The Kanga Cup's two-year hiatus cost the Canberra economy more than $10 million in tourism revenue, but officials are confident of a major bounce back when the tournament makes comeback next year.
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The largest soccer tournament in the southern hemisphere will be played from July 3-8 next year after Capital Football was forced to cancel the past two events because of coronavirus restrictions.
About 8500 people visit the capital for the yearly event and Sports Minister Yvette Berry said this generated almost 43,000 nights of accommodation.
"The event generates an economic impact of approximately $5.2 million for the ACT - with spending on items such as accommodation, meals, merchandise, tourist activities, transport and retail," she said.
"In general, the ACT tourism industry has been significantly impacted by travel restrictions imposed to manage the COVID -19 pandemic. A range of businesses that rely on interstate travel have been affected including events, accommodation properties, attractions, hospitality venues and tour operators.
"We look forward to welcoming events such as the Kanga Cup back to our city as they provide a vital economic boost to local businesses."
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The 2021 Cup was due to get under way in early July, before it was pushed back to late September. However, a decision was made in August to cancel the tournament all together with Delta-imposed restrictions continuing around Australia.
More than 300 teams had signed up for the 2021 event, with 184 teams situated in NSW during the height of the Delta lockdowns.
A spokesperson for Capital Football said the Cup was an important event for the federation and the code, but also for the territory's economy.
"We are confident that the Kanga Cup will be delivered in 2022," they said.
"[We] cannot wait to bring tournament football back to the ACT. It's been a tough couple of years for the wider sporting, cultural and business community, and we're excited to play our part in getting Canberra back on track.
"Operating in a COVID-safe environment is of paramount importance ... and we will work with the ACT government once again to ensure we are supporting Canberrans to participate safely."
In addition to the economic impact on Canberra, there is another impact being felt for junior players across Australia due to the two-year hiatus.
"KC plays a very important role for young footballers, not only in their player development but for their social development," the CF spokesperson said.
"Sport is at its best when it's enjoyable and exciting - that's what the Kanga Cup and its participants thrive on. There are many professional players like Grace Maher, Laura Hughes, Michelle Heyman and others who have fond memories of playing in the Kanga Cup."
Isobel Cootes
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
