February 16 – The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 will expand its matchday offer beyond the pitch with the launch of dedicated Health Hubs at stadium precincts across Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast.
Running from March 1, the tournament will bring together 12 national teams for Asia’s top-level women’s competition. Alongside the football programme, the AFC have confirmed that Fan Activation Zones will incorporate Health Hubs designed to integrate wellbeing, education and community engagement into the supporter experience.
Backed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and state bodies including Football Queensland, Football NSW and Football West, the spaces will feature interactive activities, lifestyle content and access to charitable organisations working across health and social impact sectors.
The AFC says the initiative aligns with the tournament’s ‘Dream Fearless’ theme and marks a first for the Women’s Asian Cup. Fitness brand Anytime Fitness have been given the responsibility of powering these Health Hubs at selected venues throughout the competition.
A range of Australian charities will be embedded within the hubs depending on location. Participating organisations include Heart of Football, Share the Dignity, Endometriosis Australia, Football Futures Foundation, 4Voices, Women’s Health and Equality Queensland, Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Gold Coast Public Health Unit and Gaining Ground.
Deployment will vary by venue – Perth Stadium will host five partner organisations, while Perth Rectangular Stadium will feature two. Gold Coast Stadium and Stadium Australia will accommodate a broader mix of national and state-based charities, with Western Sydney Stadium confirmed to host Heart of Football.
Tournament organisers say the model is intended to create a more ‘inclusive and socially connected’ fan environment while reinforcing women’s football’s growing role within Australian communities.
Chief Operating Officer AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Local Organising Committee Sarah Walsh said: “The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is more than a tournament – it’s a platform to inspire and empower.
“These matches shouldn’t be missed, and we want the experience around them to be just as memorable. By placing health and wellbeing at the heart of the fan experience, we’re encouraging everyone to Dream Fearless and be part of something bigger. We thank these great charities for helping deliver what will be a truly great match-day experience.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1771518417labto1771518417ofdlr1771518417owedi1771518417sni@g1771518417niwe.1771518417yrrah1771518417
