Centre shortlisted for world cup base

Moreton Bay Region could be a 'home away from home' for an international team during next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex at Burpengary has been shortlisted as a possible ‘team base camp’ (TBC) by the sport’s world governing body.

It is one of four potential TBCs in Queensland – the others being Goodwin Park in Yeronga, Lions Stadium at Richlands and QSAC in Nathan.

Across Australia, 35 options have been shortlisted in five cities and 11 regions for 16 nations during the group matches. New Zealand has 21 TBCs shortlisted for 16 countries.

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If selected, the venues would host an entire country's delegation during their time in the Women’s World Cup, which runs from July 20-August 20, 2023.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has been – and is continuing – negotiations with FIFA ahead of the tournament's group round draw on October 22.

Nations will then visit TBCs where their group matches are to be held and submit preferred choices. FIFA will confirm selected TBCs by the end of 2022.

“I think it’d be incredible to have one of the world’s great teams based in Burpengary to train and live while competing in matches across Australia and New Zealand,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“It would be a great honour, we will just have to consider the cost to ratepayers of upgrading one of our premier sports facilities to FIFA competition standard.

“We have Brisbane Roar Women committed to being based at the new $22 million Women’s Centre of Excellence at South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale, so we hope this announcement will grow the women’s game further and encourage more young girls to participate.

“To progress this far means FIFA recognises the international standard of football facilities we have right here in Moreton Bay, which is above and beyond the general standard across all community sports facilities in South East Queensland.

The Mayor said an “added benefit” was FIFA players, coaches, team staff and families being based locally, spending money in local businesses and helping the region’s economy.