Melbourne club says girls’ match was halted for boys’ game
In Melbourne, Australia, football club Boroondara Eagles is demanding explanations after its under-12 girls’ team match at Caloola Reserve in Oakleigh was stopped at half-time. According to the club, this was done to make the field available to an under-11 boys’ team. This was reported by ABC News Australia.
Delay and another field
In a social media statement, Boroondara Eagles said that after a 40-minute delay, the girls were directed to another field. According to the club, it differed significantly from the original pitch, was waterlogged and unsafe, and the match was ultimately abandoned.
The club expressed concern about the impact of the incident on the players, their families and coaching staff. It said that one of the young coaches left the venue in tears. Boroondara Eagles also said that players and parents asked why the girls’ match, which counted toward the competition, was not given the same protection and importance as the boys’ team’s game.
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Football Victoria review
Boroondara Eagles refused to take part in the replayed match against Monash City Villarreal FC, scheduled for September 6. The club asked Football Victoria to investigate the circumstances and determine whether they may constitute gender discrimination under the organisation’s policies and procedures.
Football Victoria said it acknowledged the concerns raised and the experiences of players, coaches and families. The matter is being considered under the organisation’s formal member protection procedure, so no further comments are being provided at this time. The organisation is also reviewing requirements for match-day decisions, communication regarding game interruptions, field use, fixture clashes and support for referees.
The club also said it had contacted Football Australia’s integrity unit and the City of Monash, which manages Caloola Reserve.
