Football Australia and Ogilvy Launch "Dream Team" AI and Children's Book-Inspired Podcast Series.

Roger Hampel
Jul 22, 2024
3 min read

Roger Hampel

Football Australia has partnered with Ogilvy to launch the “Dream Team,” an innovative AI and Children’s Book-inspired podcast series. This series will chronicle the Matildas’ journey in the Paris 2024™ Olympic Games, aiming to boost the popularity and participation of football among the next generation.

Podcast Series Launch

The Dream Team Storytime series will feature Matildas’ captain Steph Catley narrating the story of each match, allowing fans to relive the action while they were asleep. Episodes will be available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, accompanied by short animated clips to enhance the storytelling experience.

Matildas’ Olympic Campaign Football Australia Ogilvy

The Matildas, recognized as Australia’s Favourite National Sporting Team, will kick off their Olympic campaign on July 25, facing world-ranked number four, Germany, at 3.00am AEST. All three of Australia’s group stage matches are scheduled for 3.00am AEST, presenting a challenge for young fans to watch live.

Football Australia CEO’s Vision

James Johnson, Football Australia CEO, emphasized the initiative’s significance: “The Dream Team series is a groundbreaking initiative that underscores our commitment to connecting with the next generation of football fans. By blending the excitement of the Matildas’ Olympic journey with the magic of storytelling, we hope to inspire young Australians to dream big and engage with the beautiful game. This innovative approach allows us to bring the joy and excitement of the Olympic Games into homes across Australia, ensuring that no one misses out on the action.”

Collaboration with Ogilvy

Ogilvy’s collaboration has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. Hillary Badger, Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy Melbourne and an author of over 20 children’s books, has played a key role in developing the series. She explained, “The Matildas are Australia’s most loved sporting team, and they made a huge impact culturally during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™. Football Australia and Ogilvy captured the team’s never-say-die attitude with the ‘Til It’s Done’ campaign, which the whole nation adopted. The Dream Team series answers the creative challenge of maintaining that spotlight during the Olympics.”

Access and Availability

The Dream Team story series will be written in real-time during and immediately after each match, with episodes released later the same day. Ogilvy is responsible for the creative idea, illustration, writing, AI build, and asset rollout. The series is available for free, providing easy access to inspiring content for young fans.

Australia's Match Schedule at Paris 2024™ Olympic Games

Germany vs. Australia
- Date: Thursday 25 July 2024 (local) / Friday 26 July 2024 (AEST)
- Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am AEST
- Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France
- Broadcast: Channel 9, 9Now & Stan Sport (Australia)
Australia vs. Zambia
- Date: Sunday 28 July 2024 (local) / Monday 29 July 2024 (AEST)
- Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am AEST
- Venue: Stade de Nice, Nice, France
- Broadcast: Channel 9, 9Now & Stan Sport (Australia)
Australia vs. United States
- Date: Wednesday 31 July 2024 (local) / Thursday 1 August 2024 (AEST)
- Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am AEST
- Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France
- Broadcast: Channel 9, 9Now & Stan Sport (Australia)

The Dream Team series is a creative and innovative way to keep young fans engaged with the Matildas’ journey during the Paris 2024™ Olympic Games. Through storytelling and technology, Football Australia aims to inspire the next generation of football enthusiasts across the nation.

Source: Football Australia