The Spanish Women’s Football Team, currently ranked sixth in the world, have chosen to base themselves in Palmerston North, using Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Sport Institute as their Team Base Camp during next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ (FWWC2023).
The world-class facilities on the university’s Manawatū campus was confirmed by FIFA after team representatives visited possible locations in the country they’ll be based and made their preferred selections. It’s the first time in FIFA Women’s World Cup™ history competiting countries will use dedicated Team Base Camps.
Sport Advancement Manager Jacob Oram says developments at the Sport Institute are well on course for completion in early 2023, meaning the facility will be in top condition when Spain spends their pre-World Cup time at Massey.
“Spain is a football powerhouse so it’s awesome news that we will be hosting such a traditional, prestigious footballing nation. They are a top tier women’s football side and have a real chance to progress far in to the World Cup stages.
“Spain was one of the teams that visited the Sport Institute following the official Women’s World Cup Draw in October, so it’s nice to see the impression we made has paid off.”
Mr Oram hopes the whole community will rally behind the Spaniards. “With Spain having two games in Wellington and their Team Base Camp in Palmerston North, we would love for Massey, the city and wider region to get behind the Spanish side and adopt them as a second team, behind Aotearoa New Zealand of course!”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says it’s exciting to be part of such a huge global event.
“We really hoped we would be chosen by one of the teams as a base camp and help us showcase the wonderful things the region has to offer. The upgrades to our facilities will ensure they remain world-class for years to come and will be of great benefit not only to the university community, but to the wider Manawatū area also. We can’t wait to give Spain a warm Kiwi welcome next year.”
FIFA Women’s World Cup Chief Operating Officer NZ Jane Patterson says, “We are delighted the tournament’s footprint will be spread even further across Aotearoa with the inclusion of three additional cities including Te Papa-i-Oea Palmerston North, giving more Kiwis the chance to engage with the world’s biggest women’s sporting event.”
Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson announced $19 million of Government funding to support upgrades at match, training and Team Base Camp venues in September. Massey’s Sport Institute is receiving $325,000 from the funding round.
In order to get the Sport Institute up to the required FIFA standards, developments will include renovating the main pitch, upgrading the field lights and some minor facility renewals indoors. These developments will deliver benefits in the short term for Massey and the Manawatū, as well as providing longer term positive effects on football and footballers in the region.
The tournament is being played in nine host cities across New Zealand and Australia between July 20 and August 20 next year. The 29 FWWC2023 matches in Aotearoa New Zealand will be played at Auckland’s Eden Park, Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium, Wellington Regional Stadium and Dunedin Stadium.
