Capital Football's appointment of Jodie Newall reflects gender-diverse soccer community

Newall's appointment comes after the federation's board reviewed its structure and invited expressions of interest from women who possessed the qualifications and experience for an appointed director role.

The newly appointed director has university qualifications in law and commerce, as well as volunteering experience in the equestrian world.

Capital Football, now having three-out-of-seven members being women, will meet the ACT Government's commitment to have 40 percent female presentation on government funded sporting organisation boards by 2020.

She joins chair Fran Sankey and former Canberra United player Grace Gill, who was elected earlier this year.

While Newall's appointment meets the Government's advised quota, she believes it's a reflection of a gender-diverse football community.

"It's a good move for Capital Football," Newall said.

"In terms of board positions, it's not that women are less able but rather some haven't had the same opportunities as their male counterparts and may not have the same level of self belief.

"If it takes quotas or goals to get role models out there for young women to contribute to that self belief and for others to appreciate female contributions then the quotas can be a good thing.

"The organisation is meant to represent its constituents so the best way to do that is to have a variety of unique perspectives on the board. Gender is just one aspect combined with a myriad of other life experiences which contribute to making each one of us different."

Newall moved into a house council role with the Australian trade and investment commission eight-months ago, where she has gained experience in dealing with the organisation's commercial transactions.

Newall will give particular focus to Capital Football's strategic plan as well as ongoing developments for the new centre of excellence to be built in Throsby by 2021.

"I have commercial law experience which can bring a whole different perspective and ways of approaching things that come up in the everyday management of that scenario," Newall said.

"It's another professional background which adds to the skills and attributes of the current board."

The capital's peak soccer body secured $20 million in ACT government funding to build a multi-purpose football facility in Throsby.

Capital Football will add $4.5 million of its own money and the three-way deal includes the FFA bringing three international matches to the city over the next 18 months.

The multi-million dollar complex will provide international teams with a purpose-built training base in Canberra and will soon host the city's W-League club.

Canberra United will move home games from McKellar Park to Throsby upon its completion once an enclosed field with a grandstand is built.

The facility also strengthens Canberra's case to become a host city if Australia win the rights to hold the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Canberra United coach Heather Garriock said it's a "no-brainer" to bring potential World Cup matches to the capital after the facility is built.

"It would be absolutely phenomenal for Canberra to be a host city," Garriock said.

"It would be a no-brainer to bring a game to Canberra, especially with infrastructure like Throsby in place and our die-hard fans.

"It's really exciting times for Canberrans and football fans to have a home of football."

The NSW Government backed Australia's bid to host the World Cup last week and committed to hosting part of the tournament in Sydney, while South Australia withdrew their support.

Discussions between FFA and the ACT Government are ongoing.

FFA must submit its World Cup bid this December, with the expected appoints of hosts to be revealed in May, 2020.