Trailblazing Aussie + NZ Women’s Football teams reunite for historic PUMA ReMatch via Bursty

It was 48 years in the making and it was worth the wait as players from the first New Zealand and Australian women’s teams turned back the clock for a historic ReMatch. Taking place on a specially created pitch on Cockatoo Island between players who took each other on in the Asian Cup in 1975, the ReMatch was filled with emotions, incredible energy, passion, action and thankfully no injuries.

Created as part of PUMA’s 2023 football activity that aims to recognise these pioneers of women’s football, the ReMatch is part of an extensive campaign developed by Bursty, that is sharing the stories of these women and acknowledging their trailblazing efforts for women’s football. From tear jerking storytelling videos that have gone viral, to taking over Tik Tok, giant billboards and street posters, PUMA’s campaign is giving these women – the OG’s – the one thing that they had been missing, recognition.

VIEW THE HISTORIC REMATCH

Both teams were flown into Sydney for 4 days, reuniting for the first time in over 40 years. They had no idea of what to expect and were surprised by PUMA with a pitch on Cockatoo Island that also featured an iconic Legacy tunnel, where each of the players had posters recognising their place in history. They then walked on to an incredible pitch on the water’s edge, which was designed by indigenous artist Brittany Paulson.

Joining them were 23 young women from Australia and New Zealand – the next generation of athletes – as part of PUMA’s Accelerator Program. The young athletes participated in an immersive 3 day event aimed at helping them both on and off the pitch. Sessions included talks from current Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt, comedian and actor Celeste Barber, the inspiring Jazz Thornton, running with Gen Gregson and Nedd Brockmann and sailing with Jessica Watson, as well as spending time with the OG’s to learn more about their stories. The iconic pitch also hosted a global PUMA panel discussing the future of Women’s sport, and grassroots clinics for young kids through the rebel Rookies program.

82-year-old Australian captain Pat O’Connor loved the experience despite finding the ‘walking football’ rules a little hard to follow: “I nearly got sent off for running, and for me at my age that’s a miracle. Our team has waited 48 years for the recognition and support that the PUMA team has given us. And to be able to take to the field once again after all this time was such a special moment for us.”

Says Barbara Cox, New Zealand captain: “We owe so much to PUMA and are incredibly grateful that they have taken the time to organise such an incredible experience – it is something that our players will remember for all of our lives.”

PUMA Oceania general manager Pancho Gutstein said he was thrilled with the response to the campaign: “We said that these trailblazing women deserved recognition, and it has been great to see such an incredible reaction to their story from the public, across social media and making headlines in both countries.

“Their determination laid the foundation for the sport’s growth, and even now they continue to inspire us to push boundaries and redefine the limits of what is possible. Our campaign stands as a tribute to their legacy, and we are honoured to carry the torch they ignited.”

VIEW THE DRONE SHOTS OF HISTORIC PITCH

The campaign was created by PUMA alongside its creative agency Bursty and has received widespread praise and support from all over the globe, in addition to extensive media coverage.