Minister for Sport Mark Arbib farewelled the Australian Matildas football team as they left to compete against the best in the world at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.
 
Senator Arbib congratulated the team on their selection, presenting the players with their World Cup jerseys at a farewell function in Sydney on Sunday night. 
 
'It’s great to be able to see these amazing athletes rewarded for all their hard work, determination and effort,' Senator Arbib said.
 
'I’m confident the Matildas will build on their 2010 Asian Cup success and make us all proud at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.'
 
Senator Arbib congratulated Melissa Barbieri on her selection again as captain of the Matildas.
 
'Melissa has already proven what a terrific job she can do, leading the Matildas to victory in the 2010 Asian Cup.  With such a talented young squad the experience and leadership of Melissa and the other seasoned players will be vital for success,' Senator Arbib said.
 
'The Matildas have a tough fight ahead of them, coming up against the 2007 World Cup runners-up Brazil in their first clash.  
 
'The team did fantastically in 2007 to make it through to the quarter finals and, on their current form, I think their competition will be nervous they’ll go even further this time.'
 
The Matildas team is: Melissa Barbieri (captain), Casey Dumont, Lydia Williams, Teigen Allen, Laura Alleway, Kim Carroll, Elise Kellond-Knight, Ellyse Perry, Clare Polkinghorne, Servet Uzunlar, Tameka Butt, Lauren Colthorpe, Heather Garriock, Collette McCallum, Sally Shipard, Emily van Egmond, Lisa De Vanna, Caitlin Foord, Samantha Kerr, Leena Khamis and Kyah Simon.
 
Senator Arbib said the Government was a strong supporter of women’s football at both the elite level and through encouraging more youngsters to participate in grassroots football.
 
'The Australian Government is committed to supporting our elite women footballers.  Through our high performance funding and the women’s football program at the AIS, we’re helping our players train and perform at the highest level,' Senator Arbib said.

'The Matildas have also benefitted from the Government’s boost to Direct Athlete Support – making it easier for our women to train and compete.
 
'The Government also boosted participation funding to football with $700,000 for Football Federation Australia to ensure we get more players, and more young women, involved in the game.
 
'Football is one of our biggest participation sports and each of the Matildas is a role model for girls and young women across Australia.'