In 1975 Australia was represented at football’s Asia Cup by a pioneering and enterprising group of women. These women have never been recognised with caps and this team is not considered a ‘Matildas’ team. Nearly 50 years later this group is fighting to be recognised, and Sam Squiers and Selina Steele take up the cause and explain their case.

Matildas star Tameka Butt explains why her team took the action they did, outlining their hopes for the current and future generations of Matildas.

The Matildas this past week have put their game, reputation and futures on the line. Sportette’s message to the FFA and the PFA is, please don’t let it be all for nothing.

Tameka Butt is a midfielder for the Australian Women’s National Soccer Team, The Matildas.

When Melissa Barbieri became a mother, she had no idea she’d have to fight a system just to play again. Now, at 35, she’s headed for her 4th World Cup.

Katrina Gorry is Asia’s best footballer but leads very different lives back home to abroad. When overseas she can live every female footballer’s dream.

Nothing will change unless something is said & action taken. Recent events show Women in Sport need to find their voice and be seen AND heard.

Sportette has asked the most influential athletes and administrator their wish for the women in their sport for next year and in five years.

Cutting the broadcast of Women’s basketball & soccer would see the sports decline to levels not seen in decades – the long term affects will be devastating.