I think there's a great stepping stone and what better way than to get behind the World Cup that these inspiring young ladies are going to bring to this country.

"I feel like we need to be really inspired by a lot of the young kids that are growing up and wanting to be the next Socceroo."

Jade North
North spoke on a panel including Jessika Nash, Michelle Heyman and Sarah Walsh

Football Australia Chair Chris Nikou and CEO James Johnson also addressed the group formally introduce how football is aiming to capitalise upon this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity while playing a key part in the nation's economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"We have developed a Legacy 23' framework, which is an ambitious plan for our nation to continue to its comeback through football and realising enduring and exciting benefits of hosting this global events," Nikou said.

"Football can help rebuild communities and cover the impacts of COVID, create new optimism and get us back to reality.

"We will be doing our utmost to ensure that Australian football receives the sporting benefits of hosting the World Cup. We believe that the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 presents us with an excellent opportunity to galvanise governments at all levels and has great potential to inspire Australians."

"We want to elevate the women's game here in Australia to a new level through the Women's World Cup as the largest club-based participation sport in this country," Johnson added.

"Football is an inclusive and diverse platform and we represent over 200 nationalities. We believe with our community, we can deliver unique benefits to Australians more than ever before, through our code.

"Legacy 23' is our plan to deliver immediate and long term community benefits and economic impact derived from Australia hosting the Women's World Cup in 2023."

READ MORE: 'This is inspiring a new generation': Support builds for Football Australia's Legacy '23 plan