The Matildas and Socceroos are inspiring kids to get involved in the World Game at a local level.
Soccer clubs across the Geelong region are enjoying the flow-on from Australia’s success in the Men’s and Women’s World Cups.
Lara United Football Club is one that has a waiting list for kids wanting to play.
Kerry Malesza from the club said elite players not only from Australia, but across the world, were inspiring children to take up the sport.
“All the children are keen after watching the World Cup last year and the World Cup for the females,” she said.
“The girls are really pushing it up there, all the clubs seem to have boomed in numbers.”
Ms Malesza said while the Miniroos and Junior seasons were well underway, it did not hurt to get in touch with local organisations to see if there was a spot free.
And she said all clubs were after volunteers to help run local games.
Former Matilda Michelle Heyman was in Geelong last week for a CBA business lunch, and said it inspiring to see the Australian women play in front of home crowds.
“This is our game, this is what women can do,” she said.
“To have our World Cup on home soil, it’s so inspiring.”
Picture: The Matildas following their friendly match against France in Melbourne [supplied]
