Middle Park FC has reached a historic milestone in its journey toward equal representation, with the launch of its first-ever women’s team set to compete in 2025.
On Sunday, March 23, the newly formed side made an unforgettable debut, securing a 3-2 victory over Maribyrnong Swifts (SL5) in a friendly match. Just 12 months ago, the idea of a women’s team was merely a dream for the club, as reflected by Club President Megan Drysdale.
Reflecting on the journey, Megan shared, “We heard the usual doubts: 'We’re not ready. It won’t work.' But here we are—gearing up for the season, with training, social outings, and friendlies already underway. Success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about having a structured strategy and clear goals, and a team that backs the vision.”
This exciting development at Middle Park FC is directly contributing to Football Victoria’s (FV) strategic goal of achieving a 50/50 gender balance in football participation by 2027. By increasing female representation and providing a platform for women and girls to compete, the club is helping to drive the broader vision of inclusivity and empowerment within the sport.
Leandro Mercaldi, FV’s Metro Development Coordinator, emphasised the importance of this progress, saying, “It’s fantastic to see a club like Middle Park FC leading the way with female representation. The commitment to gender balance and providing opportunities for women to shine on and off the pitch is essential for the future of football. Middle Park’s efforts are a shining example of how a community can truly embrace inclusivity and change.”
The club’s commitment to inclusion has been bolstered by Megan Drysdale’s leadership, with a noticeable increase in female participation at Middle Park. From just 7 members in 2020, the club’s female membership has grown to 104 in 2024.
Megan’s passion and dedication to inclusivity didn’t go unnoticed, as she was named the 2024 Female Football Week Champion of the Year, an honour that highlights her drive to empower women in sport. “Middle Park FC is more than just a club; it’s a community. We’re ready to make history,” Drysdale said.