We recently caught up with the ever-creative Emily Hessell, whose latest work, inspired by the fans of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, is a reminder that football lives far beyond the field. It’s in the stories, the faces, and the friendships created along the way.
A football ‘friendly’…but not as you know it.
Sometimes the most meaningful connections in the game aren’t between the players on the pitch, they’re between fans in the stands.
"For them to be the best versions of themselves when they are in here."
That was the aim of the recent CommBank Young Matildas camp in Sydney, as the squad builds belief and bonds ahead of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ this April.
Supported by the Federal Government, Football Australia's Play Our Way Grant is increasing the visibility of our female officials, from grassroots to elite.
More women and girls are stepping onto the pitch, and into leadership and officiating roles across the country.
Lara, who will lace up for the upcoming #WAC2026 Quarter Finals, is proof that when the pathways and opportunities are presented, the possibilities are endless.
Maria Patrikis made history in 2026 when she became the first female Australian FIFA futsal referee - and the first Victorian to do so since the 1990s 👏
Read all about her history making journey (so far): bit.ly/4a9jFIa
Put simply, we couldn’t play our game without the wonderful work of our referees, but their impact often goes unseen.
Today, we celebrate Queensland’s Deia Raxach, who was crowned the 2025 Female Football Week Referee of the Year earlier this year. Congratulations, Deia!
Calling all football photographers! 📸
The next phase of our 'In-Frame' photography initiative is coming and we're looking for ten creatives to join us pitch-side at the CommBank Matildas' 2 December match against New Zealand.
Apply today: bit.ly/4oPxobL
“It’s better to give yourself that opportunity than sit in the shadows.”
At just 15, Lily Smith is already showing what it means to dream big - representing her mob, her family, and her culture through the Charles Perkins XI program.
Read more: bit.ly/4oa7TSx
We love a volunteer who is treated like a "superstar" because that's exactly how we see them 🌟
Congrats to Lauren Gibson from the Penrith Football Club on being named the 2025 Female Football Week Volunteer of the Year.
Watch more of Lauren's story: bit.ly/46SAdRQ
From highlights to heartbreak, Western Australian photographer Jazmyn Clark says capturing unguarded emotion through the camera lens is what sports photography is all about 📸⚽️
‘In-Frame’ photographer, Jodie Dent couldn’t believe the access granted during our recent Perth initiative, making her trip across the country well worth it.
Access.
That’s what our ‘In-Frame’ initiative is all about - meaningful access to opportunities, to moments otherwise out of reach, to greatness right up close.