Dunedin’s chapter in the Fifa Women’s World Cup came to a close last night, marking 12 days of football frenzy across the city.
The city hosted six games and nearly 75,000 people packed Dunedin Stadium throughout the tournament.
The Football Ferns’ game was a sell-out, the Swiss based themselves here, international media highlighted the city to the world, 350 people volunteered, and people flocked to the fan festival and community events.
Tahuna Park, Logan Park No 6 and the Caledonian Ground received $1.5 million upgrades, the stadium received a $135,000 revamp, and Dunedin’s economic benefit was expected to be more than $10m.
However, the tournament’s real legacy was the impact it had on women and young girls, giving them first-hand international superstars to emulate.
"It’s being able to visibly see the pathways that are there and to see that you can be 5 years old playing, but then play all the way through and play for your country on the world stage," Southern United footballer Chelsea Whittaker said.
"I think the [biggest] thing is selling out stadiums playing football as a female is absolutely incredible."
Many Football Ferns played professionally overseas, and seeing them return home to captivate the nation, including fans in Dunedin, was inspirational, Whittaker said.
"I think they really have inspired the young girls coming through that they can sell out stadiums and get the whole country on board by playing football, which is so cool."
Southern Football chief executive Dougal McGowan agreed, saying their visibility helped empower women in the South.
"What’s come through really strongly is all of these really strong women role models say ‘follow your dreams’ and that they are attainable," Mr McGowan said.
"That’s been a really powerful message."
It will now be a short turnaround before Dunedin hosts the Bledisloe Cup rugby test on Saturday afternoon.
