Finding cultural pride through football – why the African Cup NSW means so much to these women

Vivid colours, loud Afro music, the sound of laughter and the movement of feet brought African youth together across several weekends in December in western Sydney, to celebrate their culture through soccer.

Since 1999, the African Cup NSW has been an exhibition of the local African diaspora's athletic prowess and its diverse heritage.

But, for the first time, in 2021, the tournament broke barriers by establishing a full women's competition featuring six nations: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Egypt, and inaugural champions Sierra Leone.

It was a significant step in the right direction, bringing joy to women in the African community and those from other cultural backgrounds, to display their skills, talent, and to feel a sense of belonging.

So why did it take so long to find a place for women on the pitch?

Major reasons for not establishing the women's tournament prior to 2021 included funding and the difficulties in finding women who were willing to play.

Petronila Ada was central to changing that.

She's the goalkeeper for Zimbabwe's women's team, manages the men's side, and is a significant figure in AFCNSW.

She's a long-time member of the community, and has worked tirelessly alongside the committee to ensure a fair go is given to each player, regardless of their background.

Ada, and three other women who manage some of the men's teams, made the push to create room for women's sport in the local African community.

After a long period of negotiation, Bernard Muchemwa, AFCNSW President, agreed to creating a woman's tournament.

«I think, for a long time, female sport participation has been grossly underestimated,» Ada said.

«People assumed that there wouldn't be teams. But we all saw in last year's —