Football should be a place where women and girls feel safe, respected and supported.
Whether you're a player, coach, referee, volunteer, staff member, committee member or supporter — you deserve to feel safe.
But we also know that football environments can sometimes include workplace-like situations: paid roles, casual jobs, internships, volunteer positions, club leadership structures, and power dynamics that can make it hard to speak up.
This page shares trusted resources and referral pathways so you can access the right support when you need it.
You're not alone.
If something doesn't feel right - whether it's discrimination, bullying, harrassment, intimidation, or mistreatment - you deserve support.
Women Onside has joined forces with Working Women's Centres (WWCs), which specialise in helping women understand their rights and options, and access practical support.
Common issues women experience in football environments.
Even if you’re “just a volunteer” or your football role isn’t a formal workplace, your safety and dignity still matter — and support is available. Here are some of the issues women unfortunately experience in football environments:
Sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour
Bullying, intimidation or threats
Being treated unfairly in selection, contracts, payment or opportunities
Discrimination (including based on gender, pregnancy, race, sexuality, religion or disability)
Unfair treatment in leadership roles, coaching pathways, or paid positions
Unsafe club culture, or environments where reporting feels risky
Retaliation for speaking up or making a complaint
Unwanted comments or behaviour on social media
Specialist workplace rights support for women across Australia.
Working Women’s Centres (WWCs) are organisations that support women who are facing issues at work — including discrimination, harassment, pay issues, unfair dismissal and more.
For many women involved in sport (including football), these issues can overlap with football environments — especially when you’re in paid work, casual work, club roles, internships, or volunteer roles where you’re being treated unfairly or unsafe behaviour is occurring.
WWCs may be able to support you* with:
Understanding your rights and options
How to document what’s happening
How to communicate concerns safely
Steps for raising issues formally
Education and training opportunities
*Eligibility criteria to obtain legal advice depends on each individual Working Women’s Centre in the person’s state or territory, as criteria varies across each state/territory.
Not sure what's next?
If you’re unsure who to contact or what pathway fits your situation, Women Onside can help guide you to the right support.