Exploring the lived experience of women football coaches in Australia

Since the 1970s, sparked by the feminist movement, there has been significant academic inquiry into the intersection of gender and discrimination in women's participation in sports, especially in traditionally male-dominated domains. While women's involvement in sports has grown considerably in recent years, there persists a stark underrepresentation of women coaches. This thesis focuses on this disparity within the realm of football (soccer) and aims to unravel its underlying causes. Employing poststructural feminist theory and qualitative research methods, this study engages with thirty women football coaches and fifteen administrators in Australia. The findings unveil systemic gender biases, coupled with homophobia, ageism, and racism, restricting women coaches. By shedding light on these issues, this research aspires to stimulate systemic changes, fostering more inclusive and supportive coach education and football environments for women coaches at all levels in Australia.