SBS's Biwa Kwan spoke to the founder of non-profit Gaining Ground WA, Kris Marano, for her reaction to the funding and what impact it could have.
TRANSCRIPT
KRIS MARANO:
What really well-sustained participation (looks like) when we talk about the next year after the Women's World Cup or the next five years, or a lifetime... It really is about the support. How we show up for each other, how we communicate; encouraging communication to the younger girls.
Right now, we see a lot of traditional communication within clubs a sort of tougher (language) like: why are you kicking like that? Or why are you doing that? Sometimes it's just even in the physical body language. It might be a coach throwing their arms down.
So we need more training and tools and resources around that. So women and girls will feel like they belong within their team. They have a good relationship with their coach, and they want to stay at their club. And that's the sort of healthier communication that starts within our clubs, and can have a really powerful effect; extending into our communities.
BIWA KWAN:
And you mentioned there, the expert panel of former players, including former Matilda's player, you've got a basketball legend and Liz Ellis, you've got a Paralympian. It's four well-established, high-achieving women on that panel.
The draft guidelines are still yet to be developed, they'll be crucial in forming the shape of this program. What are your thoughts on that element of bringing those women into this process?
KRIS MARANO:
It's really, really important. I think, especially women who've been coming up in sport for so many years. What's happening with the Matildas now and what they've created is everything that they would have hoped they had over the years, or that they've tried to implement and maybe the timing wasn't right.
So they would have been exposed to all the similar challenges over the years of playing sport, no matter what sport it is. I think someone like Tal Karp, especially just seeing the messages that she's sharing online as the leader of the Y (YMCA) on the east coast. She's talking about social change, and the need to see people as human beings.
So I feel really great about that leadership, I also hope - and we'll see what happens - that there will be some younger girls and women who will be asked to be part of that panel, or at least engaged. Because they're the ones that are on the ground playing at the clubs, and they know what women and girls need. So to have the opportunity to be asked: What do you actually need - and to have that listened to and then implemented - will be key to all of this.
BIWA KWAN:
The grant guidelines are still being developed at the moment. I guess your organisation could be one that could be applying for such a grant. What do you feel about the quantum of money being offered here? $200 million for women's sports, all women's sports, not just football/soccer. Is that enough?
KRIS MARANO:
Hard to say without knowing how it's all going to move forward. I think just the fact that the federal government is putting that money forward is enough at such a pivotal time with the World Cup closing.
I can speak to WA as well - I hope that we see some more leadership from our Department of Sport and Rec (Recreation) and that there will be a greater investment as well. So a little bit hard to say right now. We'll see how it unfolds.
BIWA KWAN:
Yes, the state governments around the country, there's been different contributions offered - anywhere between 10 million and I think 38 million might be the highest.
But also in the package, there are some rules here around broadcasting rights, a push to make sure that free-to-air broadcasting of women's sports is seen as the first option before online streaming services take control of that. What are your thoughts on that move there?
KRIS MARANO:
I think it's wonderful because I think that's a big thing that's been talked about with this World Cup. How do we make the sport more visible? How do we increase accessibility? How does that become more fair? So everyone can see what they can aspire to be. If we can't see it, we can't be it. We can't evolve the game.
So I think it's very welcome. And I think that sort of visibility and accessibility just needs to extend to how do we make the sport more affordable as well - so kids can realise their capabilities. It can be very expensive for parents to pay fees depending on where you are in WA.
BIWA KWAN:
A lot of fans were disappointed that the Matildas didn't win against England in the semifinals. What are your reflections on what's been achieved here by the Matildas performance in this Women's World Cup?
KRIS MARANO:
I think they've been absolutely incredible. I think they've shown us what self-belief looks like. The Matildas have been ranked - I think - it's number 10 among other giants like Canada and the US. But they always say that soccer is 90 per cent mental and 10 per cent technical. I think Matildas have just shown us mental strength, resilience, teamwork, friendship - all sorts of virtues that are so important in life; and (they) have shown us what's possible.
They've just completely captured everyone's hearts. And you see that too from friends and family and people getting around the game who maybe have never even paid attention to football. They've been incredible and they're showing us what the future can look like as well.
