What makes a Matilda

The recent Men’s Soccer World Cup 2022 t and the upcoming FIFA Women’s world Cup 2023 tournament has continued to foster Australian children’s love of soccer. This latest release What Makes a Matilda provides an informative and in depth look at Australia’s champion women’s soccer team. The introduction gives a straightforward historical account of the struggle women’s football has had in both Australia and around the world, and its journey to 2023. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the ParaMatildas providing an insight into their history and team. Throughout the book are player profiles, including well known Samantha Kerr, presented with easily accessible text, graphic images, comments, quotes and diagrams. In the centre of the book are glossy captioned colour images offering plenty of interesting facts. As well as providing the reader with the history of the sport for women, the book gives aspiring soccer players advice for improving their own football skills. In the final pages are Matilda’s Records including a list of all who have played for the Australian Women’s team. There is a much needed index at the end of the book and a contents page at the beginning would have been an important addition.

Themes: Football, Soccer, Women’s Sport.

Kathryn Beilby