SYDNEY (Australia): The preparations of the Matildas and Australia’s U-23 men’s team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have received a boost, with confirmation that the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) will be providing high performance funding to both teams to prepare for and compete in Japan.
Following on from Australia and New Zealand’s successful bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the AIS has committed to a continuation of high performance funding for the Matildas until post-Tokyo, and provided a one-off high performance funding grant to support Australia’s U-23 men’s national football team ahead of their first participation at the Olympics since Beijing 2008.
The men’s squad will receive A$400,000 to support their preparation and participation at Tokyo 2020, with the funding coming as part of the Federal Government’s A$50.6m investment in high performance sport over the next two years.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, acknowledged the contribution from the AIS, explaining that government funding is important for FFA and football in Australia due to the highly competitive global nature of the sport.
“We appreciate and acknowledge the investment of the AIS and the Federal Government into the Matildas and the Olyroos ahead of Tokyo 2020,” Johnson said. “The high performance funding that both the Federal Government and also the Australian Institute of Sport provides our code is extremely important.”
Chair of the Australian Sports Commission, John Wylie, said the AIS is pleased to be able to support both squads as they get set for the re-scheduled Games.
“The AIS is incredibly proud to support the Matildas through this investment,” Wylie said. “They are now genuinely one of Australia’s iconic sporting teams, inspiring thousands of girls and women to play and get involved in football.”
“We have also worked closely with the Federal Government to secure this additional funding for the Olyroos, and look forward to seeing those players who will be experiencing the excitement and challenge of an Olympic Games for the first time,” he said.
