Emily Van Egmond has been granted a Key to the City of Newcastle in special recognition of the Matildas‘ remarkable achievements in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The accomplished midfielder played an instrumental role during the Matildas’ historic journey in the World Cup, where they secured the highest-ever finish for an Australian team in the tournament’s history.
“We’re proud to be able to present this key to the city to Emily Van Egmond today for her stellar efforts on and off the pitch, showing women and girls everywhere that anything is possible,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
Emily Van Egmond’s ties with the City of Newcastle run deep. Notably, the city played a pivotal role in facilitating her transfer from VfL Wolfsburg to the Newcastle Jets in 2017, marking the first paid transfer of a player into the Australian W-League.
“Newcastle is a special place for me and I am honoured to receive the Key to the City,” Emily Van Egmond said.
“Novocastrians have shown their passion for football and I’m thrilled so see the next generation of girls sharing my love of the game.”
Van Egmond now joins an esteemed group of Newcastle ambassadors who have received the Key to the City.
The list includes the NRLW Newcastle Knights’ 2022 Premiership-winning squad, humanitarian Vanessa Alexander, and Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Cook Islands. You can find out more about the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program by visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au.
