By Kieran Yap 11/8/23
The Young Matilda and the girls team from Whittlesea combine forces with some of the biggest names in women’s sport and The Matildas team song.
Above: Young Matilda Indiana Dos Santos. Image by Calli Arciuli
Well it’s a grand old team to play for
It’s a grand old team to see
And if you know our story
It’s enough to make your heart goooooo…
It’s the song that’s roared through post-match celebrations on the Matildas team bus, and on the streets outside the stadiums during this FIFA Women’s World Cup. Until about a year ago, few outside of the playing group knew that The Matildas had a theme song, now it is ubiquitous with a win and features in the latest Nike Football advertisement.
While the previous Nike ads during this world cup have been about the players themselves, such as Sam Kerr’s Flip The Game, or the Brazil Jogo Pra Sempre one that recalls the famous 1998 Airport ad, the latest is centered around inspiration.
Titled “Here We Go – The Next Generation of Sport,” the impact that this World Cup and team can have beyond this tournament is the focus. The film aims to inspire young Aussies to embrace new visions of victory through sport and movement and to celebrate their wins fearlessly, inspired by the Matildas.
The clip features the next generation of female Aussie athletes, including skateboarder Chloe Covell, track athlete Ivy Boothroyd, surfing and golf phenomenon Sierra Kerr, Young Matildas footballer Indiana Dos Santos and a crew of dancers from the Bangarra Youth Program. It captures the young athletes as they re-imagine what victory can look like for the future of sport
The song itself has been re-recorded by the players from Whittlesea Rangers FC and set to music to soundtrack to celebrate different moments and acts as a catalyst for a new meaning for victory. This designed to get you out of your seats rather than pull on your heartstrings in the way many other inspirational projects have done in the past.
“As a female athlete and a mum, I know firsthand the power women have, to change the game and make a mark for the next generation,” said Matilda’s playmaker Katrina Gorry.
“I love being part of a team that is paving the way for the future; a future we are building not only for my daughter but for female athletes around the world.”
During this tournament, Matildas jerseys have reached unprecedented demand. They have outsold what the Socceroo’s shirts did during the last World Cup, with children’s sizes seeing the highest number of purchases.
Women’s football represents a huge growth opportunity for the sport and its sponsors. Nike Football was a trend setter in the men’s game as it became a global behemoth in the 90’s. It is something that it looks to continue with the women.
“We’re so excited to launch our latest brand anthem to showcase Nike’s commitment to not just growing women’s sport, but helping build a better game with more investment, access, and progress,” said Andy Keith, Senior Marketing Director at Nike Pacific.
“In sport, it is important to show female athletes celebrating powerfully and without fear. With this film we want to show what is possible, eliminate fear of judgement, and ultimately accelerate the future of sport on and off the pitch.
“From this huge global moment happening in Australia right now, all the way through to 2032, sport in Australia has exciting momentum to maximise.
“We believe this is only the beginning for the next generation of sport in Australia.”
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