Glancing around Sydney over the past few weeks, there has undoubtedly been a different buzz in the streets, people seem to walk a bit taller and smile a bit wider. Stairways and billboards are plastered with green and gold, as a sensation of national pride washes across the city.

Of course, I’m referring to the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign, which has everybody wishing they could take a step on to the pitch to absorb the atmosphere. For a lucky few young football stars from local club, Prouille FC, this dream became a reality.

As the Matildas got ready to step out for their Round of 16 clash against Denmark at Stadium Australia, Wahroonga’s Prouille FC would be there to greet them in front of the 75,000 screaming fans in Sydney. After a quick catch up with Tazuni in the locker room, the World Cup’s newest penguin mascot, the kids set out on to the ground with the honour of holding the flags for each nation.

With the support of the Northern Suburbs Football Association, Football NSW and Football Australia, a number of local juniors have been granted the privilege of playing their role in one of the world’s grandest sporting events. In the process, lifelong dreams and memories are being created, while clubs get to demonstrate their growth on the world stage.

Thanks to the successful club development program initiated by Football Australia, ‘Club Changers’, deserving community-oriented clubs are receiving the extra boost that will allow them to enhance the already positive qualities they obtain. By using the resources and tools targeted to improve clubs in every facet, organisations like Prouille FC now get to reap the rewards with these types of amazing experiences.

The success and popularity of the Women’s World Cup has given new life to the sport in this country, particularly in the women’s game, and has allowed deserving organisations their own chance to shine in the process.