Celebrating Women in Sport: Screening of Trailblazers Film with Matildas Alumni

Celebrating Women in Sport: Screening of Trailblazers Film with Matildas Alumni

We are thrilled to share the success of a recent event that empowered and inspired young female athletes: a screening of Trailblazers Film featuring a panel of Matildas Alumni. This powerful event brought together young athletes, sports enthusiasts, and industry leaders to celebrate the achievements of women who’ve paved the way in Australian sports.
‍

After three months of planning and preparation, the event was made possible by a dedicated team, including Chelle, an experienced PA and Event Manager. Key partners, such as Classic Sportswear, Venues NSW, Macdonald Jones Stadium, Gema Group Events, Purnell’s Trophies, Documentary Australia, Trish Evans Photography, and Brien McVernon Music, played vital roles in helping bring this vision to life.
‍

The evening was designed to provide young female athletes with inspiration and guidance from those who have paved the way. Matildas Alumni shared their unique stories, which highlighted the importance of resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of women in sport—echoing the message of the Trailblazers Film and the motto “Never Say Die.”

‍

‍

This initiative is now open to schools and sports clubs interested in hosting their own screenings of Trailblazers Film to further extend its impact within their communities. By sharing these stories, we hope to support more young women in discovering the strength and inspiration that sports can provide.
‍

Interview with Trae McGovern: Visionary for the Event

What inspired you to bring the Trailblazers Film to life through this event, and how did the presence of Matildas Alumni as panelists add to its impact?
‍

"As a former Matilda and a passionate advocate for female athletes, I was inspired to bring the Trailblazers Film to life because I believe it’s important to highlight the achievements and stories of women who’ve paved the way in Australian sport.

The Matildas have played such a crucial role in the development of women’s football in this country, and their journey deserves to be shared and celebrated. Having Matildas Alumni as panelists added incredible value to the event—they are living examples of how far we've come and how far we can go. Their insights, experience, and personal stories of overcoming challenges really connected with the audience, creating an inspiring atmosphere."
‍

Can you share some of the most memorable moments from the event, especially those that resonated with young athletes in the audience?

"A truly memorable moment came when World Champion Kite Surfer Peri Roberts asked the panel how female athletes can overcome the anger and frustration of still fighting inequality in sport. In response, panelist Joey Peters passionately urged Roberts to be strong and find her voice, emphasizing that it is up to us, the Trailblazers, to create the change.

Joey reminded us that the Matildas Alumni are a prime example of this transformation, with the current CommBank Matildas now standing as Australia’s most admired sports team. This moment encapsulated the power of solidarity and the importance of using our voices to continue pushing for progress.

‍

Another deeply memorable moment was when I shared my personal story live on stage for the first time, in front of my two daughters. I opened up about my journey with PTSD, my recovery, and how I've channeled those experiences into creating my own Athlete Mentoring program.

It was a vulnerable and empowering moment for me, as I reflected on how my experiences in sport have shaped my desire to support and mentor young aspiring female athletes. Sharing this with the audience, especially my daughters, was a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, growth, and the impact of turning personal challenges into a force for good."‍

How did partners like Classic Sportswear, Venues NSW, and Macdonald Jones Stadium help bring this vision to life, and what unique contributions did they make?

"Partners like Classic Sportswear, Venues NSW, and Macdonald Jones Stadium were instrumental in bringing the Trailblazers Film event to life. Classic Sportswear’s support as a sponsor made it possible to bring the event to a larger audience and showcase the strength of women’s sportswear and fashion. Venues NSW provided the perfect backdrop, offering world-class facilities to ensure the event was seamless and professional.

Macdonald Jones Stadium, with its history and iconic presence, gave us the ideal setting to celebrate female athletes. Each partner brought something unique—Classic Sportswear with its connection to sport and fashion, Venues NSW with its infrastructure and expertise in events, and Macdonald Jones Stadium for its connection to the heart of the community."

Looking back, what do you hope attendees took away from the event, and how do you see this initiative inspiring future generations of female athletes?

"I hope attendees walked away feeling empowered and inspired. My goal was to show them that the path to success in sport, and in life, is filled with hard work, setbacks, and resilience, but also immense reward. For the young athletes in the audience, I want them to realize that they are part of a growing movement—female athletes now have more opportunities than ever before, and they too can achieve greatness.
‍

This event was just a small step in inspiring the next generation, but I see it as a catalyst for ongoing conversations, mentorship, and empowerment. I want to continue fostering an environment where young female athletes can see role models who look like them and feel confident in their ability to succeed."
‍

Congratulations to all involved in making this event a reality. Your contributions, insights, and dedication are what make moments like these truly transformative. Here's to the continued success of the women who trailblaze ahead, and to the next generation of leaders in sport!

‍