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Joined January 2013
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I'm a rookie player for the Green Bay Chill LFL team. I moved to the US last year from NSW. I work as a Sonographer in a medium sized hospital in Milwaukee and have always had to find a balance between my sporting commitments and work life. I follow many sports - my favourites being Rugby, tennis and track and field and have fallen in love with American football.
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With the kick-off of the inaugural season of Legends Football League Australia still just under three weeks away, the negative publicity has already started…
On the sixth of April, the Green Bay Chill played our first game of the 2013 season. For me it marked one year of…
Something that's stayed with me is an episode of the The Price is Right from 2004, when Sharelle McMahon was told to 'Come on…
The first time I drove past Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, the carpark was chock-full despite it being many hours…
Shortly after learning of the LFL early last, year my husband was offered a transfer to the USA by his employer. Being relatively young…
You never know Ringo, maybe that’s the direction the uniform will take. As I’ve said previously the focus of the players is very much on the football. Being vain and being comfortable in your own skin are two very different things.
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits
Nicely said Ben, I’ve never heard anyone protest about the NRL/ footy ink calenders! You can’t cry gender discrimination whist holding each sex to different standards, talk about mixed messages.
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits
Interesting points Jasmin! I think what really gets under peoples skin is that due to the uniform (unilike other womens sports) the line is blurred between the marketing and the sport itself which leads to critics labeling the game as entertainment rather than a sport in its own right. It would be suppressive to take away the athletes choice to play the sport which we love…but then we’re continually hounded and made to feel the choices we make are ‘wrong’.
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits
That’s wonderful Randy, best of luck to her! I’ll be watching keenly from abroad, I know the girls will be amazing – Australia does produce some fantastic female athletes with zero to very little funding. It has provided me with some beautiful friends and irreplaceable experiences thus far. I bet your extremely proud of her.
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits
I know it appears contradictory saying ‘take us seriously’ and then you see the marketing which is pretty blatent. Its a love/hate relationship I guess – the LFL has gained the platform and provided the opportunties it has because of it, yes sex sells. If it were up to me I would take a different approach, however I do not have a business oriented bone in my body and it would no doubt fail catastrophically. All I wish to do is prove myself on the field…unfortunately is the case of ‘now we have your attention….watch some football’! I’m with Mrs Prawn in that roller derby is a hit amongst women, its hugely physical, entertaining, edgey, and also run/governed by women. Its interesting though that the players choose to wear revealing uniforms – they have a bit of fun with it and it’s empowering in a way. I would love to give it a go! Although I fear being on wheels, any coordination I did have would go flying out the door……followed by a face plant
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits
Now I actually understand the rules and dynamic of American football I can’t get enough. Have become an avid Packers follower. Previously I had written the sport off for being too stop/start not to mention the ridiculous gear! Didn’t take long at all to warm to the sport though Mantis, it’s a terrific game.
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits
Hrmmm a mass of generalisations there Matt. I don’t enjoy being oogled, I love playing footy at a national level though. I am comfortable in my own skin having said that. I certainly do not think all American women aspire to be cheerleaders (who are amazing athletes in their own right – most are gymnasts). It is walking a fine line I agree…but the players are looking forward to the ongoing evolution of the sport
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits
A little crass Matt…ever been pummeled by a wave? That’s what getting hit by some of these girls feels like!
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits
Hardcoreprawn, valid points. I don’t think that image is provocative do you? I think its pretty fierce! The women pictured is the line backer for Vegas, she played out the season with a knee brace after doing her ACL – an amazing competitor. Let me reiterate that we play for the football.
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits
Jack I think that if it were a mainstream Australian sport the comparisons to the standard of the corresponding male game would be more readily drawn. Due to our anatomical and hormonal differences yes, we are not as fast or strong as men in many ways. However would you not watch regional football, lower grades of a national comp, younger athletes in age divisions, the Paralympics? In my option talent is appreciable across all sporting categories independent of age, sex, disability etc.
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits
Great comment Kettle. That’s one of the wonderful things about our national netball comp. It’s a female focussed sport that does not have to compete with or be compared to a male equivalent in any way. The stands are always filled with young girls which is great to see. Living in the states I feel (to make a generalisation) that female fans across any sport are more prevalent. I think the collage sports culture plays a massive role in both creating opportunities for male and female athletes and inspiring a strong sense of team/school pride in every student – athlete or not. Once that interest/passion for sport is established I think women are more likely to stay involved as fans throughout their lifetime.
Welcome to the Legends Football League
Nice to hear your a Packers ‘cheesehead’ melo-drama!! I completely understand that the LFL is not for everyone, there will always be the critics that will never be won over. I’ve spoken about this before that (sadly) it’s the reality of women’s sport that it took a novelty approach to create the fan base/exposure (no pun intended) that the LFL has. Now the sport is evolving, after the first 2 seasons there was a massive turnover in players due to the ever improving standard, if your not a discipline d athlete you will not survive on the field. I really don’t take the attire too seriously, it hasn’t prompted me to painfully dissect the social implications, nor has it lead to questioning my own morality…although massively challenging most importantly its bloody great fun!!
Welcome to the Legends Football League
I’m sorry you feel that way Steggz. It’s true I have always done my hair and makeup when competing in any sport as being presentable in any situation is important to me. Being athletic for me does not mean sacrificing any of my femininity. On the other end of the spectrum, some women playing traditionally male dominated sports get accused of being too ‘butch’. So we can’t bloody win! I’m stoked that you support the WNBL, the W-league and the like – there needs to be more fans like you to open up more opportunities for female athletes that often juggle work and full time sporting commitments. I’d be even more ecstatic to learn if your female? Because I’d love to see more women supporting women across all sports. I Can assure you I joined the LFL to play football – not to have my boobs on display (which last time I checked a little cleavage was socially acceptable – do you walk down the street or go to the beach with your eyes closed?) In the same breath I am proud of my body and think the confidence it takes to compete in front of thousands is somewhat empowering in my mind. Is your stand on surf lifesaving the same because men wear speedos I wonder?
Welcome to the Legends Football League
I hear you Hayley. Unfortunately marketability trumps talent when it comes to women’s sport, certainly is a sad reality.
Since when is a WAG a sports ambassador?
Thanks Ned. Yes we certainly train an play hard. It is a difficult balance – to play a traditionally male dominated contact sport..without daring to appear too masculine….or the the LFL’s case on the other end of the spectrum. I don’t see the the celebration of a healthy, athletic female figure is a negative thing though considering the bombardment of body image issues women face.
No more lingerie: LFL shifts to little 'L'
I’ve read a number of comments along those lines B-Rock. Legends sounding like a fantasy league or a bunch of old blokes tearing hammy’s left, right and centre! It’s funny my first thought was in the Aussie sense as in ‘you bloody legend’…translation ‘your actions deem you an amazing human being’ – pretty sure that’s not what the league was going for, but that’s what I’m running with!
No more lingerie: LFL shifts to little 'L'
Thanks for reading Clavers and for taking the time to comment albeit embroiled in sarcasm. I’m sorry you feel that way, LFL is not for everyone which is understandable. The referees are thankfully very profressional, as are the athletes and coaching staff.
LFL far more than just skimpy outfits