Julie Dolan recognised for service to soccer

Wagstaffe resident Ms Julie Dolan has been recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours for significant service to soccer.

Ms Dolan grew up playing soccer in her back garden and went on to captain the Matildas, Australia's national women's football team in 1979.

Ms Dolan was recognised for her service as an administrator, player, coach, and ambassador for elite player development and junior participation.

"I am very humbled.

"However with awards like these, there's always a supporter base that are just as passionate and dedicated about the cause," she said.

"Those people deserve recognition as well," Ms Dolan said.

Ms Dolan's love for soccer and for helping develop younger player's skill has driven her lifetime of commitment to the sport.

"My work is not really my work because I'm passionate about it. In that sense it's not just a job.

"I have a passion for the game and for youth development and that led me to being more involved," Ms Dolan said.

Ms Dolan was one of the first captains of the Matildas, captaining the team from 1979-1989, only a few years' after the Australian Women's Soccer Association was founded in 1974.

She is currently an ambassador for Football Federation Australia and for the Central Coast Mariners W-League.

Ms Dolan believes that sport is important for children.

"I don't think kids get enough activity throughout their day. There are so many other distractions through their screens and social media, and I don't think they get enough sport.

"Whether it be football, or any other sport, I think it's important," Ms Dolan said.

As an ambassador for the Central Coast Mariners W-League, Ms Dolan was disappointed when the FFA decided to reject their submission to include the Mariners in the W-League for 2018-19.

"I am as disappointed as everyone is on the Coast.

"The idea is now to not take a backwards step, but to keep pushing for change and to keep up that momentum," Ms Dolan said.

Ms Dolan has been inducted into the Football Federation of Australia's Hall of Fame, Soccer Australia's Soccer Hall of Fame, and in 1998 was named the International Women's Footballer of the Century by the Oceania Football Confederation.

SOURCE:

Interview, 14 Jun 2018

Julie Dolan, Wagstaffe

Reporter: Elizabeth Green