The Onside Mentoring Program, an initiative by Women Onside, recently hosted an informative webinar featuring Matildas Alumni Renaye Iserief and Tracie McGovern. This engaging session was a deep dive into the journeys of two trailblazing women who have made significant contributions to women's football in Australia.
Renaye Iserief, Matilda cap 26, who debuted in 1983, and her dear friend Tracie McGovern, cap 102, who debuted in 1997, shared their unique and inspiring stories in a Q&A style presentation. The webinar highlighted their early years with the national team and the transformative changes in women's football during the late 1990s, culminating in the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. Their camaraderie and experiences are beautifully documented in the "Trailblazers" documentary, which captures the essence of their friendship and dedication to the sport.
Renaye reflected on her beginnings, where she played alongside her brothers at the club level before being picked up by Central Coast in her teens. She emphasised the importance of friendships and community support, which were pivotal in her journey. Renaye aspired to be a role model in sports during a time when there were few, demonstrating leadership skills she honed through football. She recounted the special moment of reconnecting with Matildas Alumni at the Women's World Cup 2023, feeling valued and welcomed.
Tracie, one of the first recipients of an AIS scholarship for a part-time women's football program, shared her experiences leading up to the Sydney Olympics. As one of the youngest in the program, Tracie trained twice per day, six days a week. Tracie fondly remembered the regional gala days and the strong sense of community and friendships developed through football. She expressed her love for the Wauchope community, which played a significant role in her development as a player.
The Onside Mentoring Program, a vital initiative that provides a structured approach to mentoring female leaders aiming to make a significant impact in football, is now in its third year. The program supports eight mentees, matching them with experienced mentors over six months. These mentees come from diverse backgrounds, including coaching, refereeing, club management, state federation interest groups, player management, and journalism, all with aspirations to lead change in their areas of interest.
The mentees thoroughly enjoyed the recent webinar with Matildas Alumni Renaye Iserief and Tracie McGovern, finding it both inspiring and informative. They relished the opportunity to network, share their experiences, and develop a broader community within football. Supported by such amazing individuals, the mentees felt fortunate to receive guidance from their accomplished mentors. Equally, the mentors expressed their gratitude for the chance to help these passionate mentees develop and achieve their goals, fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for the next generation of female leaders in football.
Overall, the webinar fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, strengthening the ties within the women’s football community. The event exemplified the power of mentorship and its positive impact on advancing women in football.
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