Melbourne soccer club says girls' match moved to make way for boys
The Boroondara Eagles are demanding action, saying one of their junior girls' team's matches was stopped at half-time so a boys' team could take the field.
A Melbourne soccer club is taking a stand amid claims that one of its junior girls' team's matches was stopped at half-time, with players forced to take to an inferior pitch to make way for a boys' team.
In a statement on social media, the Boroondara Eagles Football Club said an under-12 girls' match at Caloola Reserve, in Oakleigh, was halted so that an under-11 boys' team could use the field.
"After a lengthy delay [40 minutes], the girls were directed to an alternative field that was substantially different to the original playing surface, waterlogged and unsafe, resulting in the match being abandoned," the club posted on Facebook.
The club said it was deeply concerned about the impact the July 12 incident had on its players, families and coaching staff.
"One of our young female coaches left the venue in tears, and many players and parents were left questioning why a girls' points match was not afforded the same protection and importance as the U11 boys fixture?"
The club has declined to participate in a rescheduled fixture against Monash City Villarreal FC scheduled for tomorrow.
It has asked Football Victoria (FV) to investigate the incident and clarify whether the events constituted gender discrimination under its policies and frameworks.
In a statement this morning, FV said it acknowledged the concerns raised and "the distress caused to the players, coaches and families involved".
"The matter is now being handled through FV's formal Member Protection process. To ensure it is considered fairly, FV can not comment further while that process is underway," the statement said.
"FV is also reviewing the expectations on clubs regarding match-day decisions, communication regarding abandonments, pitch use, fixture clashes and referee support to identify any improvements required.
"We remain committed to ensuring women and girls feel valued, respected and supported at every level of the game."
Father says players were discriminated against
Robert Stock, who was watching his daughter play on the day, said the situation was "so disappointing".
He said it was hard to imagine the reverse: if a boys' team was told to get off the pitch to make way for the girls.
"The girls on the day were discriminated against because they're girls, basically," he said.
Mr Stock said his daughter loved the camaraderie, friendship and fun of the sport, which was also teaching her resilience.
However, he was trying to keep her out of this particular situation.
"She's only 11. So does she need to know about gender discrimination this early?" he said.
The football club said on social media that it had lodged the matter with Football Australia's core integrity team, and with the City of Monash, which runs Caloola Reserve.
A statement from the City of Monash said the council "strongly supports women's and girls' sport and incentivises clubs that promote gender equity".
"Council has sought an explanation from Football Victoria as the governing body in charge of fixturing and match day referees," it said.
The Boroondara Eagles said they remained committed to respectful participation in football and the continued growth of the women's and girls' game.
"Our position is that no player should ever feel that their match, their team or their opportunity to participate is less important because they are girls."