When the FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off here next year, the stars of the sport are going to need facilities to match the mana of the event.
And that's going to be great for a whole lot of clubs around the country, thanks to a $19 million facelift courtesy of the tax payer.
One of those clubs is Mangere's Centre Park, a proud suburban club in need of a bit of T.L.C and lucky for them they're in for a major makeover.
"Oh we are just absolutely stoked," says Centre Park chairman Mohammed Imran.
It's one of 30 football facilities across the country benefiting from the Government's investment.
The Government is supporting upgrades that include pitch, lighting and facility enhancements as well as gender-neutral changing spaces. (Source: 1News)
Facilities, pitches, lights and gender neutral spaces all to be upgraded for when FIFA's female stars arrive for one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
"This thing will change...it's just going to absolutely look magnificent," says Imran.
"To see international women football players gracing Mangere, this is huge, very huge for our community!"
Already at one of Dunedin's venues - Caledonian Ground, they're seeing planned improvements. Their turf has been resewn and drainage upgraded.
"From afar it looks the same but when you're on it you've got a much better surface it's going to drain better," says Football South chief executive Dougal McGowan.
"It's also a mixed use facility so it's the whole community that is going to benefit and that's what makes it so good for the city."
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is taking place from 20 July to 20 August 2023.
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