In a significant move toward enhancing the Women’s World Cup experience, FIFA has introduced game-changing base camps for all 32 participating teams. This development marks a pivotal shift in the tournament’s organization and aims to provide a more equitable environment for female athletes.
A Historic Shift
Traditionally, women’s World Cup teams followed grueling itineraries, crisscrossing host nations for their matches. However, FIFA’s new initiative has transformed this experience. Teams now have dedicated base camps, allowing them to settle in one location for an extended period, significantly reducing travel-related fatigue.
The Elimination of Frequent Packing
One of the most significant challenges faced by teams in previous World Cups was the constant packing and unpacking before and after every game. The 2023 Women’s World Cup has eliminated this burden, offering players the luxury of unpacking once they arrive at their base camps. This change ensures that teams can focus on their matches without the distraction of frequent relocation.
FIFA’s Commitment to Equality
Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s chief women’s football officer, highlighted the organization’s commitment to raising the standards for women’s football. She stated, "FIFA is committed to enhancing the standards and conditions for teams at each FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the introduction of dedicated team base camps is a clear demonstration of that commitment and our drive to grow and develop women’s football."
Player Benefits and Advocacy
Players have welcomed these changes with open arms. Ali Riley, the captain of the New Zealand national team, emphasized how private rooms, charter flights, and dedicated base camps can make a substantial difference during the month-long tournament. She stated, "Having single rooms, that’s not something that we could ever imagine. These are all things that make a huge impact and that was something that we were really pushing for. So this is a very important step forward."
Improved Team Environments
In Auckland, New Zealand, where six World Cup teams are based, the American players and coaches enjoy exclusive access to a 130-room designer hotel nestled along the city’s harbor. Neil Buethe, U.S. Soccer spokesman, explained the benefits of having a base camp: "By having a base camp, we’re able to create an environment during an extended amount of time that provides the team with everything they need. Providing that structure for the players and coaches is incredibly helpful, as it allows them to worry less about some of the day-to-day things and concentrate on the most important aspect, which is preparing for, and playing, each and every match."
Luxurious Perks
For the U.S. team, a dedicated coffee bar with a skilled barista and a communal lounge area have become valuable perks that boost their comfort and camaraderie.
With FIFA’s introduction of these base camps, the Women’s World Cup takes a significant step toward equalizing the tournament experience between men and women. This game-changing move promises to enhance the overall quality of the tournament and provides female athletes with the support and infrastructure they deserve.
Additional Topics of Interest
What is a team base camp in FIFA Women’s World CupTM?
A Team Base Camp (TBC) marks an unprecedented innovation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup™. It serves as a "home away from home" for participating teams, providing essential facilities that combine both training and accommodation. This breakthrough development ensures that teams no longer need to hop from place to place during the tournament, eliminating the hassle of constant packing and unpacking. Instead, teams can settle into their dedicated base camps, which offer the ideal environment for preparation, recovery, and focused training. For the first time in the history of the Women’s World Cup, these Team Base Camps promise to enhance the overall tournament experience, allowing teams to fully concentrate on their matches without the disruptions of frequent relocation.
How many team base camps are there in Australia & New Zealand?
A total of twenty-nine Team Base Camps have been officially confirmed for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™. This marks a historic moment in the tournament’s history, as it’s the first time that participating countries will have dedicated Team Base Camps. These camps, spread across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, provide teams with essential facilities for training and accommodation. With the introduction of these twenty-nine dedicated camps, the tournament aims to enhance the overall experience for competing nations.
Where will FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 be held?
Where will the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 take place? The tournament is set to make history as it becomes the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted, with matches scheduled in Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, this edition will be the first to be held in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a unique backdrop for the world’s premier women’s football event. Notably, the 2023 Women’s World Cup will also feature an expanded lineup of 32 teams, a significant increase from the 24 teams in the previous edition in 2019. The Referees Base Camp, an integral part of the tournament, will be located at Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney/Gadigal.
Will there be a referees’ base camp in Australia & New Zealand 2023?
Is there a referees’ base camp for Australia & New Zealand 2023? Yes, indeed. A Referees’ Base Camp is established at Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney/Gadigal for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup. This tournament marks several firsts, as it will be the first co-hosted Women’s World Cup, the first held in the Southern Hemisphere, and the first to feature 32 teams, a notable increase from the 24 teams in the 2019 edition.
