The Denmark WA women’s soccer team watched their European namesakes beat China 1-0 in their opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on July 22.

The Denmark WA side saw Denmark’s s national side secure a last gasp 1-0 in a match which capped off a memorable week for the up-and-coming West Australian footballers. The previous week members of the team attended the Danish women’s team closed training session where they met the players and watched them train.

WA Denmark’s coach Mike Garland said the ‘training day to match day’ experience had enabled his team to see how world-class players prepared and performed on the biggest stage.

“To see some of the best players in the world in action allowed my team to see what young women like them can achieve with hard work and dedication,” Mike said.

“Meeting the Danish players really inspired them to be the best they can be.”

Mike was grateful to Warren Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie for helping organise the special training session and sponsoring the team’s stay in Perth and tickets for the game.

Jane was instrumental in making the whole experience happen and her excitement and enthusiasm were infectious.

“We really can’t thank her enough,” he said. Perth is one of eight host cities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, as joint host nations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.

Jane enjoyed sponsoring the Denmark WA players to HBF Park to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup Denmark versus China PR game.

“Seeing the enthusiasm and joy on the faces of our young sportswomen, especially when Denmark scored in the last minute to win the match, was awesome,” she said.

“It’s probably a week of soccer they will not forget in a hurry – from meeting the team, watching them train and then watching them take the win on the pitch.” 

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 3 August 2023.