The embassies of New Zealand and Australia partnered with LaLiga to host a clinic at the ESC LaLiga & NBA Center, providing twenty-five girls from the Madrid community with a unique space to train, exchange experiences and connect with women. Criteria in the world of sports.
The morning breakfast was hosted by Australian Ambassador Hon. Sophia McIntyre and New Zealand Ambassador, Hon. Tara Morton joins leading women in the sports industry as motivational speakers before the youth. Later, they accompanied the LaLiga coach to the playground where they put their passion and talent for football on stage. They also had the opportunity to learn about a special aspect of New Zealand culture through a haka (Maori war dance) workshop given by New Zealand’s Jensen Palmer.
Twenty-five participants took part in the initiative after winning a design competition launched by both embassies in April targeting girls aged 9 to 12 in the Madrid community. Held in collaboration with the region’s Ministry of Education, participants were asked to submit their designs inspired by the values of sports and equality, including elements characteristic of both countries. Twenty-five of the best designs were selected by the embassies based on criteria such as creativity, originality or the way they reflect values such as equality, inclusion or diversity, regardless of the footballing level of the participants.
“New Zealand strongly supports the participation of women and girls, whether it’s in the boardroom, politics or sports. Our aim with this event was to create a space to nurture, nurture and celebrate the values of women’s football and we are delighted to share New Zealand’s love of the game with the new generation of female leaders in Madrid. New Zealand, Hon. Tara Morton.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in the popularity of soccer and other sports among women in recent years, but there’s still a long way to go to reach the same level of support and commitment as among men. Be here to help inspire female role models and celebrate the achievements of women’s sports that encourage women to play and aim high. One way,” said Australian Ambassador Han. Sophia McIntyre.
With this initiative, Australia and New Zealand will focus on all women’s football in two months, and together with LaLiga, both embassies show their firm commitment to promote women’s football and bridge the gap in the support and promotion of women and girls in sport, to end unequal access to sports facilities and training, which often hinders sporting activities. It leads to premature abandonment and in short, they all need to guarantee that they can live out their passion for the sport without obstacles in the way.
“Typical beer advocate. Future teen idol. Unapologetic tv practitioner. Music trailblazer.”