MECCA M-POWER is thrilled to announce its support of The Stan Original Documentary Trailblazers, a film that tells the amazing story of the fight for equality by the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s football team
Trailblazers will bring viewers on the incredible journey of the Matildas and women’s football. From the first FIFA-recognised game in 1979 and the early years of paying-to-play to the Matildas striking for equal pay in 2015, heartbreak at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Australia co-hosting the largest women’s sporting event on the planet, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. With the Matildas aspiring to win Gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, this triumphant story honours the early players who paved the way for future generations and the rockstar players who are household names today.
Created by an all-women team, Trailblazers features past and present Matildas legends including first captain Julie Dolan, current Captain Sam Kerr, Vice-Captain Steph Catley, Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter, Teagan Micah, Melissa Barbieri, Kate Gill and Moya Dodd. Trailblazers also feature contributions from ex-Socceroos Captain and Stan Sport commentator Craig Foster, Coach Tommy Sermanni and the first Indigenous female player Karen Menzies.
Trailblazers Impact Campaign, supported by MECCA M-POWER and created by Documentary Australia seeks to inspire, educate and drive important conversations ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Executive Director of MECCA M-POWER Lisa Keenan said:
“Sport, like art, has the power to bring people together and help us to see the world in new ways. Last year, during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Matildas didn’t just kick their way into the collective hearts of Australia. They showed the world the beauty of teamwork, the unique skill and artistry of women’s football, and they inspired a new generation of girls to pick up the ball and run with it.
“None of what has been achieved would have been possible without the pioneers, the trailblazers, the women and girls who were told they couldn’t play football but did anyway, for the love of the beautiful game. That spirit, of what is possible when women are unleashed to be their best, is at the heart of MECCA M-POWER.
“We are so proud to support this film, and the Documentary Australia led impact and education campaign that is now available on Cool.org. These resources will spark vital conversations about equality and opportunity in women's sport, in classrooms, boardrooms, and community sporting clubs around the country.”
“I just never thought I’d be able to do it, one, as my job, and two, be able to make an income.”
- Sam Kerr, Cap # 168, debut 2009
Filmmakers and Co-Creators Maggie Miles & Maggie Eudes said:
“By shining a light on women who play football and honouring those who blazed a trail for today’s heroes, this film celebrates the success of every woman and girl who has found a way to live their own story. That’s certainly why past and present players gave so generously of their time.”
Julie Dolan AM, Cap # 1, debut 1979, first Captain said:
"This film has been a long time coming and many trailblazers of Australian women’s football are thrilled to get the chance to put their story on the record. Those early years were a lotta fun and we had no choice but to fight for recognition to enable us to play the game we love."
Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said:
“Stan is delighted to be working with the filmmakers of Trailblazers, Documentary Australia and Mecca to amplify and celebrate the incredible rise of women’s football. The Matildas are one of Australia’s most beloved teams and we know this documentary will inspire, educate and drive important conversations ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
Screen Australia Head of Documentary Richard Huddleston said:
“Trailblazers will strike a chord with Australian audiences – opening our minds to the power sport has to drive change in society. It’s a story that lays bare the heart, soul and perseverance of these legendary female athletes and gives hope for a future where women and girls have equal access, opportunity and pay in sport. Screen Australia is immensely proud to have supported this powerful documentary.”
VicScreen CEO, Caroline Pitcher said:
“Last year, the Matildas took the world by storm with their incredible World Cup campaign and their extraordinary talent and determination. Produced by a female-led creative team, this powerful documentary captures the trailblazers and the pioneers who paved the way for women’s football, and the leaders who continue to champion equality and inclusion today. Rousing and inspiring - VicScreen is proud to have supported Trailblazers through both our development and production funding.”
The Stan Original Documentary Trailblazers is now streaming only on Stan.
Trailblazers is a Savage Films, Milestone Films and LM Films Production for Stan Originals. Principal Production Funding from Mecca M-Power in association with Screen Australia. Developed and produced in association with VicScreen. DOP Maggie Eudes, Editor Sara Edwards, Executive Producers Caitriona Fay & Kate Gill, Cailah Scobie & Alicia Brown (Stan). Producer Lucy Maclaren, Producers-Writers-Directors Maggie Miles & Maggie Eudes.
