A FRANKSTON turf manager has received a surprise call-up for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Sally Benwell oversees sports turf facilities for Frankston Council. She has been recruited to look after the AAMI Park turf during the World Cup.
Benwell said the role was the “chance of a lifetime”.
“When I read the email, I realised what an important opportunity I was being offered,” she said. “I’ll be working on match and non-match days to make sure the turf is at FIFA standard and that means backfilling scuff marks at half time, repairing other damage, moving goals, line marking, brooming the pitch and more.
“Turf managers are used to working when there is nobody around – we are there during the week making sure our grounds are in top condition for games, then back again after events to repair them. It’s going to be quite different to be out there at half time during the games with those huge crowds.”
Benwell has been thrown straight in the deep end. Her first assignment is the sold-out Australia vs Canada game on 31 July. Millions of Australians are expected to tune in to watch.
With the biggest day of her career in the near future, Benwell has encouraged people to work hard for their dreams. “My advice to others is believe in yourself, work hard, and ask for opportunities.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 25th July 2023