Overview
They played the first game of their 2023 Women's World Cup campaign in Sydney. They took on Denmark there in the round of 16, then England in the semi-final loss. The next reason that the Matildas will hit the Harbour City: a match against China PR on the way to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and also for goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and coach Tony Gustavsson to take to the Vivid stage.
The duo have just joined the already-packed Vivid Sydney 2024 lineup for a Vivid Ideas session at Sydney Town Hall on Monday, June 10. At Champions of Change: Mackenzie Arnold and Tony Gustavsson, the pair will have plenty to talk about — all things Matildas, of course, including the team's achievements over the past year, the challenges along the way, the squad's impact, the pressures and the coach-athlete dynamic.
"This Vivid Sydney event is an awesome opportunity to connect with fans and reflect on the incredible ride we've had with the Matildas over the last couple of years. The highs and lows, the pressure and the triumphs, what it means to represent your country on the world stage — this is more than just a game. It's a chance to inspire the next generation and make a difference for women and girls on and off the field," said Arnold about the session.
"The Matildas have had an incredible journey over the last 12 months, and it's a proud moment for me as a manager to celebrate and reflect on this at Vivid Sydney alongside Mackenzie," added Gustavsson.
"I want to shed light not only our achievements on the field but also the incredible spirit and resilience behind the scenes, how much each of these players gives to this game. This conversation is also a chance to delve into the strategies that shaped our team's success and to touch on the broader implications of our journey for women's sport and society at large."
Arnold and Gustavsson's addition to the Vivid lineup comes after Amy Poehler recently also joined the bill, to discuss her career and the upcoming Pixar sequel Inside Out 2.
"We're so proud to be bringing two modern-day superstars of sport to the Vivid Sydney 2024 program. This discussion with Mackenzie and Tony will explore humanity through the lens of sport and bring a relatable and inspirational touch to their world class achievements on the field. You do not want to miss this opportunity to hear from two of Australian football's most influential and inspiring figures," said Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini.
Champions of Change: Mackenzie Arnold and Tony Gustavsson takes place on Monday, June 10, 2024 at Sydney Town Hall, with tickets on sale from 9am on Thursday, May 9, 2024.
Vivid Sydney runs from Friday, May 24–Saturday, June 15 at various locations around Sydney. Head to the festival website for further details and tickets.