Liverpool Rangers request recognition
For the Liverpool Rangers’ All Age Ladies squad however, this isn?t exactly the case. While their patriotism remains stronger than ever, the beating in their hearts is overshadowed by one key issue: the plea for recognition towards women?s football.
The Division Two squad, who are amidst heavy preparation for their season to commence, are an example of the power and passion that is women?s football in Australia. With ages ranging from 21 to 57, the team?s more experienced players explain that it?s not just the men who can have all the fun when football is involved.
Lorraine Peel, 57, a veteran boasting 20 years of competitive football to her name, urges that women?s football get the recognition it deserves. The growing numbers of female registration at Liverpool Rangers, explains Peel, and the rise in crowds to soccer games by women is testament that women?s football is growing.
?The growth in women?s participation in football should parallel the recognition they receive in the media.
?I know this [football] is a male dominated sport, but us women work just as hard,? said Peel.
As the current Club Treasurer for the past two years, former President, past Senior Vice President, coach to the U/12?s girls Division 1 side for five consecutive seasons as well as an accredited referee and ground marshal, Peel is more than adequately suited to voice her opinion.
Peter Unwin, the team?s head coach for the past three seasons, believes the only way forward for women?s football is through clever advertising and marketing. The introduction of the W-League, according to Unwin, is a good starting point for the female sport.
?There is a huge opportunity for more fans and sponsors to come on board considering there is continuous advertising. The market certainly exists, it?s now just a matter of seeing who will take advantage of it,? added Unwin.
Margaret Daniels is another player setting the example of the work being done in women?s football. At 55, and into her 25th season, the grandmother of two is far from admitting female football is where it should be at. Having coached granddaughter Jordan and Britney for over six years a piece and being a key member of the committee at Liverpool Rangers in the past, Daniels explains that without the proper acknowledgment, girls are quick to give up the game for work and motherhood.
?When you don?t even know how the Matildas are progressing, it?s easy to understand why so many young girls drop out of the sport in their mid 20?s,? said Daniels.
The women are not all doom and gloom about the whole affair. The fact for them remains that they are doing everything they can on and off the field to promote the sport to the younger generation of girls growing up. Peel sums it up best.
?I have a great passion for the sport and do what I do for the kids. There are many more committee members like myself who are at the games every Saturday and Sunday at opening and close.
?We can only hope that others see that we do this because we love it, and maybe it can lend itself to a greater recognition to women?s football in the future.?
-By Caetano Lima
