Launceston's next generation of female soccer stars have hailed a move which will close the pay gap between the country's Matildas and Socceroos representatives.
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Football Federation Australia announced a new collective bargaining agreement earlier in the week which will see Matildas players increase their annual salaries from around $66,000 to $100,000 in line with their male counterparts.
They will also be afforded access to the same standard of training, facilities, travel arrangements and support staff.
It is hoped the changes will also help Australia in its bid to win hosting rights to the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Northern Tasmanian Junior Soccer Association representative quintet Jazlin Venn, Amy Littlechild, Lilian Reynolds and Neve and Ava Farquhar penned their reactions to the new deal.
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Ava Farquhar (aged 12)
- I am so excited! It is about time that women soccer players are treated equally. I want to become a professional soccer player when I am older and I want to play in the 2023 World Cup (even though I will only be 15 years old). Now that female soccer players are paid equally, I will not need to have a side job and I will be able to focus on training and becoming a better player.
Lilian Reynolds (aged 12)
- I'm so happy and relieved that women soccer players will receive the respect and pay they deserve. I hope this encourages more females to take up our sport and reach for the top, knowing they'll be treated equally.
Neve Farquhar (aged 12)
- It is great to know that women are getting what they deserve, but this should have happened ages ago.
Amy Littlechild (aged 14)
- This is a positive step towards women being recognised for the effort and commitment that they dedicate to their sport.
Jazlin Venn (aged 14)
- It's great to see that Australia is taking the lead in making men and women equal because they are doing the exact same thing - representing Australia!