Elly Mackay
3 August 2023: The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Winner’s Trophy was on display at the University of Canberra yesterday, with hundreds of staff, students, and football fans flocking to the UC Refectory for the public viewing.
Almost 500 fans came through the doors during the event to catch a rare glimpse of the Winner’s Trophy.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Paddy Nixon said the Winner’s Trophy visit to campus was fitting given the University’s proud support of the tournament.
“UC hosted the PLAY ON exhibition and public watch parties of matches throughout the Women’s World Cup,” Professor Nixon said.
“These events connect us to our community and are deeply aligned with our Sport Strategy, focusing on women in sport and community participation in sport. We are thrilled and honoured to have the Winner’s Trophy at UC.”
The Winner’s Trophy, which toured all 32 participating nations, will be presented to the tournament champions to keep. It is a replica of the Original Trophy, which stays in FIFA’s possession.
Senior Lecturer at the University and co-lead of the PLAY ON exhibition Mikaela Danvers said the success of the event was a testament to the passion of the Canberra community when it comes to women’s sport and football in general.
“We knew it would be a big event – as we don’t have games in Canberra, we knew there would be an appetite to see the World Cup,” Ms Danvers said.
“Having the Trophy here is such a delight, you can see the excitement of people just wanting to be a part of the World Cup.”
Ms Danvers said Canberrans from all walks of life visited campus last night to see the trophy.
“It’s great to see women’s sport getting such traction finally, it should have been like this 20 years ago. It’s been really wonderful to see the swell of interest from new fans as well – the World Cup being on home soil has been such a massive boon for football,” she said.
“It’s already the largest sport in Australia in terms of participation, but hopefully this will inject more investment and new people wanting to come and be fans as well.”
