edience Rigby has taken on a new role as the manager of female football and advocacy at Football West. One of her primary goals is to ensure that in the future, ALW players are paid enough to sustain full careers in the sport. Rigby has witnessed significant growth and development in women’s football and believes that now that there is a full home-and-away season, it is crucial to consider compensating the players and potentially transitioning to a full-time structure. She points to the success of the women’s World Cup as evidence that women’s football is a viable product that fans are interested in, and emphasizes the importance of investing in the sport to allow players to have longer careers without financial concerns forcing them to retire prematurely.
Rigby’s own experience includes captaining Perth over the past five years and becoming just the third player to reach 100 ALW appearances for the club. Despite making grand final appearances in 2017 and 2019, Rigby and her team fell short of winning the championship both times. Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis commended Rigby for her leadership skills and fighting spirit, noting that she has consistently set a strong example for her teammates and has been able to bring out the best in various groups of players, especially in challenging circumstances such as those created by the uncertainties of COVID-19, including relocations and playing in hubs. Epakis believes that Rigby’s influence has been integral to the team’s culture and predicts that her legacy will endure within the team even after her retirement.
Rigby’s vision for the future of women’s football includes leveraging the momentum generated by events like the women’s World Cup to further expand the sport and secure better compensation and support for players. She expresses a desire to see players being able to continue playing into later stages of their careers without financial constraints forcing them to retire prematurely. Rigby’s dedication to advocating for the professionalization of women’s football is driven by her belief in the potential of the sport as a viable and profitable product that can attract and retain fans. She hopes that increased investment in women’s football will pave the way for the next generation of players to have more stability and opportunities to thrive in the sport.
As a player who has experienced the highs and lows of competition, Rigby brings a unique perspective to her role as a manager and advocate for female football. Her firsthand experience of the challenges and rewards of playing at a high level gives her insights into the needs and aspirations of players, which she aims to address through her advocacy work. By drawing on her own experiences and accomplishments in the sport, Rigby is able to connect with players and stakeholders in a meaningful way, advocating for changes and improvements that will benefit the women’s football community as a whole. Her dedication to the sport and her commitment to ensuring that female players receive the recognition and support they deserve make her a valuable asset to the football community.
Rigby’s leadership both on and off the field has been recognized by her peers and coaches, who praise her for her dedication, work ethic, and positive impact on the teams she has been a part of. Her ability to lead by example and motivate her teammates has been instrumental in the success of her teams, and her legacy as a player and leader will continue to inspire future generations of female footballers. By taking on a new role in football management and advocacy, Rigby is continuing to make a difference in the sport she loves, using her platform to push for positive changes that will benefit women’s football at all levels. Her passion for the game and her commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for female players are driving forces behind her advocacy work, and her efforts are sure to have a lasting impact on the sport for years to come.
