B-roll Video: New Zealand Star, Wilkinson Upbeat World Cup Hosting Has Sparked Fundamental Change in Women's Football

It was a night that women's football in New Zealand will never forget. The opening match of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ was played in front of biggest crowd New Zealand has ever witnessed for a football match -- men's or women's – and ended in a historic 1-0 win over Norway that won the hearts of a nation.

Hannah Wilkinson, scorer of the winning goal, believes that what happened that evening at Eden Park in

Auckland/ Tāmaki Makaurau, sparked a fundamental change for women's football in New Zealand.

Throughout the tournament, first Nations and Māori cultures have been strongly represented at team welcomes and on matchdays, including in ceremonies and through team captains’ armbands, something Wilkinson had made it even more special.

And she had a simple message for youngsters who wanted to emulate here. "My message to young kids wanting to grow up and do the same thing is don't ever give up," she said. "It's going to be very hard. And you're going to wonder if it's worth it and trust me it is worth it. So, keep going, don't give up. The sacrifices are worth it."

The video submission includes an interview with New Zealand striker Hannah Wilkinson, b-roll of her signing footballs for fans and b-roll of New Zealand fans during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

August 20, 2023