Matildas captain Sam Kerr has expressed her disappointment regarding the uncertainty surrounding the Central Coast Mariners women's team and the overall lack of investment in the A-League Women (ALW), just three years after Australia hosted the Women's World Cup. The recent acquisition of the men's team by Total Soccer Growth Holdings has not extended to the women's side, leaving their future uncertain, similar to that of Canberra United, as the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) seeks a buyer.

Kerr's Concerns Over Investment

Speaking at her signing press conference with NWSL club Gotham FC, Kerr stated, "I've been reading this week about Central Coast Mariners and some of the stuff that's happening in Australia at the moment and it's quite disappointing to be honest." She emphasized that following the 2023 World Cup, there should have been significant investment in the A-League, highlighting that the players deserve better conditions. Kerr noted the trend of players leaving the A-League, stating, "In Australia we want to retain our national team players, we want to retain as many top-level athletes that we can but without the investment, the players can't stay."

Calls for Change

Kerr lamented the current state of the A-League, suggesting that the leadership needs to take action. "Something has to change -- because off the back of the 2023 World Cup this shouldn't be happening," she remarked. The exodus of top players, including Holly McNamara and Isabel Gomez, to leagues in the United States and Canada for better wages underscores the challenges faced by the ALW, where the minimum wage is currently $27,000.

After a successful six-year stint at Chelsea, Kerr has signed with Gotham FC until 2030, seeking stability as she prepares for future international competitions. "So that's my hope with this -- is that I have a stable place where I call home and I can train to the best of my ability," she concluded, reflecting on her aspirations for both club and country.