Football Victoria is saddened to learn of the passing of inaugural Hall of Fame inductee and Life Member, Betty Hoar. A genuine pioneer of Women’s football in Australia and Victoria, Betty leaves a lasting legacy through her unwavering dedication to growing the sport she loved.
Born in war-torn England in 1942, Betty moved to London aged 17, where she met Mick Hoar and within two years, she was married and playing football with the Luton Ladies football team, coached by her husband. It was the beginning of a partnership which extended to Australia as the couple migrated to Melbourne in 1970.
With Women’s football growing in pockets of south-east Melbourne, Betty followed the lead of Jaqueline Ager (Frankston Pines) and Lynette McKernan (Doveton) in the north-east, playing an integral role in forming Greensborough Ladies Soccer team in 1974, the club which would become synonymous with Women’s football in Victoria over the ensuing decade, winning ten consecutive League Championships.
As the Victorian Women’s Soccer Association (VWSA) neared its first anniversary, Betty was invited to sit on the committee by the conclusion of the 1974 season, fulfilling the role of Team Manager when Victoria travelled to New South Wales in August for the inaugural National Championships staged by the Australian Women’s Soccer Association (AWSA). However, the withdrawal of several players would result in Betty pulling on the jersey and proudly representing her state.
While playing with Greensborough, Betty’s initial role with the VWSA was as Registrar, before she was eventually elected Secretary in 1984. An administrator by chance rather than choice, Betty excelled in her favourite role of Team Manager, often assisting her husband Mick when he was Head Coach with the Victorian State team. Betty was quickly recognised by AWSA officialdom, elected as Secretary in 1979 (a position she held for five consecutive years) while serving as Team Manager on tours to New Zealand (1981), Hawaii (1983) and New Caledonia (1983). Betty was also appointed Director of Coaches and Referees before retiring from the AWSA in 1990.
The VWSA recognised Betty’s tireless efforts by commissioning the Hoar-Melvin Award in 1991 (the naming of which is shared with fellow Hall of Famer Janette Melvin). Presented to the most valuable junior state team player the award counts as winners iconic Matildas and Young Matildas Louisa Bisby, Melissa Barbieri, Amy Jackson and Brianna Davey, all of whom benefited from the foundational structures laid by Betty and her contemporaries.
A testament to the legacy of Betty Hoar’s involvement in football, she was bestowed with Life Membership by both the VWSA (1982) and AWSA (1986), honours recognised by Football Victoria and Football Australia respectively. A winner of the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, Betty was inducted into the National Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Football Victoria Hall of Fame in 2010 - the latter honour shared with Harry Dockerty and Jimmy Rooney as inaugural inductees.
Former Executive Director of the AWSA, Heather Reid recalls Betty as pivotal to the growth of Women’s football in Australia:
“Betty was a pioneering contributor to Victorian and Australian women’s football. Along with Elaine Watson and Irene Sneyd, she formed a trifecta of early National Team Managers which set the pace for countless others to walk in their footsteps. Betty was at the heart of a generation of inspirational and strong women at the forefront of our game.”
Matilda #2 and Victorian State representative as both a player and pioneering coach, Shona Bass shared a lifetime in football with Betty Hoar:
“From a 15 year-old playing in the same team for many years, to Betty being a manager of teams I coached (State and National), to Betty being instrumental in the administration of Victorian and National women’s football. Her contributions were tireless and always with goodwill and generosity. We can thank Betty for so much that we take for granted today. Mostly what I will keep close in my memory was Betty as a person - a real gem for sure.”
Football Victoria Chief Executive Officer Dan Birrell paid tribute to a genuine pioneer of Women’s football in Victoria.
Trailblazer, pioneer, leader, innovator. These words carry such weight and imagery yet all capture and exemplify the tireless work and relentless focus Betty had in promoting Women’s football. Her legacy and immeasurable contributions are cemented in Victorian and Australian football and she will continue to inspire for years to come.
Betty Hoar passed away on Thursday, aged 83.
She is survived by her husband Mick, and children Tracey and Jason, all of whom have played an integral role in the growth of Women’s football in Victoria.
The FV Board of Directors, Executive, staff and broader Victorian football community send our sincere condolences to Betty Hoar’s family and friends.
With thanks to Heather Reid and Shona Bass.