A Historic Shift
Historically, women’s teams in the World Cup have faced challenges related to frequent travel, unpacking, playing, and repacking every few days. Players have moved from one city to another, making it a demanding and exhausting ordeal. This issue was highlighted by players like Alex Morgan, who emphasized the toll it takes on their performance and recovery.
But in 2023, FIFA has made a significant change by providing each of the 32 participating women’s teams with dedicated base camps for the first time in the tournament’s history. These base camps allow teams to spend three weeks at a single location, enjoying consistent accommodation and training facilities. This means that players can now unpack their bags and focus solely on their performance without the constant hustle and bustle of traveling.
Equality in the Spotlight
FIFA’s decision to introduce base camps for women’s teams is not just about convenience; it’s about equality. The men’s World Cup has long operated with the luxury of base camps, offering teams the opportunity to create elite environments for training, rest, and recovery. Now, FIFA is committed to providing the same standards and conditions for women’s teams, a step toward addressing gender disparities in the world of football.
Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s chief women’s football officer, 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.”
Impactful Benefits
The impact of these base camps on women’s teams cannot be overstated. New Zealand captain Ali Riley, who advocated for more equitable treatment, highlighted the benefits of having private rooms, charter flights, and base camps. For players, these factors can significantly influence their performance during the month-long tournament.
Six World Cup teams, including the United States and New Zealand, have based themselves in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Here, the American players and coaches enjoy exclusive access to a 130-room designer hotel by the city’s harbor. Neil Buethe, a spokesperson for U.S. Soccer, emphasized the comfort and structure that base camps provide, allowing players and coaches to focus on preparing for their matches.
Elevating the Experience
Base camps are not just about practicality; they also offer a touch of luxury. In the case of the U.S. team, their base camp includes a coffee bar with a dedicated barista and a lounge area for players to relax and bond. These amenities contribute to creating a more comfortable and cohesive environment for the team.
As the 2023 Women’s World Cup approaches, FIFA’s decision to introduce base camps is a significant step forward in promoting equality and improving the overall experience for women’s teams. It’s a game-changing move that underscores FIFA’s commitment to advancing women’s football on the global stage.
In the words of Jill Ellis, former U.S. coach, "You just make it work." And with these new base camps, women’s teams can now focus on making their World Cup dreams a reality, all while enjoying a level of support and convenience that was long overdue.
So, as we look forward to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, one thing is clear: FIFA adds game-changing base camps for women’s World Cup teams, leveling the playing field and setting the stage for an exciting and historic tournament.
Related Information on the Historic Tournament in Australia & New Zealand
What is a team base camp in FIFA Women’s World CupTM?
A Team Base Camp (TBC) in the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ represents a significant innovation for the tournament. These dedicated camps serve as the "home away from home" for participating teams, offering both a specialized training site and accommodations. This marks the first time in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ that such dedicated Team Base Camps have been introduced, providing teams with a centralized and comprehensive facility to prepare for matches and ensure their comfort during the tournament.
How many team base camps are there in Australia & New Zealand?
A total of 29 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 competing countries will utilize dedicated Team Base Camps. These 29 base camps, spread across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, will provide essential facilities and accommodations for teams, enhancing the overall experience of the tournament.
Where will FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 be held?
Where will FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 be held?
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will make history as the first co-hosted tournament, with Australia and New Zealand as the hosting nations. It also marks the first time this prestigious event will be held in the Southern Hemisphere. Notably, the 2023 edition will feature 32 teams, a significant increase from the previous 24-team format in 2019. Additionally, there will be a Referees Base Camp situated at Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney/Gadigal, Australia.
Will there be a referees’ base camp in Australia & New Zealand 2023?
Will there be a referees’ base camp in Australia & New Zealand 2023?
Indeed, there will be a Referees’ Base Camp established at Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney/Gadigal for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. This upcoming tournament is set to mark several significant milestones, including being the first-ever co-hosted Women’s World Cup, the first to grace the Southern Hemisphere, and the first to include 32 teams, a notable increase from the previous 24-team format in 2019.
