Football Australia is proud to announce the historic recognition of the 1975 Australian Women's National Team as the "First Matildas". This landmark decision honours the pioneering efforts of the women who represented Australia in the 1975 Asian Ladies Football Confederation (ALFC) tournament held in Hong Kong.
The recognition comes after a comprehensive review conducted by a dedicated working group within Football Australia. The group, chaired by Anter Isaac, Chairman at Football Australia, included Deputy Chair Jaclyn Lee-Joe and Director Spiro Pappas. This team worked closely with esteemed external experts to develop robust criteria ensuring the appropriate acknowledgment of historic national teams and their representatives.
Among the external experts were Alex Phillips, Administrator of the FIFA World Remission Fund, and former Head of Governance & Compliance at UEFA; Dr. Kevin Tallec Marston, a Research Fellow & Academic Project Manager at the CIES - International Centre for Sports Studies; Omar Ongaro, former Chair of the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber and Football Regulatory Director; and Richard Scott, former Director of Communication at Canada Soccer, and a noted football historian. Their collective expertise provided invaluable insights into the criteria development process.
The criteria included essential elements such as:
Official Records: Verification that the matches were organised, approved, or sanctioned by relevant football governing bodies.
International Games: Participation against other officially recognised national teams.
Uniforms, Insignia: Use of nationally recognised emblems, symbols, decorations, or motifs.
Player Eligibility: Ensuring that players were eligible to represent Australia at the international level.
Continuity: Establishing a clear line of continuity between the 1975 team and subsequent recognised national teams.
Public Perception and Media Coverage: Assessing the recognition and portrayal of the team in media and public perception at the time.
After careful assessment, it was determined that the 1975 team met all necessary criteria. The team played against recognised national teams, wore the green and gold with the Australian Coat of Arms emblem, and comprised players who were eligible to represent Australia at the international level.
"This recognition is long overdue and a testament to the pioneering spirit of the women who paved the way for future generations of female footballers in Australia," said Anter Isaac, Chairman of Football Australia and the Working Group. "The 1975 team's achievements laid the foundation for the development and success of women's football in our country, and it is our honour to formally acknowledge their contributions."
Isaac continued, "We have developed a robust set of criteria to ensure that the history of Australian football is accurately and fairly represented. The recognition of the 1975 team as the "First Matildas" reflects our commitment to celebrating and preserving the legacy of all those who have played a pivotal role in our sport."
Football Australia will formally recognise all representatives of the 1975 Australian Women's Team ("First Matildas") with 'A' International caps numbered "0", signifying their foundational role in the history of Australian women's football. This recognition places them on equal footing with the 1922 Australian Men's team, which is acknowledged as the "first Socceroos".
"This initiative is just the beginning of our ongoing efforts to recognise and celebrate the achievements of all our national team representatives," added Isaac. "We are committed to ensuring that the contributions of all players, coaches, and officials are honoured and remembered."
The captain of the 1975 Australian Women's National Team, Pat O'Connor celebrated the decision; "I am deeply honoured and thrilled by Football Australia's decision to recognise our 1975 team with 'A' International caps. This acknowledgment and recognition as the "First Matildas" not only celebrate our efforts and dedication but also cements our place in Australian football history as the pioneers of the women's game. It is a moment of immense pride for all of us, and I am grateful for the recognition of our contributions to the sport we love."
The history books will also show that the first Australian Women's National Team Captain was Pat O'Connor, the first Australian Women's National Team Coach, Joe O'Connor and the First Indigenous Matilda, Aunty Tarita Yvonne Peters (Stacey Tracy).
The 1975 Australian Women's National Team which will be recognised as the "First Matildas" with 'A' International Caps numbered "0" are:
- Pat O'CONNOR - Captain
- Christel ABENTHUM
- Sue BINNS
- Kim COATES
- Julie DOLAN
- Lynn EVERETT MILLER
- Trudy FISCHER
- Cindy HEYDON
- Vickie KOHEN
- Sue LARSEN
- Lynn MCKENZIE (GK)
- Aunty Tarita Yvonne PETERS (Stacey Tracy)
- Connie SELBY
- Trixie TAGG
- Sue TAYLOR (GK)
- Gundega (Gundy) ZARINS
- Coach - Joe O'CONNOR
