Chinese women's football team based at Deakin ahead of Matildas clash

Sport and Recreation Manager Andrew Crowley welcomed the partnership, which will see the Chinese squad prepare for their big game at Deakin's Elite Sports Precinct oval.

"Deakin University is honoured to host the Chinese women's national football team as they train for their much-anticipated match against the Westfield Matildas at GMHBA Stadium," Mr Crowley said.

The $8.1 million Elite Sports Precinct features an eight-lane athletics track accredited by the International Association of Athletics Federations, a baseball diamond, basketball and netball courts, and an MCG-size AFL oval replete with sports lighting.

"Since being established in 2016, the Elite Sports Precinct has hosted more than 30,000 people at training, coaching and sporting events - from the elite athletes of the Japanese and English Nitro Athletic teams to local community teams such as the Deakin Ducks Football Club," Mr Crowley said.

"We also operate as a second elite training facility for the Geelong Cats Football Club, and we are immensely proud to sponsor the Geelong VFLW team as they progress to their 2019 debut in the AFLW competition."

The precinct plays a vital role for the Deakin School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, which has been named the best in the world by the Shanghai Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments for both 2016 and 2017.

"Our world-class facilities and dedicated researchers and training staff have cemented our place as a global leader in the field of sports education," Mr Crowley said.

The Chinese women's national football team training sessions will be held Friday, November 24.

Players from the Deakin Ducks FC women's side will take the field at GMHBA Stadium on November 26, performing a lap with other local FFA clubs ahead of the Matildas' big game.