Golden opportunity: Score the chance to meet a former Matilda and Socceroos coach at special Wagga event

Wagga football icon Sally Shipard has been announced as one of the guest speakers at Wagga and District Football’s A Night of Football event in October alongside Socceroos coach Graham Arnold. Photo: CommBank Matildas.

Wagga Wagga and District Football is offering Riverina residents the chance to meet former Matilda and local champion Sally Shipard and Socceroos coach Graham Arnold during its A Night of Football event.

A Night of Football looks to celebrate the incredible run of the Matildas during the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Matildas entered the living rooms and the hearts of people across the country, finishing higher than any Australian team, men’s or women’s, ever had in a World Cup.

Wagga Wagga District Football trustee Chris Baker said the Wagga football community was thrilled to welcome Arnold to the event as the keynote speaker.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is one of the most successful Australian-born coaches ever. Photo: Graham Arnold Instagram.

“From representing Australia 56 times on the international stage to securing premiership and championship victories with Sydney FC and the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, Arnold’s impact is immeasurable,” he said.

Arnold led the Socceroos to the knockout stages of the 2022 Qatar FIFA Men’s World Cup, making him the first Australian-born manager to do so.

“We are thrilled to have local hero Sally Shipard joining Graham Arnold at the event,” Mr Baker said.

“Sally’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring footballers. Her achievements and love of football have elevated her to role-model status across the sport.”

Born and raised in Wagga, Sally made her Matildas and Olympic debut in 2004. Across the following decade, she made 62 appearances for the Australian team, including two World Cup appearances in 2007 and 2011.

A Night of Football will kick off at 6:30 pm on Thursday, 26 October, at The Range Function Centre. Organisers say attendees can expect engaging conversations, insights from the sport’s luminaries, and an atmosphere charged with the energy of football.

Individual tickets are available for $100, and tables of 10 can be secured for $900. Both options include a two-course dinner, with beverages available for purchase. To secure your spot at A Night of Football, book here.