The contribution of women to football in Australia was the focus as Football Federation Australia hosted its inaugural Women in Football Business Breakfast function in Sydney yesterday (Wednesday).
Former Westfield Matildas and business leaders were among a panel that discussed how football is striving to be the leading organisation for females in sport.
The event saw Catherine McGregor AM deliver a keynote address, while FFA board member Moya Dodd and CEO David Gallop were joined by former internationals Tal Karp and Craig Foster.
NAB executive Angela Mentis was also part of the panel chaired by ABC TV presenter Leigh Sales
Topics discussed ranged from how women’s football has evolved in Australia to the reforms taking place at FIFA HQ, while David Gallop outlined FFA’s plan to work with the PFA to develop a CBA for the women’s game.
“30 years ago FIFA first had women's tournaments - I played in that first tournament,” recalled Dodd.
“We were around before that, but just on the sideline.
“We had a fast start around WWI. In 1920, 50,000 people packed in to Goodison Park to watch a women's club game.
“Then when it was banned, it's taken decades to get back on the park. It's grown incredibly.
“The game in this country has had its own story. We remember when it was just for sheilas, wogs, and poofters. That's changed now.
“Now, you go to a Socceroos game and you see people of all colours and creeds. Together. And it's great.
“Despite all the neglect, women's football has grown massively. The game has transformed.”
Former Matilda and Football Victoria board member Tal Karp recounted fond memories of her football journey.
“My mum tells this story. Watching the men's World Cup as a seven-year-old, I jumped and told everyone I was going to do that one day,” said Karp.
“[However] I was told there wasn't a local girls team at my local club. I got told to go play with dolls or something more gender appropriate.
“For my first years of playing, the barrier wasn't my ability. It was where I was going to get changed.
“At 22 I made that dream that I set as a seven year old and I made a World Cup team.”
Former Socceroo and SBS football analyst Craig Foster paid tribute to the sacrifices made by former Matildas to help get them to the level they are at today.
“We can't forget that. It reflected the passion they have. In our game, we face more challenges than any other sport.
"We need innovation, we need thinking. Our women bring that in abundance.
"Now the goal for Australia is to win a World Cup."