England given special Aboriginal welcome to Women’s World Cup

The England women’s national team arrived in Australia for the Women’s World Cup and were greeted with a special Aboriginal ceremony.

In front of a crowd of around 3,000 people, the Lionesses were welcomed to the country by Her Excellency Vicki Treadell, British High Commissioner to Australia; Mark Jamieson, Sunshine Coast Mayor; Emma Thomas, Sunshine Coast Council CEO, as well as members of the Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi people.

The Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi people held a smoking ceremony, which is an Aboriginal custom to welcome and bring good luck, as well as ward off evil spirits.

“Thank you so much for this warm welcome and the nice ceremony,” said England head coach Sarina Wiegman. “We came here with a dream and we like to make dreams come true.”