Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Matildas’ Sam Kerr Receives Hero’s Welcome in Australia Return
Australian soccer sensation Sam Kerr was greeted with a warm reception upon her return to Australia, as she joined the Matildas for training, marking her first time with the national team since 2023. The Chelsea forward was spotted enjoying downtime in Sydney with family on Wednesday morning, taking a break for shopping and leisure.
Sydney Sightseeing and Breakfast Stop
The celebrated footballer started her day with breakfast at Bills, a popular eatery, before venturing out for a shopping excursion with her family.
Kerr’s T-Shirt Makes a Statement on Women’s Sports
Kerr was casually dressed in shorts, white sneakers, and a black T-shirt emblazoned with the assertive statement: ‘Everyone watches women’s sports.’ This slogan is a clear riposte to those who dismiss the growing popularity and significance of women’s sports.
The T-shirt is a product of Togethxr, a brand dedicated to championing equal rights for women, promoting diversity, and creating platforms for women in sports.
Sam Kerr enjoys relaxation with family this week after returning to Australia to train with the Matildas in a non-playing capacity.
Kerr was seen wearing a Togethxr T-shirt with the message: ‘Everyone watches women’s sports.’
The T-shirt’s message challenges those who underestimate the popularity of women’s sports.
Togethxr’s Mission for Equality in Sports Coverage
Togethxr highlights on its website the disparity in sports media coverage, stating that ‘women constitute 44 percent of sports participants but receive less than 16 percent of media attention.’ The brand aims to reshape narratives and increase visibility for women’s sports.
Togethxr recently partnered with Nike for their ‘Everyone Watches Women’s Sports’ merchandise line, further amplifying their message.
Flashback: Radio Host’s Dismissive Comments on Matildas
In February, former Triple M host Marty Sheargold exited the radio station following derogatory remarks made about the Australian women’s national football team.
Sheargold’s on-air comments likened Matildas players to ‘year 10 girls’ and expressed extreme aversion to watching them in the Asian Cup. These remarks were widely condemned as misogynistic and disrespectful, leading to his dismissal.
Kerr’s Injury and Non-Playing Return
Kerr has been sidelined for over a year due to an ACL rupture sustained in January during a training camp. She has rejoined the Matildas in Australia ahead of their upcoming friendly matches against South Korea but will not participate in these games.
Despite being included in the Matildas squad in a non-playing role, Kerr, Australia’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 128 appearances, has no confirmed return date yet.
Kerr received a significant welcome from fans in Sydney this week upon rejoining the squad in a non-playing capacity.
Kerr (center) training with teammates as she continues ACL recovery.
Upcoming Friendlies and Captaincy Speculation
The Matildas are scheduled to play friendly matches against South Korea on Friday and Monday in Sydney and Newcastle.
Captaincy Confirmation Amidst Legal Case
Kerr is expected to continue as team captain. Football Australia recently announced further action would not be taken against Kerr after she was found not guilty regarding a racially aggravated harassment charge against a British police officer in London.
Following the publicized court proceedings, questions arose concerning Kerr’s captaincy. However, she received strong support from teammates, including Emily van Egmond.
Football Australia CEO Anter Isaac stated that understanding Kerr’s perspective and additional context, ‘has added vital perspective that the general public may not be aware of.’
Isaac added, ‘Setting aside those difficulties, this one incident should not offset the incredible contributions she has made… for more than 15 years.’
After the court case, Kerr issued an apology for her actions and expressed her commitment to learning from the experience.
‘I want to express my sincere regret for how events unfolded,’ Kerr stated.
‘It was an incredibly difficult period for me, my family, my club, my teammates, and especially for the fans whose support means so much to us.’
Mary Fowler also returned to Sydney this week, pictured enjoying lunch in Double Bay with her sister.
Fowler aims to break her goal drought as Australia faces South Korea, despite a recent dry spell for Manchester City.
‘I recognise that leadership means being mindful of our actions both on and off the pitch. I’m proud of the Matildas, the role I have played… and I’m committed to learning from this experience.’
‘Moving forward, I’m focused on doing my part to ensure we grow even stronger together, and I look forward to rejoining the team once I’m fit and ready.’
Mary Fowler Back in Australia
Mary Fowler, another Women’s Super League player, has also returned to Australia for this week’s matches.
Fowler was photographed having lunch in Double Bay with her sister this week.
The 22-year-old has scored six goals and provided seven assists in 17 appearances for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League.
Despite her contributions, Fowler has experienced a goal drought, failing to score in her last 10 league appearances for City.