The Double Lives of Australia’s Female Footballers: A Window into the Unseen Reality of Professional Sport

Australian professional football has a peculiar aspect – many female players lead double lives. They dominate the field with their skill and athleticism, but also juggle demanding part-time or casual jobs outside of football.

Caitlin Reid, a surgical registrar by day and an AFLW player by night, is one such athlete. Her schedule is grueling, typically working six or seven days a week. Another talented footballer, Emily Pease, juggles her role as a winger for GWS with working at Sydney’s Taronga zoo.

The numbers are stark: 62% of AFLW players work part-time or casual jobs outside of football, an increase from last year. Only 3% hold full-time positions outside of playing, suggesting that many athletes rely on their sporting income to make ends meet. The average AFLW salary is $79,414, which often falls short of providing a sustainable living.

The financial rewards for female footballers are better than they once were but still pale in comparison to those earned by their male counterparts. This disparity reflects broader societal attitudes towards women’s sport and the AFL’s business model.

Many professional athletes must supplement their income with other jobs simply to make ends meet, dispelling the myth that top-level players can afford to be “full-time” players. This juggling act affects not only the individual but also has implications for the sport as a whole.

The double lives of female footballers are a testament to their dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. However, this phenomenon raises questions about the sustainability of professional women’s sport in Australia. As the 11th AFLW season begins, it’s essential that we confront these issues head-on – the future of women’s football depends on it.

The systemic problems plaguing women’s professional sport in Australia are not unique to this industry but reflect a broader societal issue: the devaluation of unpaid labor and lack of support for working mothers and caregivers. Reid notes that medicine is indeed a team sport, requiring coordination and cooperation similar to the camaraderie found on the football field.

The double lives of female footballers offer a poignant reminder of the unseen realities of professional sport – the sacrifices made, hours worked, and dedication required to succeed. As we watch these women take to the field this weekend, let us also acknowledge the struggles they face off it.

By acknowledging and addressing the systemic issues at play, we can create a more sustainable and equitable environment for these talented athletes – one that values their dedication, resilience, and passion as much as it does their sporting prowess. The story of Caitlin Reid and Emily Pease is not just about two individuals navigating professional sport; it’s also a reflection of our broader society.

As we celebrate the achievements of women in football, let us recognize the unseen realities that lie beneath the surface – the sacrifices made, the dedication required, and the systemic issues that must be addressed if this sport is to truly thrive.