To celebrate Female Football February, we will be highlighting stories from our community that showcase the pathways and participation opportunities that exist for women and girls within football.
Today, Emma Robers reflects on falling in love with football and how, through FV’s Youth Leadership Program, she has transitioned from a participant into a successful football administrator.
My football journey started at five years old with Goal Kick at Sandringham SC. I was drawn to the game as my dad is football crazy and my two older brothers played - Anything my brothers could do I wanted to do better!
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The biggest and best reason that I love football is because of the community that comes with it. Not just the friendships between teammates but the friendships off the field too with coaches, mentors, volunteers and club representatives. You really feel like you are a part of something special and nothing can beat that feeling.
I’m lucky to have had so many great memories in football. If I had to choose one, 2019 was most definitely a highlight for me. Being captain at Calder United, where we won all four available trophies (Community Shield, Nike FC Cup, Premiers and Championship Winners) was so memorable and not just for the silverware but more so for the amazing group of girls I got to experience the year with. On top of that it was the year that I earned my first W League contract with Melbourne Victory which had been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl.
When I was approached to apply for the Youth Leadership Program, I immediately accepted. Being able to come together with similar-minded young females, all of whom have a passion for football and to grow as leaders. It was a very unique experience.
I wanted to learn how to get more young females involved and inspire the next generation. My experience was exactly that. Not only did I develop more skills to lead which could be adapted to all avenues of life (not just football), but I also left with a burning motivation to do more and give more for the sport I love. It was a fantastic program that I would highly recommend to any young females!
The transition from a participant to administrator almost happened almost overnight. I had my interview for the job one day, found out I got the role the next day and had my first day in the office the day after that!
After the Youth Leadership program and having been in the game for many years now in both a community and professional space, I knew that my passion was football and that I wanted to work in an organization that cherishes the world game as much as I do. Being on the back end of football where I know I could create change and help grow the game is something I really value and makes the job even more rewarding.
If there are any women or girls out there thinking about trying football, I’d say do it!! Don’t be afraid to give it a go, you really wont regret it. If you’re nervous to come by yourself then drag a friend along with you. There are so many amazing clubs, people and new friends just waiting to be made that I can guarantee once you’ve had a go you won’t look back. Secondly even if playing the sport isn’t your passion you can still get involved in our game through refereeing, coaching, volunteering etc. There really is something for everyone.
I remember when I was just starting out there weren’t very many girls’ teams. I played with boys for years before transitioning to girls’ competitions. There is so many more opportunities, programs, gala days, and general support that wasn’t there before. The quality of facilities, training and everything has improved so much in recent years. People are really starting to care about and invest in the women’s game.
If you're interested in finding your football fit, learn how you can get involved at www.playfootball.com.au