The nation stopped to watch the Matildas take on the soccer world last month but according to Joanna Tweedie, it won’t be the last attraction on the way.…..
After the Matilda’s heart-stopping quarter final win over France, the French coach, Herve Renard, congratulated his players, “for playing so well against an entire nation.”
The Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup undoubtedly garnered unifying support across the country.
In doing so, Australia’s team have shattered long-held myths about a lack of consumer interest and commercial value in women’s sport. The blinding truth—how wrong they were— cannot be unseen.
Amidst sold-out stadiums, record viewership and palpable enthusiasm across the country, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup can be recognised as a key moment in the history of a nation famously obsessed with sport. Beyond being a moment in history, a line in the sand has been drawn.
Over 11.15 million Australians watched the Matildas’ semi-final against England. Reports of these figures have been met with applause from all corners—politicians, corporations, media, and the public are united in recognising the significance. A wave of social media posts and articles have celebrated these formidable statistics.
The resounding message: how wrong they were.
Politicians have now stepped forward with promises of additional funding for women’s sport. Business leaders are touting new sponsorship deals for women athletes.
Welcome change, it appears, is here. Yet, a lasting impact is dependent upon redefining the way women’s sport is valued in Australia.
A meaningful legacy requires collective recognition of how wrong we were
The Matildas have epitomised what it is to overcome systemic barriers and to challenge archaic attitudes.
The gender inequality in sport runs deep. Many of those who now offer remedies, have also been complicit in perpetuating the existing structures and beliefs.
The funding and support for women’s sport is to be applauded, but with caution. The Matildas deserve every ounce of the love and promises received. Australia is not yet worthy of the Matildas.
The legacy require investment in both in the cream and the crop Matilda captain, Sam Kerr, has been quick to highlight the lack of funding in grassroots football for women.
These deficits exist broadly in women’s sport. Balancing long-standing inequities will require addressing barriers to access and the limited participation and competition pathways.
Matilda’s goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold, stated “the legacy we wanted to leave throughout this World Cup, to inspire the generation coming through.”
There is no doubt that the Matildas have achieved that mission; the next generation is inspired. Whether inspiration translates to a new sporting landscape will depend upon major reform.
The legacy of this World Cup reaches beyond inspiring girls’ participation in football.
The Matildas have underscored the legitimacy of elite women’s sport
Historically, investment in sport has followed the idea that women’s sport lacks consumer interest and is unworthy of corporate investment.
Without investment, elite female competitions have remained underdeveloped which has in turn, sustained the fallacy. Changes to government and corporate support for domestic elite competition will be critical to advancing Australian sport beyond this World Cup.
There is much work to do.
We can’t rest: #TilitsDone
