
Although this is a tiny bit tongue in cheek. We are trying to highlight the huge disparity between men’s and women’s sports funding in Canberra. For example the Canberra Raiders made a profit last year of more than 17 Million dollars but still received $2.68 Million dollars of Government funding.
The ACT Government also pays nearly $3 Million to AFL GWS for three games to be played in Canberra per year…
Canberra United’s professional women’s sporting teams receive only $250,000 per year (previously $125,000). This is despite the 2023-24 Liberty A-League Women being the most attended season, of any womens sport, in Australia, ever. On a global scale, the women’s a-league is the fifth most attended women’s football league, behind USA, England, Germany and Mexico – with Australia having the lowest population out of the top 5 by 75%.
Does this seem reasonable? Our men’s teams have received this funding for 40 years. They are off and away. They can now survive.
Isn’t it time to redirect some funds or match funding into our women and elite women’s sports?
Investing in women’s sport means investing in women’s mental and physical health while providing them with a safe space to engage with the community. The best time to invest in women’s sport was 50 years ago. The second best time is today. ⚽️ 🏀