Matildas inspire 'Mumtildas' sporting league

With the Matildas scoring goals on the world stage, a league of mums are also winning fans with the launch of new self styled league in Melbourne.

At a football pitch east of Melbourne, dozens of women arrive just as the sun begins to set.

They're of all backgrounds and all ages, with one thing in common: they're all mums. 

Tired of cheering from the sidelines, these women banded together to start their own football league, called the Mumtildas.
Mumtildas in training
Mumtildas in training Source: SBS

With their elite namesakes chasing the inaugural title in the Tournament of Nations, the Mumtildas said their goals are a little less lofty.

The league set out to recruit mums over the age of 35, with no experience necessary.

Head coach Allison Clarke said the main purpose of the team is to involve women who've had no opportunity to play sport in the past.

"If you don't have the basic skills, you can't participate and that's what we're doing differently here. We say to any women, you're welcome. You can have no skills just enthusiasm and we will welcome you."

The Mumtildas have welcomed about 100 players since launching the modified seven-a-side game competition last April, enough to populate eight teams and start a regular competition.

One of those recruits is Kenyan born player Jacinta Kimonye, who migrated to Australia in 2011.

"Having that connection with people and the support we get from each other, it has been very very important to me, especially when I lost my husband in January of this year. These women are my family."
Jacinta Kimonye
Player Jacinta Kimonye Source: SBS
The league holds weekly training sessions which are are open to newcomers and players are asked to participate in competitions when they can.

Player Lisa Vandenbogaert said the team's flexibility in accommodating busy working mums was one of the attractions.

"I think because they're so flexible at the club here. If I can't make a training or I can't make a game it's all fine so they're quite accepting."

For many of the women, the team not only provides an opportunity to keep active and do something for themselves, but it also gives them an opportunity to be an example for their own children.
Adriana Sugunananthan
Player Adriana Sugunananthan Source: SBS
Chilean-born player Adriana Sugunananthan had never played sports before joining the team.

"This is the first time I've played in a team and it's a new thing I'm learning at the age of 44, so it's never too late to start something new that's what I'd like my kids to see."


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3 min read

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By Abby Dinham


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