On International Women’s Day, football celebrates some of its key personnel at every level of the game, writes Tom Smithies
At eight years old, Lilja Storey already knows exactly why she loves playing football. The Collingwood City FC junior has already been playing for years, and has a lifetime of involvement in the game ahead of her.
“It’s really fun, it’s exciting and it gives you exercise,” she says simply. “I get to be on teams with people, I like working with my team.”
On International Women’s Day, Lilja isn’t short of role models to see how the nation’s most inclusive game could take her almost anywhere. When she declares that playing football as she gets older could “let me learn new skills and have nice teammates,” she could be talking about myriad routes through the game – from playing grassroots football to reaching the Matildas, assuming honourary roles or securing senior executive positions.
Lilja reckons that her role models include “anyone who’s good at soccer” – here, KEEPUP brings you just a very small sample.
Bella Bozzi
Central Coast Mariners assistant physiotherapist
During my last year at Macquarie University I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to do an internship at the Mariners, and it led to a paid position afterwards. I’ve played and coached football for years so I jumped at the chance. I get inspired by all the successful women in my life: people like my mum, like Mel Woods (former Mariners kit manager) and like Angela Cullen, Lewis Hamilton’s physio. For anyone looking at this path, it’s not as scary as you think – the only thing stopping you is yourself.
Caroline Carnegie
Managing director, Melbourne Victory
I first got involved in football by going along to Victory games with my husband, who was then my partner. Then I was working at a law firm K&L Gates where I was partner before I started here, and started off providing legal services to Melbourne Victory. I joined as company secretary then joined as a director as well as company secretary, and I now find myself as managing director. I think every job has its challenges but the best part of my job is the people. We have football and administration working so closely together, it is a privilege to be part of this club.
Ann Odong
Football Australia media officer
I was inspired by a woman in WA called Penny Tanner. She ran this radio program which still runs today called the World Football Program, and as a 21-year-old, she let me come into the show and become a co-host. I learned so much from her, I learned how to interview, I learned how to build networks and contacts. But also, most importantly, I think I learned what it was to be a professional. And I really learned how to be… I guess the word is believing in who I am and what I could be, just because she believed in me as well.
Rosalie Viney
President, Hurlstone Park Wanderers FC, Sydney
What’s most rewarding is seeing how football creates community and vice versa. Watching girls’ teams transition to adult teams because playing club football has become part of what they do and how they define themselves. Seeing how those players inspire other women to play, to coach and to referee in the game. And Saturday morning at our park, with little kids playing, their families watching and our junior players as game leaders is really what it is all about.
Kelly Jones
A-Leagues referee
I first got involved in football when I was 13. I started playing for my local club and loved it. When Football NSW organised a female only referee course, I thought it would be a great idea to earn some pocket money and attended the course with my mum and friends. I was inspired by Sarah Ho. I remember vividly watching her officiate on the A-League as the first female to do so, and thinking how impressive that was. Achieving and succeeding in the top women’s league in Australia has been most rewarding. I have witnessed the sport grow and thrive during the past 10 years.
Princess Ibini
Sydney FC & The Matildas
I first started getting involved in football when I was about four years old. Both my older brothers were playing and I was just (playing with them) at the park ever since then. Both my brothers have inspired me on and off the field, and (Brazil star) Marta was always a big inspiration to me as well, even Serena Williams. The most rewarding part is meeting the fans and just doing what you love with your friends and travelling. For anyone following this path I’d say, just be yourself. Don’t worry about anyone else, just be happy in what you’re doing.
Tara Rushton
Channel 10 & Paramount Plus presenter
Living in London in the early 2000’s I fell in love with Arsenal, and I started working on the game from 2010 presenting a weekly live EPL wrap show in Singapore called Tiger Goals on Sunday. My constant inspiration throughout my career has been, and will forever be, my late Mum. My Mum always encouraged me and pushed me to ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’. She was a true wonder woman and will always drive me to do better, be better and strive for more.
Katalina Haddad
Born Offside podcast host
Every message I get from a young woman who tells me they listen to the podcast means the world to me. Make connections with people who have similar interests with you as they will inspire you. If you’re thinking about something a lot – just go for it. Whether it’s social media, journalism or being a professional footballer, the key is to just start. Every step you take towards your goal is something to be celebrated. Do something every day that leads you closer to your goals. You got this!
Jane Fernandez
Co-COO, 2023 Women’s World Cup
I have had so many highs in this game, but the highlight has to be winning the rights to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. That was just an epic ride. Being able to actually pull the team together, develop the bid concept, drive that from the very beginning, was just phenomenal, and then still to be involved is also quite rare. It’s very rare that you have people that worked on a bid that actually continue through. So for me, that’s the highlight. But ask me again on the 20th of August 2023.
