Why female role models matter

This Friday, as the Matildas take on Argentina right here in Melbourne, excitement is running high across the football community. For many of us at Alamein FC, this match isn’t just another game, it’s a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that female role models can have on young players.

Our U12 and U15 development squads recently shared their thoughts on who inspires them most in the world of football (watch their video here or click on the image). From stars like Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler to pioneers like Katrina Gorry and Mackenzie Arnold, the players’ choices reflect a deep respect not just for talent on the pitch, but for resilience, individuality, and leadership off it.

These young players admire the Matildas for reasons that go beyond goals scored or matches won. They see women who have juggled football careers with motherhood, who’ve overcome injuries, who’ve stood up for their beliefs, and who’ve broken barriers in a sport that hasn’t always made space for them. They see courage, determination, and the proof that girls from clubs like ours can dream big.

At Alamein FC, we’re committed to fostering an environment where female participation isn’t just encouraged, it’s championed. We believe that when young players see role models they can relate to, it fuels both aspiration and confidence. It makes the idea of playing professionally not a distant dream, but a real and achievable goal.

This is why we invest in pathways from grassroots to elite development, and why we actively promote values like respect, resilience, and leadership alongside technical skills. Our goal isn’t just to create great players; it’s to help shape confident, motivated, and engaged young women who can carry those lessons beyond football.

As we watch the Matildas light up Marvel Stadium, let’s remember: every professional player was once a young girl watching someone else. The legacy of the Matildas isn’t just written on the pitch, it’s carried in the hearts of the next generation.