Coach Natasha Hill becomes champion for female soccer at Australian National Sports Club

Four years ago, you would not have found one female soccer player at Australian National Sports Club — let alone a woman in a hijab. Now the Lakemba club has over 500 players, 100 of which are Muslim women thanks to coach Natasha Hill.

Coach Natasha Hill and her team Picture: Keri Megelus

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Four years ago, you would not have found one female soccer player at Australian National Sports Club — let alone a woman in a hijab.

Disheartened by what she saw, Punchbowl coach Natasha Hill, 25, decided to start coaching at ANSC.

With ANSC, she nutted out a strategy to boost the club’s small membership of 50.

Now the Lakemba club has over 500 players, 100 of which are Muslim women.

Hill volunteers four days a week to ensure that women have an equal opportunity in the sport that she loves.

Coach Natasha Hill Picture: Keri Megelus

“A lot of cultures, regardless of religion or culture, have the stereotype that women can’t be as involved in physical activity,” she said.

“We need to change the mindset of everyone who thinks that females can’t play sport.

“It should be an open door for all, regardless of gender, race or religion.”

As well as coaching, Hill has broken down many barriers with individuals using football.

“Sport is a tool for social change,” she said.

Her goal for ANSC?

“To double our participation rates again in five years,” she said.

Hill’s spirit and dedication has made her this week’s Local Sports Star nominee for Service to Sport.

LSS has five categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Stars Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.

Nominate someone at localsportsstars.com.au