Former Westfield Matilda Cheryl Salisbury will become the first female footballer inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame next month.
Salisbury is set to join the likes of John Warren OAM MBE, Joe Marston MBE, Ray Baartz and Harry Kewell in the nation’s most prestigious sporting pantheon.
The former Matildas captain made her debut in 1994 and went on to play 151 games for the green and gold, a record number of caps for a female or male player.
Salisbury represented Australia at four FIFA Women’s World Cups, as well as two Olympic Games in 2000 and 2004.
FFA Chairman Chris Nikou said Salisbury’s contribution to football was a driving force behind the development of the women’s game in Australia.
“Cheryl understood the potential of Australian women’s football,” Nikou said.
“She made it her mission to transform the sport she loved so that future generations of Matildas could reach their full potential and live their footballing dreams.
“It’s through her example on and off the pitch that we have a thriving Westfield W-League and a world class national team in the Westfield Matildas.
“There is no one in the game more deserving of this recognition than her.”
Salisbury not only starred in the green and gold of Australia, but also helped pioneer the women’s game across the globe.
She played in both the American W-League and Japan’s Women’s League, and was also a member of the New York Power in the Women’s United Soccer Association, the world’s first professional women’s competition.
Salisbury’s achievements saw her named in the FIFA Women’s World XI on two occasions in 2004 and 2007.
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame ceremony will be held in Melbourne on Thursday, 10th October.
