Football Queensland has recorded unprecedented growth in female players across all 10 regions following the record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, bringing the 50/50 gender parity target set by the state governing body closer to reality.  

As of April 11, 2024, there has been a record 44% increase in female player numbers statewide compared to last year, with the surge in participation attributed to Football Queensland’s strategic record investment across the state to capitalise on the tournament’s success, with investment in every aspect of the women’s game, from players to coaches, match officials and clubs. 

“Prior to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Football Queensland was investing strategically in women and girls’ participation, deploying targeted programs and recording significant year-on-year growth in female participation as the state’s largest participation sport,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said. 

“While we’re yet to see the full impact of Football Queensland’s targeted investments in participation here in Queensland, Football Queensland has already recorded a staggering record of 44% growth in the number of registered female players to date this year compared to 2023, demonstrating the huge demand for our beautiful game.  

“This incredible statistic only scratches the surface of female participation in Queensland, capturing just the growth in outdoor female players across the state and not including futsal and other social or non-club-based formats of the game. 

“Prior to, during and after hosting the biggest global women’s sporting event, FQ strategies very deliberately focused on building capability in clubs to create welcoming and inclusive environments for women and girls with our Be23Ready initiative and the introduction of statewide programs including Girls United, in line with our target of reaching 50/50 gender parity in participation by 2027.   

“As we strive for 50/50 gender parity, we’re looking forward to releasing our 2024 – 2026 Women & Girls Strategy which outlines our commitment to developing pathways, securing enabling infrastructure outcomes and supporting our clubs to create more opportunities for women and girls to join our game.”    

Football Queensland’s continued investment and commitment to providing accessible development pathways for women and girls through the FQ Academy has led to consistent representation on the international stage, with 10 Queenslanders starring in the CommBank Matildas squad for the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ – the largest contingent from any state Member Federation in Australia.  

Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics and the upcoming official squad announcements, expect homegrown talent to feature not only among the players but also in coaching and refereeing roles, with Queensland match officials Kate Jacewicz and Misuk Park recently appointed to officiate at the tournament.