Page 3 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.28 2022-23

England have locked in another major step in
their preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s
World Cup by finalising their first base camp
in Australia.
After a send-off match in England in
early July, with details to be confirmed soon,
Sarina Wiegman and the squad chosen to
represent the Lionesses at the finals will arrive
Down Under on Friday 7th July. The team will
train at the internationally renowned
Sunshine Coast Stadium and stay at the
picturesque Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort,
with both located on Queensland’s Sunshine
Coast.
The Sunshine Coast Stadium is part of a multi-sport facility that had a significant
upgrade in 2011 and has played host to several elite Australian sports teams. It is part of
Brisbane’s plans for hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the 10,000-plus
spectator capacity set to be increased. In addition, the venue has extensive media facilities
around the main pitch and an additional ten pitches in close proximity.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman said: “We can’t wait to get out to Australia. It is
great we know where we will continue our World Cup preparations and we are very happy to
have this perfect combination of training ground and hotel. The work we do in the last weeks
before the tournament will be essential for making sure we get off to a good start on 22nd July.
“I was very impressed with what I saw when I visited Sunshine Coast Stadium just after
the New Year. We will have everything we need on the pitch, as well as high performance gym
and recovery facilities.
“We had such a warm welcome from all the people there which is also important. I know
everyone will be behind the host nation, but we felt Sunshine Coast will feel like a home away
from home for us.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said he was thrilled to welcome the
Lionesses. He said: “We’re excited to host the European champions at Sunshine Coast
Stadium as they prepare for the World Cup and bring more football content to the region,
particularly ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games where this same
venue will co-host the Olympic Games football competition.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to further position the Sunshine Coast as a premier
destination for high performance sport and showcase our region and facilities to the world.”
Nic O’Donnell, General Manager at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort said: "We are
absolutely thrilled to have the Lionesses staying with us at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort as
they prepare for the World Cup. Our picturesque location, combined with our state-of-the-
art facilities, will provide the team with the perfect environment to train and relax ahead of
the tournament. We are proud to be part of their journey and wish them all the best for a
successful campaign."
The Sunshine Coast Resort, which sits on the edge of a lagoon and is nestled between
the Maroochy River and the Pacific Ocean, is little more than 100km north of Brisbane where
England will begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti on 22nd July, with the team
moving to the capital of Queensland five days before the big kick off.
Following the opening match, England will head to Terrigal, an hour north of Sydney,
and set up camp for the rest of their stay in the tournament.
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk