Women’s World Football Show, Episode 177 features a special Australia spotlight with in-depth analysis by Beyond 90 Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief Cheryl Downes.
When FIFA announced that the Women’s World Cup 2023™ will be staged in Australia and New Zealand, elation was felt around the globe. Not only is this monumental event important to the two host countries, who have done so much for women’s football with their national teams and leagues, it will be fruitful for the women’s game all over the world.
On this special episode, we visit with Beyond 90 Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief Cheryl Downes to discuss the upcoming World Cup, what it means to the Australia, the Matildas playing abroad, and much more. Three years is not that far away, so let’s get the conversation started!!
Cheryl Downes
Cheryl is the Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of Beyond 90. Having been involved in the coverage of women’s football for well over a decade, Cheryl has covered the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (2014, 2018) and more than seven seasons of the W-League.
Making her record-breaking 30th appearance on Women’s World Football Show (that’s a good thing, right?), Cheryl Downes provides us an inside look at the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Her expert analysis brings us a close-up view of the tournament seen through the eyes of a Melbourne native. Plus, Cheryl gets us up to date with the Matildas playing abroad, some W-League news and more.
Did you know Cheryl got her start covering Field Hockey?? Well, we do now because Cheryl also shares her own personal football journey! It’s a side of Cheryl we never knew existed and after 6 years of appearances, it’s about time we got to know her! (6‘ & 37’)
Follow Cheryl on Twitter @ChicasFootball
Episode Links:
Visit Beyond 90.com.au
Twitter: @Beyond90AU
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Photo Courtesy of: Cheryl Downes
Original Broadcast Date: September 2, 2020
Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited & produced by Patty La Bella.
Additional assistance for this episode by Cheryl Downes and Beyond90.com.au
Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella
Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.
pioneers of Australian women’s football, Sarah represented Australia at the 2004 Olympics, 2006 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and made a huge impact as part of the Matilda’s break out tournament at the 2007 Women’s World Cup in China.
Joining us to recap the year in England, is editor of Women’s Football Magazine, Helen Rowe-Willcocks. Helen sits down with Adam to discuss the highs and lows of women’s football in England in 2017. How did the Mark Sampson firing affect the program going forward and who is line for the job? Not to be dampened by the national team, Helen discusses the plenty of great things happening in the FAWSL over the year. What were some of the breakout moments? and how much of influence did Carli Lloyd have on the league. It’s all here and More! (49:17’)
Jordyn Huitema
talking to two of the biggest names to come out of Santa Clara University soccer program – USA defenders Julie Ertz and Sofia Huerta. We go back in time when Julie was called Johnston and played just about every position for the Broncos. What were some of her favorite memories of those days and how has she evolved into the leader she is today. As always, Julie gives us thoughtful answers. (24:55′)
Next up, we visit wth the pride of Boise, Idaho Sofia Huerta. The amicable defender is finding her way on the USA team shortly after trading in her Mexico jersey for the USA crest. As the first ever to play for and against US Soccer, Sofia shares her thoughts on the milestone event. Plus, how much pressure does she feel now that she’s donning the USA shirt? How has Ertz influenced her on and off the pitch? And how important was it for her to take her game to the Australian W-League? Sofia lets us in on these questions and MORE! (28′)
We also hear from Canada Head Coach John Herdman, who is over the moon about his new Canadian team. The colorful coach talks about his young team, the future of the team and the growth of Jordyn Huitema. (7:25)
After winning the Westfield W-League championship with Melbourne City last season, Laura Alleway travels across town to play for rivals Melbourne Victory to begin a new season and a new role. Laura stops by to chat with Adam about taking on the leadership rold and why it’s important to have a good mental state to play well.
Germany Report
There are so many great young players in the women’s game today, but none as exciting as Ashley Hatch. The young striker was selected second overall in the 2017 NWSL College Draft by the North Carolina Courage and is building a name for herself as someone who plays and lives with a fearless spirit.
Not only a pivotal striker in the Westfield W-League, Rosie also worked with the PFA to get a more comprehensible Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in place for the players. We chat with Rosie about what it took to come to an agreement and how her idol Kate Gill paved the way for her on and off the pitch.
up is 2-time Olympic bronze medalist Sophie Schmidt. For the past two years, Sophie has been playing football for German club FFC Frankfurt in the Frauen-Bundesliga. The affable Winnipeg native took time to chat with Adam before traveling from Germany to Canada for upcoming friendlies for the national team.
appearance on the show!) Always the player’s advocate, Kate is still making an impact as a Player Relations Executive for the PFA, Australia’s football player’s union. The W-League 2-time Golden Boot winner (remember all those great Perth Glory days?!!), took time out of her busy traveling schedule to talk about her work in the PFA and what it means for women footballers throughout the world.
years old after a stellar career at University of Tennessee. The winner of 2 Olympic bronze medals, Rhian has contributed to the success of the Canada team over the years with her leadership and tactical skills. Now at 34 years old, the Quebec native has decided to hang up her boots. We caught up with Rhian just before she played her last match against Mexico on February 4, 2017.
Emily Roberts
know, the league has plenty of rising young stars, but none brighter than Remy. In just her first season in the league, Remy has turned heads, scoring many crucial goals for the Sky Blues. In this spirited interview, the 17-year old tells us all about her remarkable season, playing along side the likes of Caitlin Foord and Kyah Simon and the dream experience of representing Australia at the youth level. Plus, Remy gives us “behind the scenes” info on many of her Sydney FC teammates and her dream of playing overseas. This is a player on the steps of a great career, so don’t miss a second of this interview! (1:18:00)