Welcome From Dana Wortley MP

Welcome to T.K. Shutter Reserve, Klemzig - Warkowodliwodli - in the heart of the electorate of Torrens, home of the proud and dedicated North Eastern MetroStars, this time for what will be a history making Australia Cup Round of 16 clash between North Eastern MetroStars and Inter Lions FC.

A club with a proud history, South Australia’s MetroStars have an impressive record being the 2014 National NPL Champions and FFA Cup Last - 16 qualifier in 2015, and Round of 32 qualifiers in 2015, 2016, 2017, and now in 2023, tonight’s Round of 16 in the renamed Australia Cup.

The Inter Lions, participants in the Football New South Wales League One, will be playing in their first ever Australia Cup Round of 16, following an extraordinary run up in the Australia Cup this year.

Right now, we are experiencing an exciting time with football in Australia!

Our Matildas captured the heart of the nation with their inspirational run at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Special shoutout to our South Australian members of that Matildas squad Alex Chidiac and Charlotte Grant.

The FIFA Women’s World cup not only saw the Matildas make it further than any Australian team before them, but also record crowd attendance at the grounds here in Australia and across the ditch in New Zealand, along with record audiences tuning in to watch the games through television. Following on from this spectacular success, investment in the World Game to promote female participation has been announced by Governments across the nation. Here in South Australia, we welcome the commitment by the State Government of $10 million.

At T.K. Shutter Reserve work has already begun on the exciting new development of inclusive change facilities, toilets, showers, referee and first aid rooms, made possible through State and Local government investment.

The future of grassroots football is bright and tonight a light will shine on the two clubs, MetroStars and Inter Lions, battling it out for the opportunity to qualify for the first time in their club’s history, to play in the Australia Cup Quarter Final!

Congratulations to both clubs, their players, coaches, committee members, volunteers, and families on their success to date.

In meeting the challenge tonight, may the spirit of the World Game be on show for all to see!

Dana Wortley MP

Member For Torrens

Image credit - Adam Butler