A Victorian women's soccer team has separated from his club for the main accusations that they were exposed to inequitable treatment and lack of support.
A newly formed soccer club has emerged, Kyneton Women's Eagles Football Club, consisting of 35 players who decided to separate from the Kyneton Football Netball Club due to continuous concerns.
Natalie Korinfsky, the president and player of the new club, declared that the decision to leave was promoted by the anguish about the treatment they received.
“All we want to do is play football and be treated with respect, and if you don't have those foundations, it is impossible to stay in those environments,” Korinfsky said ABC Sport.
The representatives of the players and coaches cited the need for a safe and inclusive environment as the main motivation behind the training of the independent club.
“As an independent club, we can take advantage of our proud tradition of diversity, inclusion and security for all players, coaches and volunteers,” said Korinfsky.
The Kyneton Football Netball Club's women's team has broken to form its own team, the Kyneton Women's Football Club
The statement published by the Kyneton Football Netball Club after the drop -out of the female side
The male team of the Kyneton Football Netball Club USA pink socks during an attempt to raise money and awareness for breast cancer investigation
Kyneton's female eagles have preserved their original game group, coaches and support personnel, many of whom have been part of the team since its inception in 2015.
“It is wonderful to see our coaches, coaches and, most importantly, players enrolled in our new club for the 2025 season,” Korinfsky said.
Korinfsky highlighted a culture in KFNC that left the women's team without welcome.
She recalled an incident in which the women's team for the women's team for her 'pride' game was shot down.
“Now we don't know who broken it down, but that is the feeling that is running through the club,” he said.
In addition, Korinfsky described cases in which the female team found blood, saliva and feces in their locker room after the men's matches.
The turning point for the team came during the grand final of 2024, where they played against Macedon.
While the party took place in Woodend, KFNC allegedly maintained its annual raffle at home at the same time, preventing the members and supporters of the committee from attending the game.
The women's side alleges that the club celebrated a raffle in a different place to prevent the members of the committee from attending their grand finale
“That practically broke the heart of most of our players,” Korinfsky said.
Co-Capitana Belinda Hateley expressed its disappointment for the lack of support for its great final appearances.
“If it were a male team, there is no way they had a raffle at the same time,” Hateley said.
KFNC has denied accusations of misconduct. In a statement published on social networks, the club said they were never informed of any irregularity against players or guests.
'The club has always approached the welfare concerns of the players who communicated to the committee. We strive to be as inclusive as possible, 'reads the statement.
'It is important that our young women can continue playing and supported by our club, where football is the focus.
“Our club has been a pioneer in support for women's football in the region and this will be our tenth year to do so.”
Kyneton's female coach, Phil Hawkes, who has more than 20 years of experience in Coaching, said he was not surprised by the massive departure of the players.
The Kyneton Women's Eagles Football Club has begun to train for the 2025 season and expect a league to take them to
“They (Kfnc) thought that only a few could leave,” said Hawkes.
“So I think part of this was a great shock that everyone left and said:” No, we have had enough of this. “
Korinfsky revealed that five other female teams had come since his departure, sharing similar experiences of discrimination and lack of support.
Jane (not his real name), a Northeast Victoria player, said his club had fostered an “uncomfortable space” for women's football players. She described cases of sexist and homophobic comments in club events.
The change of our game game survey found that almost a third (28 percent) of women in community sport had considered leaving their club due to inequitable treatment.
The report, published in July 2023, also noted that women had 2.5 times more likely to feel unpleasant compared to men.
Despite forming their own club, Kyneton's female eagles face difficulties to ensure a league.
His requests to the Ballarat Soccer Netball League, AFL Central Victoria and Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL) have been rejected.
The three leagues have been contacted to comment by Daily Mail Australia.
The RDFNL cited the failure to comply with the rules and deadlines of AFL Victoria as reasons to reduce its application, but declared that five alternative solutions had explored.
“It is impossible to get out of them (football clubs) because we cannot enter a league on our own,” Korinfsky said.
“But they will not let us leave, or suggest that we simply go to another club that has a similar configuration, but doing this runs the risk of putting our team back in a similar environment.”
Korinfsky believes that the authorities hesitate to allow independent women's clubs to establish a precedent.
'We believe we have the right to practice sports in a safe, solidary and equitable environment, and that is what we are doing as a club. We are only asking for a fair opportunity.
The Ballarat football netball league indicated that they were “happy to explore options” and planned to continue discussions with the Eagles and AFL.
AFL Victoria issued a statement by saying that I was working with players and leagues to find a way of playing.
“AFL Victoria is helping to find a solution, with the main approach that provides options for these players to play football in 2025. AFL Victoria has been and will continue working with all interested parties until they can help achieve that,” said a spokesman.
Until a decision is made, Kyneton's female eagles will continue to train in Woodend Transporse reserve.