Optus Sports give kids free access for women’s FIFA world cup
Optus has revealed it will offer school kids free access to Optus Sports during the Women’s FIFA World Cup which kicks off early month.
The complimentary offer aims to give greater visibility and promote greater equality for women’s sport.
Despite initial streaming problems with the men’s World Cup competition last year, holding soccer rights has proved a success for Optus with analysts claiming the game has helped the telco chip away at Telstra’s market share.
Last week the telco revealed audience numbers have doubled over the past year, thanks to the addition of European competitions while sign-ups to Optus Sport are up over 50% year-on-year.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be played in nine different cities across France from mid-June. Australia are ranked sixth among the 24 countries taking part in the tournament that concludes in Lyon on July 7.
“We’re delighted that Optus Sport will bring the thrills and excitement of the FIFA Women’s World Cup to children across Australia and we hope our complimentary access to the event will capture the imagination of a new generation,” Optus CEO Allen Lew said.
Deputy CEO, Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, added: “Optus is very excited to be supporting the Matildas on their quest for the Women’s World Cup in France next month, we will all be watching on proudly as the women take the field to represent Australia in the biggest tournament in women’s football.
“Optus is proud to play its part by giving every school-aged child the opportunity to watch these role models show us what is possible through sport.”
School-aged children can redeem the complimentary offer by visiting their nearest Optus store from May 23. Children aged under 17 will be required to visit the store with a parent or guardian, while those aged between 17 and 19 can alternatively present a form of official identification.
Optus Sport’s female-led broadcast team will include former Matilda, Amy Duggan, along with Heather Garriock, Alicia Ferguson, Mel McLaughlin, John Aloisi and Mark Schwarzer.
“We’re committed to taking the investment in women’s sport to a new level for Australian broadcasters through our unprecedented coverage and analysis of every Women’s World Cup match and delivering a world-class production,” Lew concluded.
