At Women Onside, our mission is simple yet profound: to create a world where women have equal opportunities and representation to thrive in football, everywhere. From players to coaches, referees to administrators, we are working towards a future where women are seen, heard, and supported in every aspect of the sport. We are thrilled to launch our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which isn’t just a roadmap for organisational success—it’s a commitment to shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for football in Australia.
Our Strategic Plan
In a sport where women are still fighting for recognition, resources, and representation, Women Onside’s strategic plan is a call to action. This plan provides clear goals and a focused direction for our work over the next three years. It’s how we ensure we’re tackling the barriers that women face head-on, from underrepresentation in leadership roles to a lack of resources for development.
Our strategic plan lays out the path forward, allowing us to:
Advocate for policies that level the playing field for women in football.
Build and strengthen networks that galvanise women by connecting them to resources and support.
Provide professional development opportunities that open doors for women to step into leadership positions.
Ensure our own sustainability so that we can keep driving change long into the future.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is clear: Women in football everywhere.
And to bring this vision to life, our mission is to ensure that women have equitable opportunities and representation in football leadership through advocacy, engaged networks, and professional development. We’re determined to make this vision a reality.
The Strategic Pillars
Our plan is built on four key pillars that reflect our commitment to advancing women’s football:
Advocacy and Policy
We’ll champion impactful advocacy to drive systemic change and promote policies that create opportunities for women in football. Our research will shape policy recommendations and guide social and cultural shifts in the football community.
Networks
By connecting women across football—whether they’re players, coaches, referees, or administrators—we’ll create a supportive ecosystem where women can share their experiences, learn from each other, and grow together.
Professional Development
We’ll deliver high-quality programs that equip women with the skills they need to excel in leadership. Our workshops, masterclasses, conferences, and mentoring programs are designed to bring out the leadership capability of women at every level of football.
Organisational Sustainability
Strong governance, a positive culture, and sound financial management are key to ensuring we can continue to advocate for women in football. Our focus on sustainability allows us to reinvest in programs that directly support women’s leadership and development.
Why We Do What We Do
At the heart of this plan is a deep understanding: football is better when women are fully included. When women thrive in football, the sport benefits from diverse perspectives, greater innovation, and stronger leadership. But we also know that achieving this requires more than passion—it takes purposeful action and strategic planning.
We do this work because we believe in the power of football to unite and inspire. Yet, too often, women are excluded from leadership roles, decision-making processes, and even from visibility in the sport they love. We want to change that.
Our work is about more than just equality—it’s about creating lasting impact. We believe that when one woman rises in football, she paves the way for others to follow. That’s why we’re committed to supporting women in their journeys, whether through education, networking, or simply amplifying their voices.
What We Aim to Achieve by 2027
By the end of this three-year plan, we’re aiming for some ambitious outcomes:
A policy playing field document to promote systemic and cultural change across football.
A membership base of 1,500+ members, with 70% retention, reflecting the growing community of women in football.
Four active networks for administrators, coaches, media professionals, and referees, each delivering eight networking opportunities per year.
Biennial Women in Football Leadership Conferences and yearly professional development programs, including masterclasses and mentoring, with strong participation and completion rates.
A strong organisational foundation, with 100% compliance on governance and sustainable revenue generation to reinvest in our programs.
A Call to Action
This strategic plan is about more than setting goals—it’s about making real, tangible progress towards gender equity in football. It’s an invitation to our members, partners, and the entire football community to join us in driving change. Together, we can build a future where women are not just participants in football but leaders at every level.
We are passionate about creating opportunities, challenging norms, and paving the way for the next generation of women in football. With your support, we will make this vision a reality—because when women are onside, everyone wins.
Let’s move forward, together.
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