An historic moment for all sportswomen in the south coast as the Illawarra Women’s Premier League (IWPL) secures WIN Stadium for their grand final.
In 2013 the Illawarra Men’s Premier League (IMPL) was welcomed back into WIN stadium, allowing them to play their final series on the iconic pitch, an entire decade before the IWPL was even established.
Football South coast women’s council member Stephen Smart has been a strong advocate for the female game and for ensuring equity and equality within this space.
“It wasn’t that they weren’t recognised by the governing body as there has been Women’s Football in the Football South Coast Association for a very long time,” Mr Smart said.
“It’s more about the fact that the Premier Men’s Competition is now equal in status to the Women’s Premier League competition.”
This a big step in the right direction towards creating a sporting space that doesn’t include gender discrimination.
The enormous success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup catalyzed a movement within Australia, enlightening a population on the work that needs to be done to see both young boys and girls succeed in our vibrant sporting space.
Football Southcoast (FSC) launched the IWPL with the hopes of it growing outside of the initial six-team competition, within two years the league has already expanded into eight, additionally adding Shoalhaven and Coniston in the 2025 season.
IWPL player Madeleine Hennessy has shared her thoughts on the improvements FSC has made in the women’s game this season.
“We have had the chance to play at better venues with better reffing staff,” Miss Hennessy said.
“What’s helped is the consistent playing times, playing at the same time every week is a massive improvement, and it’s something that matches the men’s game.”
Both men and women have been advocating for gender equity in football for over a century, and small but continual steps are being taken to slowly close the gap.
The IWPL has played their grand final in WIN Stadium for the first time and it’s hoped that the pioneering event will be a step in the right direction.
Video: The Woonona Sharks took on Shellharbour in the IWPL grand final, playing for the first time at the iconic Illawarra Showground.
