Perth Glory Coach Urges Investment in Australia’s Overlooked Women’s League
Stephen Peters, the coach of Perth Glory Women, has expressed concern over the lack of investment in Australia’s women’s A-League. This situation remains despite the momentum from the Matildas’ success at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In a landscape where the men’s team has faced challenges, the women’s squad has become a beacon of hope for Australian football.
Investment Needed in Women’s League
Perth Glory’s women’s side regularly attracts around 1,000 dedicated fans, contrasting sharply with the men’s team, which has drawn over 5,000 for their worst-attended match this season. Ahead of a crucial game against Central Coast Mariners, Peters highlighted a plateau in progress due to insufficient financial support.
“Our league seems to get forgotten,” he stated. Peters questioned whether the financial rewards of the Matildas’ achievements are being redirected into the league. He emphasized the need for improved governance, better player wages, and the integration of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, which is notably absent in the A-League.
Current Player Conditions
Most players in the A-League women’s division currently sign contracts that last for fewer than nine months, with a minimum salary of $26,500. Peters aims to secure year-round contracts for players to help them focus on injury prevention during the off-season. Many are resorting to playing in second-tier leagues to support themselves financially.
- Current minimum salary: $26,500
- Contract duration: Less than nine months
- Players often hold multiple jobs
Mischa Anderson, a proud member of Glory, shared her struggles balancing multiple jobs while trying to excel in her sport. “It’s quite hard for a lot of us girls to be professional athletes,” the 19-year-old noted. Many players find that their performance may suffer due to the lack of focus on their football careers.
Looking to the Future
Further indicating the growth potential of women’s football, defender Onyinyechi Zogg remarked on the matchup between Australia’s A-League and the professionalized leagues in countries like England. The English league underwent full professionalization in 2018 and has since witnessed significant increases in spectator attendance.
With the upcoming AFC Asian Cup in March, Zogg remains hopeful that increased visibility will drive improvements in the league. She expressed a desire for Australian football to prioritize 12-month contracts for players, enabling them to focus entirely on development.
Report Highlights Decline
A report released by Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) revealed a concerning trend for the women’s A-League, showcasing a 26% decrease in attendance for the 2024-25 season compared to the previous year. This downturn occurs despite rising interest in women’s football on the global stage.
Newly appointed Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler acknowledged this challenge and the overarching untapped potential in women’s sports. He committed to collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen women’s football in Australia. Kugeler’s deputy, Heather Garriock, announced a structural change where there will be distinct heads for men’s and women’s football, aiming to enhance focus on women’s sports moving forward.
