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© 2024 South Gippsland Sentinel Times

What do Phillip Island’s penguins and soccer have in common? A mascot apparently!

1 min read

PASSIONATE soccer players from Phillip Island Breakers were delighted to meet some of the star women of the sport as the official trophy for the Women’s World Cup 2023 visited the Penguin Parade last week.

Dozens of players and members from the Breakers soccer club got up close and personal with the original women’s world cup trophy, and even had the chance to meet young Matilda player Sofia Sakalis, Matildas alumni Theresa Deas and FIFA legend, Babett Peter.

Since starting its global tour in Melbourne in February, the trophy has visited all 32 competing nations in the tournament before its final leg around New Zealand and Australia as the host nations. 
And the tour had a very good reason to visit the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, as the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 official mascot, Tazuni, is also a penguin!

Junior players from the Breakers soccer clubs were able to get their photos taken with the trophy and have their jerseys signed, with big smiles all round.

In attendance were representatives from Phillip Island Nature Parks and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale.

From July 20 to August 20, Federation Square will be home of the Melbourne FIFA Fan Festival where fans, spectators and visitors can enjoy the matches, atmosphere, and entertainment of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

All matches will be broadcast live on the big screen along with a free program of live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, and a variety of food trucks and bars serving flavours from the 32 competing nations.