Following a historic year for our game, International Women's Day (IWD) provides us with the perfect opportunity to reflect on our achievements, while highlighting the exciting programs and milestones taking place in 2024.
The theme for 2024 IWD is #InspireInclusion. Collectively, we can strive for equity and create an environment that is free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.
The Victorian football family is already leading the way with equity and momentum continues to grow by the day. We saw the embers ignited during the FIFA Women's World Cup, when our stadiums and fan zones overflowed, our community was united and the next generation of footballers were inspired.
In 2024, momentum continues to grow stronger by the day. Football Victoria (FV) is thrilled to see that more women and girls than ever are now playing, coaching, refereeing and working in our great game.
50-year anniversary of Women’s Football in Victoria
While women and girls were playing football in Victoria as early as the 1950’s, the formation of the Victorian Women’s Soccer Association did not occur until December 1973. Several clubs across Melbourne gathered in unison to form the competition, which kicked off in earnest in 1974.
The first season of organised competition involved eleven teams divided into two zones that would ultimately play off for League and Cup titles.
Melton were crowned champions, defeating Greensborough 3-2 in the Grand Final, while Green Gully won the Cup with a 2-1 win over Melton in a replayed final. The inaugural season featured future Australian international and Victorian representative stalwarts, with trailblazers like Shona Bass, Andrea Martin, Janette Melvin and Monika Werner all making their mark throughout the era.
These pioneers laid the foundations for the sport we know today. FV looks forward to celebrating this significant milestone throughout 2024, stay tuned for more information!
The Club Changer Program: 270 Victorian Clubs and Counting
Designed to empower clubs and create sustainable, inclusive cultures, the Club Changer Program has been an incredible success since it was launched in 2023.
To achieve a 1-Star Rating, Clubs are required to complete the Women's and Girls Module, then work alongside FV's Club Development Officers to form an action plan. These action plans are tailor made Clubs to elevate their female football offerings and create tangible benefits for women and girls in the sport.
The response from Victorian Clubs has been simply overwhelming. To date, 277 Clubs have completed the module, with 237 officially being credited with a 1-Star Rating. This leads all other states by a significant margin and is a testament to the Victorian football community's commitment to equity.
To celebrate the success of the program and assist Clubs on achieving a 2-Star Rating (for Child Safeguarding), FV recently held the inaugural Club Changer Experience. The event united registered Club Changer Clubs at The Home of The Matildas for a day of workshops and on-field activities.
The Home of The Matildas
Since it was officially opened in June 2023, The Home of The Matildas has revolutionised football in our state. The $101 million facility, located at La Trobe University (Bundoora) is fit for the world's best athletes. Most importantly though, it is providing grassroots footballers a chance to play and train at an elite venue for the first time.
To date, the facility has hosted a range of Clubs and events that symbolise it as a hub for inclusion, growth and change including: Melbourne Victory Women, The National Para Football Championships, FV Emerging, Boys & Girls Talent ID Camps, community Clubs, NPLW Clubs, the Women & Girls Extravaganza, Nike FC Cup Grand Final, MiniRoos activations and much, much more.
The drive for equity extends well beyond the facility's design, with all partnerships and service providers asked to demonstrate their commitment to gender equity.
The venue is experiencing an enormous demand for bookings in 2024. To enquire about availability, contact us here.
Constitutional Reform: Gender equity at all levels of the game
At December's Special General Meeting, it was voted by an overwhelming majority that FV's Constitution would change to include equity moving forward.
As a part of the Constitutional Reform, it was passed that ‘Chairman’ be changed to ‘Chairperson’ throughout the document; and FV adopt a 40:40:20 requirement in its Constitution as an objective for all Members.
This proposal reinforces the objective of 40% male, 40% female and 20% of any gender identity for our members, committees, and Board.
The reform represents a significant positive shift for our game and the vote was a powerful statement by FV's Members.
2023-24 Change Our Game Women in Sports Media Program
The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation recently announced the expansion of the 2023-24 Change Our Game Women in Sports Media Program. The program is designed to support women who have an interest in sports media and kick start their careers.
Participants are provided with practical skills and advice, and access established industry mentors including Kelli Underwood, Nat Edwards and Rana Hussain.
Women and Girls in Refereeing
In late February, FV announced a historic milestone. In 2024 we have hit 1000 registered referees, a number that continues to grow every day!
This remarkable achievement will create benefits for the entire football community and a huge factor has been the increasing number of females who have signed up to officiate in 2024.
To help support this, FV and Macron hosted the first ever exclusive referee course for women, girls and gender diverse people - and it was entirely free. Taking place ahead of season 2024, the course received unprecedented interest and has helped kick-start the journey for a new wave of referees.
With so many new starters, it's important to acknowledge the female leaders within the refereeing community who have led the way for some time. While there are many, FV sends a special congratulations to Kate Jacewicz, who recently announced her retirement from the Australian Match Official FIFA International List.
An inspiration and icon of our game, Kate will continue her work domestically in the A-Leagues and as a FIFA-listed international video match official.
If you are interested in becoming a referee, visit the Referee Hub here.
How to Get Involved in Social or Competitive Football
There have never been so many programs for women and girls to get involved in our great game!
Club Football (MiniRoos, Juniors and Seniors)
Regardless of your age, skill level or experience there is a Club for you! Find your perfect football fit through the link below.
GO Girls
Social, non-competitive football for 12-16 year olds. It's designed for girls to experience, learn and practice our game in an inclusive, fun, all-girl environment.
GO Soccer Mums
It's not just for mums - but for all women, from all walks of life! GO Soccer Mums is all about having fun, meeting new people, and learning basic football skills in a social environment.
Women's Football Sevens
The social, 7-a-side game is perfect for women and girls of all skill levels and is a great way to start playing football, even if you've never tried it before.
Walking Football
A small-sided, low-impact, modified version of the game, suitable for all levels of ability and fitness, from people who are returning to sport after a break or those who have never played before. Walking Football is all about exercise, social connection and keeping active.
All Abilities Football
FV is committed to ensuring all players with a disability have access to play football in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. All Abilities includes programs for wheelchair and powerchair athletes, people with vision impairment, people with acquired brain injuries and much more.