The Matildas Deserve More Money

Though their World Cup dream-run was ended by Japan on Monday, we need to take this time to appreciate the Matildas' hard work… and reward them accordingly.

It is obvious that something is wrong when our nation’s female sport stars have to work a second job to make ends meet.

The Westfield Matildas soccer team is the female equivalent of the Socceroos, but due to lack of sponsorship the gap in pay is in the thousands of dollars. Australia is a sport-focused nation with an array of sporting fanatics; however, men’s sport has always been more popular, and has therefore gained sponsors that female sporting teams can only dream of.

The fight for equal pay between genders has been debated for decades. Despite making progress, women are still paid 18.2 per cent less than men in the average job; however, this figure only grows in male dominated industries, such as mining and construction.

An increase in the popularity of female sport, as well as an increase in the number of games won can only be positive for the Matildas. Though they were bested by Japan earlier this week in the quarter final of the Women’s World Cup by a single goal, their success up to that point finally earned them some national recognition and appreciation.

Not only do they deserve an increase in pay because of their hard work and success, but also because soccer is their life. These women follow a full-time training schedule, yet do not receive a full time wage. The commitment they have to their team and the game is astounding, but for that not to be enough? That’s not fair. A second job is not only exhausting and stressful, but it takes away from what little free time these women have. (Not to mention the precedent it sets for Australia’s future female sporting stars...)

The Matildas deserve sponsorship. Not only is it necessary to maintain full commitment to the team through removing the distraction of money struggles, but also to encourage them to work harder.

Having made it into the quarter finals at the Asian World Cup, it is expected that there will be an increase in sponsors for upcoming seasons. Further sponsorship will lead to more recognition and support of Australia’s female soccer stars. At least, we should hope so.

Sarah Bellis is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.