Matildas star Sam Kerr launches football academy to secure World Cup legacy
Chelsea star and Australia international Sam Kerr has launched a football academy in a bid to cement the legacy of the Matildas 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign.
Australia were co-hosts with New Zealand for the tournament and progressed all the way to the semi-finals before they were knocked out by England. Kerr, who missed the opening few games with a calf injury, scored one of the goals on the tournament against the Lionesses, but her side ultimately fell to defeat.
Kerr's agent revealed to Daily Mail Australia that the forward will be returning to the UK this week to gear up for another season with Chelsea, but before she does, she's launched her academy programme to help develop the next generation of footballers.
"I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Sam Kerr Football," Kerr said. "Growing up, there weren't opportunities for me to develop my game in a way that allowed me to be my best.
"It wasn't until I turned professional, that I learnt things like how to nourish my body to perform at my best or how to manage my mental well-being. My hope is that delivering a comprehensive program that is more than just skill development will give young players the best chance to live out their potential as a player.
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"Being in the position I'm in today, I want to give back to the sport I love and to my young fans. It's an incredible privilege to be able to share what I have learned to better the sport, to build a legacy, and to inspire and connect with the next generation of Australian footballers."
Kicking off in 2024, the program is designed for both boys and girls aged 3-14 to support their journey, build their skills, confidence and expectations.
Sam Kerr of Australia celebrates the teams first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)This summer's World Cup captured an entire nation and Australia's government has pledged to invest in women's sport through the 'Play our way' programme. They unveiled a $200 million fund to drive reform and increase participation across the country.
Upon her return to the UK, Kerr will gear up for the new season with her Chelsea teammates which is set to kick off on October 1 against Tottenham. Stamford Bridge will stage the fixture as clubs across England also look to capitalise on the growing interest in women's football following the Lionesses' own memorable World Cup campaign.
Kerr will hope to build on last season's success, which was another trophy-laden campaign for the London club. The 29-year-old forward was named Chelsea's player of the year and also won Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year.
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