Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Canberra United’s Liberty A-League squads have reignited the opportunity to promote women’s football in Central West NSW with the Forbes Challenge Cup returning in 2023.
Following the devastating floods that ravaged Forbes and the surrounding communities in the postponement of the 2022 Cup, members of the community from across the Central West will now be able to see some of their favourite Liberty A-Leagues stars live.
The Challenge Cup will be played on Saturday 23 September 2023 at 3:00pm after a fantastic morning of junior and youth matches involving teams from Lachlan, Griffith and Canberra at an U10s, U12s and U14s level.
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson praised Forbes District Soccer Club and Forbes Shire Council’s ongoing support of women’s football.
“I’d firstly like to take this opportunity to thank Forbes for welcoming both clubs back after what was a devastating 2022 year in the community,” said Hudson.
“It has been fantastic to see their incredible support of not only women’s football at a grassroots level but also at an elite level.
“It is very important for us to ensure we have a lasting footprint in regional areas and together with Canberra United, we look forward to leaving an impact through our work in the community as well as the pre-season fixture.”
Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich said the group was looking forward to the match.
“The team is really looking forward to making the trip interstate to Forbes for the Challenge Cup having been forced to postpone the meeting heading into last season,” said Popovich.
“We have a new-look group this season, with some returning players from 2022/23, and I have been pleased with the way the team has been shaping up in our training sessions ahead of this match.”
Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said she was excited for the community to witness professional sport in their backyard.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our rural community, especially girls, to see professional women’s footballers live. Congratulations to Forbes District Soccer Club Committee for making this happen.”
Forbes DSC President Paula Brown said she hopes to make this an annual event in Forbes.
“Following on from the Football NSW Country Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023in Australia and New Zealand, we hope to make this an annual event.”
