With the W-League season commencing this weekend, it feels unusual for me not to be actively involved, or at least following the latest news of what’s happening in the women’s game.
I remember as a player, I used to wonder why so many of my ex-teammates, the legends who went before, weren’t involved in the game anymore. Socceroos have always been welcomed into prominent positions in football once they’ve retired. It seemed obvious that former Matildas would be leading and shaping the women’s game moving forward.
Retiring from playing, I was so passionate to continue in the game and give back my experience and achievements, to help develop and propel the sport forward. I still felt motivated to give more and achieve more.
I tried to be involved, completing my coaching qualifications, applying for jobs, devoting my time to gaining experience in the coaching role and being active in the local women’s leagues – wherever I could, inspiring young ‘soccer chicks’, all the while waiting for the invitation to be involved at a high level once again.
I now understand why other former players are not in the game anymore.
I’m actually very happy with where life’s taken me. Having a full-time coaching gig with IFS is my dream job. But I’m sad for the game, that one of it’s most accomplished has nothing to do with it anymore.
Look at the issues women in football are still facing today, such as the most decorated of players having to fundraise to play in this season’s W-League. You can count on one hand the number of full-time women’s coaching roles in this country. It is with a heavy heart that I am not optimistic that, in my life-time, we will see women’s football reach the basic professional standards that I would be proud to strive to be a part of, rather than the short, expensive, exhilarating yet sacrificial ride, that is being a female footballer in this country.
Joey
As they say, “It’s a MAN’s world”.
I saw a TV programme last night that praised the girls for working so hard to achieve good grades at college, in the belief that it will get them a good job with prospects.
It went on to say that even the ‘average male student’ will be in higher paid positions, with better career prospects, than most the high-achieving females. And that is the most depressing thing /reality of life.
You have tried, Joey; not expected to do more than that.
Don’t despair Joey, my daughter tried out for and made the Womens Academy on the encouragement of you being the coach. Unfortunately, and I don’t understand how, a MAN runs the womens coach and say so. Why bother. Men should NOT be involved in the Womens sport. My daughter left. In this instance, they lost a great player along with a greater coach. Cheers. Lisa 🙂
The scene hasn’t changed much over the years Joey – Australian and State representatives and their families having to work so hard to make enough money to finance their trips. In the fledgling years, there was many a long night making lamingtons and other goodies for cake stalls, Raffles, various forms of fundraising, Letters seeking sponsorship or just items to sell as well as many families having to dig deep to top up. It just doesn’t seem to get much easier for the Women. Admittedly there has been more recognition with televised games and better media coverage along with more opportunities for the girls to train without having to work each day but when it comes to having to front up with the costs of representing, that is when the going gets tough, especially at the Elite level where the women represent their Country for many years. This, along with very few opportunities for involvement is the main reason the game loses so much talent,knowledge and experience.
Let’s get Simani the traitor!!! It’s about having a market for the women’s league here in Australia first. Just 2 years ago it was still unsure whether the HAL was even viable. Like it or not, more men watch sport therefore sport preso’s, marketing and products (beer)are pitched at blokes. It rates well TV stations televise and get money for advertising. Advertisers see the teams have a following, sponsor them and so the big wheel starts to turn. HOPEFULLY the WWL will thrive off the back of a successful HAL because….women’s footy is AWESOME. The last women’s World Cup and more recently AUST V CANADA is some of the best, fastest paced and intelligent football I’ve EVER seen. Man those girls go for it. Id love to see more free to air coverage and a women’s Mariners team back in it. More girls going to games is whats needed and as the HAL fan base grows so will women’s football and the careers within it. For now Joey, your going to be our best kept secret.
Thanks for your comments guys, was a hard one write, but felt necessary to share. The more we can talk about the limitations, hopefully the more it will bring action towards solutions.