Blog / Event Coverage / Perth International Cup 2024

It’s been 3 weeks since I got back from the Perth International Cup, and I’m still buzzing from the experience. Sponsored by SoccerGirlGoals, this was more than just my first time covering a sports event—it was a deep dive into the world of women’s football and sports media, and I loved every second of it.

Meeting the Players: A Dream Come True

One of the highlights was meeting the players. I had the opportunity to take photos and say hi to some top athletes such as West Ham’s Kirsty Smith and Kinga Szemik. It was incredible to see how down-to-earth and approachable they were. I captured some memorable photos with them (which I’ll insert here!) that will always remind me of this opportunity's excitement.

Press Conferences and My First Question

Another unforgettable moment was attending the press conferences. It felt weird walking into the media room, surrounded by experienced journalists and press members. I was quite nervous, but I mustered up the courage to ask my very first question to PSG's Eva Gaetino! It was a defining moment that made me feel like I was part of the media landscape, engaging with the players on a deeper level. I learnt about the importance of pre-season prep from coaches stating this tournament was a good chance for them to try out new rosters, give every player a chance to play on the field and many more. 

Immersed in a Global Football Culture

This was also my first overseas tournament, and it gave me a real taste of the football culture on a grand scale. The fans were amazing—many flew internationally to be part of the event, which made the atmosphere electric. The Matildas, especially Mary Fowler, had an enormous following, and watching the support they received was an eye-opener to the devotion fans have for women’s football. Not only that, even fans from Japan came to support the likes of the Japanese players such as Ueki Riko and Yui Hasagewa.  

Fan Event and Signed Memorabilia

The fan event was another great part of the tournament. It wasn’t just about the games—the event brought the fans and players together in a really meaningful way. I had the chance to listen to interviews from all four teams, photograph the players up close, and even snag a fully signed team card from West Ham United! They were all really nice and surprised to see that I flew all the way from Singapore. 

Behind the Scenes: Production, Press, and Media Insights

My background has always been more focused on the marketing and planning side of things, so being behind the scenes on the production and press side was eye-opening. I connected with photographers,and media team members, and they gave me insights into how the sports media world operates. From the types of questions asked at post-match conferences (team performance, training, fans) to how media production works during big tournaments, I learned a ton.

Capitalizing on Star Players’ Popularity

Another fascinating takeaway was how the tournament capitalized on the massive following of the Australian Women’s National Football team players like Mary Fowler, Alanna Kennedy, Katrina Gorry, and Courtney Nevin. Their star power was a key element in drawing in crowds. For the finals alone, there were 15,000 audience members from across the Asia Pacific! It showed me how these tournaments thrive by focusing on players that people are passionate about.

A Newfound Passion for Sports Media

I came back from Perth with so much more than just memories. I found something I’m truly passionate about. Sports media, photography, marketing—this is what I want to do, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have had this glimpse into the world I’ve always been intrigued by. With the encouragement of the people I met, I’m planning to pick up photography soon, and I can’t wait to see where this path takes me next.

Covering the Perth International Cup was a life-changing experience, I’m more motivated than ever to keep working harder and make a proper impact in the world of Women’s Sports. I would like to thank SoccerGirlGoals once more in being very supportive through the entire journey! 

About the Author

Thank you for stopping by! I’m thrilled to announce that Soccer Girl Goals is sponsoring my coverage of the upcoming Perth International Football Cup.

A bit about me: My name is Wei En, and I’m currently a third-year student studying  Marketing and Communications at Singapore Polytechnic. Growing up, sports were a huge part of my life. I spent countless hours both watching and playing, which sparked my passion for blending sports and media.

This sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity for me to delve into the world of live sports coverage. I’m looking forward to not only experiencing the excitement of the tournament firsthand but also learning from collaborators and engaging with the audience. I’m incredibly grateful for this chance and can't wait to bring you all the thrilling moments from the Perth International Football Cup!

You can check out my portfolio here:

LinkedIn Website 

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