Report by Ella McShane, exclusive photography from Cat Bryant (31/1/26)
Above: Left to right: Roxanne Kerr, Rita Saffioti (Deputy Premier of Western Australia), Sarah Walsh, and Roger Kerr with the Women’s Asian Cup trophy. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
The 2026 Women’s Asian Cup kicks off in Perth in just under a month, the momentous occasion honoured by a ‘One Month To Go’ Event hosted at the Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre yesterday.
Hosted by renowned presenter Amberley Lobo, the summer afternoon saw players, staff and locals alike welcomed to Whadjuk Boodjar country (Greater Perth Metropolitan area), hear from pillars of the Perth women’s football community and enjoy cultural celebrations from participating nations such as Japan, Chinese Taipei and The Philippines.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome to Whadjuk Boodjar country from Aboriginal elder Robyn Collard, who delivered the speech in both Noongar (the Aboriginal language of the Southwest of Western Australia) and English.
Outlining the spiritual importance of Whadjuk Boodjar country, Collard said: “For many thousands of years our ancestors have been connected with this land, walked through the dust and the waters, sat around the campfires, sharing food and water and the many many stories of this land. We are grateful because this has kept our culture or knowledge and our stories alive. Wandjoo, Wandjoo (Welcome), you are welcome to this land”.
Following the welcome to Whadjuk Boodjar country, former Matilda Sarah Walsh took the stand. The 70 cap Matilda honourably playing an integral role in the organisation of this event. Walsh also represented the green and gold when they clinched victory at the Asian Cup in 2010.
“I think this trophy has a significant history and association with the Matildas. It is the only trophy the Matildas have won.There is 10 fantastic matches beyond the opening ceremony (to be played in Perth)…we have some exciting communities we expect to engage with.”
Head of coach of The Philippines women’s national team, Mark Torcaso was in attendance, and outlined what his side is eagerly anticipating to bring into the tournament.
“Very much like the culture of The Philippines, exciting, passionate, emotional, and more importantly dedicated. We’ve got a group of women who are totally focused on representing the country and making football important for females.”
Torcaso not doubting the challenge ahead of his team, he also expressed how he expects the fans and Filipino community to support his side during the tournament.
“I was also excited because [The Philippines] has quite a large community around the world and I know we will have quite a large community there supporting us. We’re going to do it [for the fans], we’re going to do it for all the girls families and all the people in the Philippines.”
Roxanne Kerr was at the event, mother of Matilda’s captain Sam Kerr, who has been involved with both elite womens sport and the Perth community alike for many years. We asked what she is hoping the tournament will bring to the Perth community, she stated: “A lot of excitement, I hope.
“It’s just great for the public and the young girls. Just saw one gorgeous girl there. They’re just so excited! We don’t get as many tournaments as the eastern states so its just fantastic. And we’ve got the opening ceremony, I just think it is going to bring a wealth of everything to Perth.”
The opening match will take place between hosts Australia and The Philippines on Sunday the 1st of March at Perth Stadium at 5pm, local time. Global Sensation Audrey Nuna, from K-Pop Demon Hunters will be performing an exclusive one night only concert at the opening ceremony.
For a large exclusive photo gallery of images from the event by Cat Bryant, including the cultural performances, go to our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball.
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