Matildas to Become Australia’s Dream Team During The Olympic Games

The Matildas are Australia’s Favourite National Sporting Team* and on 25 July, they will commence their Paris 2024TM Olympic Games campaign against world ranked number four, Germany at 3.00am AEST.

In fact, all of Australia’s three group stage matches during the Games kick-off at 3.00am AEST, making it a challenge for young fans, both new and old, to cheer on the Matildas.

However, through the Dream Team Storytime series, fans of all ages will be able to listen via the magic of AI, Matildas’ captain Steph Catley tell the story of the match which occurred while they were in bed dreaming.

Following every Australian match, Football Australia will release on Spotify and Apple Podcasts a new story – narrated with Steph's own voice – with short, animated clips to assist with the storytelling.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said, “The Dream Team series is a groundbreaking initiative that underscores our commitment to connecting with the next generation of football fans. By blending the excitement of the Matildas’ Olympic journey with the magic of storytelling, we hope to inspire young Australians to dream big and engage with the beautiful game.

“We understand the challenge posed by the early kick-off times, but with the Dream Team series, younger fans can relive the thrill of the Matildas’ matches in a way that fits their schedules. This innovative approach allows us to bring the joy and excitement of the Olympic Games into homes across Australia, ensuring that no one misses out on the action.

“Partnering with Ogilvy on this project has been an incredible experience. Their creative expertise, combined with our shared passion for football, has resulted in a series that is not only entertaining but also educational. We believe this collaboration will leave a lasting impact on the sport and help cultivate a lifelong love for football among young Australians,” James concluded.

Each Dream Team story will be written in real time during and immediately after the match, with each episode being released later that day. Football Australia is delighted to be working with Hillary Badger on the Dream Team project, a published author of over 20 books for young readers and the executive creative director at Ogilvy Melbourne.

Hillary explains, “The Matildas are Australia’s most loved sporting team, and they made a huge impact culturally during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupTM. Football Australia and Ogilvy captured the team’s never-say-die attitude with the ‘Til It’s Done’ campaign, which the whole nation adopted. The Matildas really symbolise a celebration of women’s sporting achievements that was long overdue.

“Maintaining that spotlight during one of the biggest sporting events is important to get the next generation into sport. With the Matildas games in France kicking off 3am Australian eastern standard time, it’s a bit past the bedtime of the kids the team is looking to inspire.