Former Matilda goalkeeper Theresa Deas spends her days supporting women and girls on soccer pitch

IF there is one thing Theresa Deas has proven after more than four decades in the football world, it’s that women and girls have plenty to offer the sport.

Theresa Deas continues to champion women and girls' participation in football. Picture: Valeriu Campan

IF there is one thing Theresa Deas has proven after more than four decades in the football world, it’s that women and girls have plenty to offer the sport.

The former Matildas goal keeper was inducted into Football Federation Australia’s hall of fame in 2003; Football Federation Victoria’s hall of fame in 2011 and three years later became an FFV life member.

The recognition for the Mentone woman came after she represented her state and country on the field for about two decades.

Today, as president of National Premier League club Women’s Southern United and chair of FFV’s women’s standing committee, the goalkeeping legend continues to champion the women’s game.

“So people recognise the value that women and girls have in their sport at all levels,” Ms Deas said.

“That’s not just about playing, it’s the coaches, the referees … we have so much to offer committees and boards at all levels.

“I want them (women and girls) to have the same opportunities, but also let them know those opportunities are there.”

Ms Deas and her family immigrated to Australia from Wales when she was 10 years old and she joined a team not longer after.

“Once I started playing, that was the end of it basically and that was more than 40 years ago,” she said.

Ms Deas found it difficult to get coaches willing to mentor her as she progressed to state and national levels, because back then “girls weren’t looked at as if they could play”.

“Female numbers have grown and that’s been the biggest and most obvious thing that’s happened,” she said.

“There’s now a career pathway for girls to progress to national teams from community football, all the way to national level.

“Community clubs, at the grassroots level, have recognised what women and girls playing football can do for their clubs and how it does improve their community.”

Ms Deas is this week’s Service to Sport Sports Star nominee for Mordialloc Chelsea Leader.

Leader Local Sports Stars medallists will be named in seven categories including juniors, teams, individuals, and encouragement.

The program is now a national celebration, and junior category winners will be judged for national awards.

Cash prizes as well as vouchers from our sponsor Sportsmart are up for grabs.

For full details and to nominate an athlete, go to localsportsstars.com.au