I’m delighted that our Australian Women’s National Football Team, the Matildas, have chosen to play the first of their Australian ‘friendlies’ games on the Central Coast.

I haven’t been this excited since I presented the Mariners Ninja A-League Women’s Squad with the Key to the City after they won the 2025 Championships! 

This is a unique opportunity to see the Matildas play New Zealand Women’s National Team, the Football Ferns, on Friday 28 November from 7.30pm at polytec Stadium, a game that kicks off a two-match series between the teams.

I can’t wait to welcome the Matildas to the Central Coast in the lead up to their campaign towards next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and I’m encouraging football fans from across the Coast and beyond to come to polytec Stadium to cheer them on.

This visit is important not only for the incredible night of football and community buzz it will create, it will also put Gosford on the map, promoting our magnificent region globally. 

In our Community Strategic Plan, people told us they want Council to support ‘all of the activities that create a dynamic and thriving region’. Hosting the Matildas achieves this community-led goal and aligns with the direction in our Destination Management Plan to grow sports event tourism. 

Visiting football fans will support local businesses and generate demand for their services. And keep an eye out for the special events many local businesses will hold to celebrate the team’s visit.

Enormous thanks to the New South Wales Government, Destination NSW and Football Australia for their support in bringing this international match to local fans. Thanks also to VenuesLive, polytec Stadium and Council officers for their work in bringing the dream to life. 

The Central Coast is a sport-loving region, and we are fortunate to have a thriving women’s sports community with an enormous supporter base.

So, grab your friends, get your tickets early and don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to see two elite teams go to battle right here on the Central Coast.   

Mayor Lawrie McKinna