⚽ Reading Passage: The Rise of Women's Football

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions below.

Women's football has experienced incredible growth over the past decade. The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, broke attendance records with over 1.9 million spectators across all matches. The tournament showcased the skill and athleticism of female players from around the globe.

In New Zealand, the Football Ferns have inspired a new generation of young girls to take up the sport. Local clubs report a 40% increase in female registrations since the World Cup. The success of players like Hannah Wilkinson, who scored New Zealand's first-ever World Cup goal, has shown young athletes that dreams can become reality with dedication and hard work.

Professional women's football leagues are also expanding. The A-League Women in Australia and New Zealand features teams from both countries, providing a pathway for talented players to compete at the highest level. Many players balance their football careers with university studies or other jobs, demonstrating the importance of education alongside sport.

The physical demands of football require players to maintain excellent fitness levels. Training typically includes cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and technical skill development. Players often train 5-6 days per week, covering distances of 8-12 kilometres during matches while maintaining speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour during sprints.

📝 Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions

1. How many spectators attended the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Over 1.5 million

Over 1.9 million

Over 2.1 million

Over 2.5 million

2. Which countries co-hosted the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Australia and England

New Zealand and England

Australia and New Zealand

Australia and USA

3. What is the maximum speed mentioned that players can reach during sprints?

20 kilometres per hour

25 kilometres per hour

30 kilometres per hour

35 kilometres per hour

4. By what percentage have female registrations increased in New Zealand clubs?

30%

35%

40%

45%

✏️ Part 2: Short Answer Questions

5. Who is Hannah Wilkinson and why is she significant to New Zealand football?

6. What does the passage suggest about the balance between football and education for professional players?

7. List three types of training mentioned that football players typically do:

📋 Part 3: True or False

Mark each statement as true or false based on the passage.

8. The A-League Women only features teams from Australia.

True

False

9. Players typically train 5-6 days per week.

True

False

10. Players cover distances of 8-12 kilometres during matches.

True

False

💭 Part 4: Extended Response

11. Based on the passage, explain why you think women's football has grown so much in recent years. Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

12. If you were trying to encourage a friend to join a football club, what points from this passage would you use to convince them? Explain your reasoning.