Ground-breaking Our Game Women & Non-Binary Persons in Media Program poised to support next generation

The first edition of the OUR GAME program for women and non-binary people in the media is ready to launch with an initial ten participants selected from across Australia.

Part of Football Australia’s Legacy ’23 strategic plan, the groundbreaking pilot program is designed to remove the barriers to accessing sports media for women and non-binary people by providing opportunities to develop and grow their skills and knowledge with the support of industry experts improve mentors and build their industry networks.

Sarah Walsh, Head of Women’s Football, Women’s World Cup Legacy and Inclusion at Football Australia said the program is a step in the right direction to identify and nurture the next generation in the media.

“With Legacy ’23, we aim to ensure that the enduring benefits of co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ extend beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch to many facets of the game,” said Walsh.

“While women’s football and women’s sports have made great strides in representing women and girls in the playing arena, there are still many areas of football that would benefit from that representation and visibility. This can only happen if we listen to the under-representation of women and non-binary people in leadership positions and speak out where they can make a difference.

“In partnership with our incredible media supporters and our member federations, the OUR GAME program for women and non-binary people in the media aims to help break down the systemic barriers to this part of the game and provide a pipeline of passionate, knowledgeable and empowered media professionals to continue changing the narrative of the empowerment of women and non-binary people.”

“As a sport, we know the importance of lived experiences that provide a diverse perspective on storytelling and rich coverage of football, in a way that brings all the different parts of our game center stage. Given the diverse backgrounds of the participants, we believe they will be wonderful additions to the sporting landscape.”

The first course offers the two fields of study Photography and Communication / Digital Media. Six participants – at least one from each FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 host city – will be selected for each stream, with the application period running from January 2023 to August 2023.

Football Australia recognizes the Australian Government’s significant support through the Australian Sports Commission in supporting the Legacy ’23 plan and its initiatives. Four highly respected organizations have come together to offer attendees the opportunity to gain industry-specific expertise and experience while also experiencing quality sporting and non-sporting events and mentorship.

Leading global visual content creator and marketplace, Getty Images (NYSE: GETY), national broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation, local affiliate of FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand and the Australian Professional Leagues (organizers of A-Leagues competitions) have continued to join as enthusiastic supporters of the program to support participants with workshops led by industry experts, hands-on work experience, event accreditations and a range of speakers.

Participants will also have access to mentoring from two highly qualified and respected practitioners in their fields, ABC Sports journalist Samantha Lewis and veteran women’s football and music photographer Joseph Mayers, to guide, support and share their insights.

Program participants were selected following an open application process via Football Australia’s website, social media and football networks. Interviews were conducted for the shortlisted applicants before the successful participants were accepted into the program last week.

Click here for more information about the program, participants, media supporters and mentors.

OUR GAME WOMEN AND NON-BINARY PEOPLE IN MEDIA | PARTICIPANT