05/09/2026
DVUSC stands with Boroondara Eagles FC in the fight for equality.
BEFC Public Statement
Our Girls Deserve Better
Boroondara Eagles FC has today informed Football Victoria that our Under 12 Girls team will not participate in the rescheduled fixture against Monash City Villarreal FC scheduled for 6 September 2026.
This follows the events of 12 July 2026 at Caloola Reserve, where an Under 12 Girls competitive fixture was stopped at half time and the players were unable to continue on the original field so that an U11 Boys fixture could take the field in their place. After a lengthy delay (40 minutes), the girls were directed to an alternative field that was substantially different to the original playing surface, waterlogged and unsafe resulting in the match being abandoned.
Our club respectfully disagrees with Football Victoria's decision that this was due to matchday operations and to replay the fixture.
More importantly, we remain deeply concerned about the impact the incident had on our players, families and coaching staff. One of our young female coaches left the venue in tears, and many players and parents were left questioning why a girls' points match was not afforded the same protection and importance as the U11 Boys fixture?
BEFC has asked Football Victoria to provide clarity on:
• Whether the events constitute gender discrimination under applicable policies and frameworks.
• The decision-making process that followed the incident.
• Whether a referee or match official has authority to relocate or alter a match after it has commenced, thereby significantly altering the integrity of the game.
• What measures will be introduced to ensure similar incidents cannot occur again.
We remain committed to respectful participation in football and to the continued growth of the women's and girls' game. Our position is that no player should ever feel that their match, their team or their opportunity to participate is less important because they are girls.
We encourage anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has experienced similar issues relating to gender equity, discrimination, inclusion or access to sporting facilities, to make their own report through the appropriate channels.
The future of the women's game depends on all of us speaking up when something does not seem right.
