Football should be a place where women and girls feel safe, respected and supported.
Whether you're a player, coach, referee, volunteer or staff member — 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 workplace 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:
Being paid incorrectly or not receiving the correct wages or entitlements
Workplace disciplinary action or performance concerns
Not receiving correct leave, breaks, or other workplace entitlements
Workplace bullying, harassment, or unsafe work environments
Being dismissed, removed from a role, or treated unfairly at work
Problems with employment contracts or unclear working arrangements
Experiencing discrimination due to gender, pregnancy, race, disability or religion
Issues around parental leave or returning to work after having a child
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 communicate concerns safely
How to document what’s happening
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. Please contact your local WWC to confirm your eligibility.
