Go Soccer Mums: life can begin again at 35

For the past six years, a recreational program in Melbourne has supported more than 100 women to get involved in soccer.

 

Many have joined for fun, fitness, socialising, or to increase confidence, while others – all over the age of 35 – have gone on to play competitively in a league.

 

WSC spoke to Go Soccer Mums leader, Shelley Christie, to find out more...

 

WSC: Tell us a bit about Go Soccer Mums...

SC: Go Soccer Mums was an initiative started by Football Victoria back in 2019, and linked with Mount Martha Soccer Club by the then women’s and girls’ lead, Melissa Maizels. 

 

The idea behind the program is for women to be active, socialise, learn new skills or get back into the sport, and is inclusive for all abilities, ages and fitness.

 

It’s also about engagement for women in a safe and inclusive environment, community, and building connections to improve physical and mental wellbeing through soccer.

 

WSC: Who is it aimed at and how have you gone about reaching these people?

SC: The program is aimed at women of all ages, but especially those who haven’t played the game before and would like to learn something new. 

 

Don’t let the title fool you, though, as it’s not just for mums, but all women.

 

We have a lot of women come through the program who are struggling with confidence or health issues, don’t put themselves first and, therefore, need something to go to. 

 

We have also managed to build a relationship with our senior women’s team. It is inspiring to watch women of all ages get together and support each other.   

 

We use social media platforms and Football Victoria to promote the program.

 

WSC: What does Go Soccer Mums involve?

SC: It involves turning up once a week for an hour and, once you get your confidence up, there are other opportunities, such as playing with the over-35s team, or sometimes joining in the with the senior women’s team.

 

Participants arrive and generally have a natter for a few minutes, warm up, do drills and then finish off with a game.

 

The drills are super fun and engaging [and help people] learn skills and fitness. We have a laugh at ourselves for maybe not getting the new drills right, falling over or not listening.

 

Sometimes it’s daunting for some, as there are ladies that have been in the program for a long time, especially the over-35s, but we are inclusive. 

 

When I hear a newbie arrive and say “I don’t think I can do this”, I tell them that, in this program, there is no such thing as "can’t do this" – and we never say sorry if we miskick a ball. 

 

We are all of different abilities and fitness levels, but, most of all, we are inclusive.

 

The best part about this is there is no pressure. We are all busy in life – if you can’t make it sometimes, that’s okay, and if you can, awesome.  

 

WSC: How many women have been involved so far?

SC: Since 2019, we have had more than 110 participants come through the Go Soccer Mums program.

 

Some have stayed for the five years, some have gone and found their confidence to try different things, and others have left and then come back. The ages range from 30 to 61.

 

From the program, we have managed to establish an over-35s team, where we play from April to September against other over-35s from clubs around the Bayside area of Melbourne.  

 

From the program, three of our over-35 ladies played in State League 5 in 2023 and became an integral part of the team. 

 

They won the overall championship for Football Victoria in 2023 and were promoted. The following season, they continued with the team, playing in State League 4 and finishing third.

WSC: What benefits has the program given its participants and what has the feedback been like?

SC: Better physical and mental health is a big benefit to those who have participated.

 

I’ve had many women say "thank you, this has been the best thing for me to get me out of my comfort zone", or "to be able to play soccer when I wasn’t allowed to as a little girl" – it is amazing when you hear those stories.

 

We had a cancer survivor who wanted to try new things and be active, and someone who had gone through a separation and really needed something for her.

 

So many have had positive experiences from this program, and I know that women have gone from here and gained confidence to try other things.