Rebel Female Football Round will take over the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League this weekend, and Sham Khamis believes the round is important in showing a young generation of females that football has a place for them.
The United shot stopper said she believes it is imperative to have initiatives like Rebel Female Football Round to appreciate all the Women in our game and to inspire the youngsters who look up to current players.
“When I grew up you didn’t really see female athletes on the TV,” she said.
“For young girls to see that now everywhere and look up to players like Sam Kerr and Lydia Williams is inspiring.
For them to know that there is a future for them, and a place for them in the sport is just fantastic.”
Khamis sees herself now as a role model within the Westfield W-League and wants to give back to the community that has helped her get to where she is today.
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“I think the biggest thing for me is that I always give back to the younger players and supporters,” Khamis said.
“Giving up your time and going out to appreciate the support and thanking all the young girls who come to see you play, that’s something I really enjoy doing.”
Growing up in Sydney, Khamis’ idols included then-Matildas goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri.
“Being a goalkeeper myself, I always looked up to Melissa Barbieri,” she said this week.
“She was a great role model on and off the field, and the way she portrayed herself when you were in her presence was always very powerful.”
Khamis and her United teammates will kick off Rebel Female Football Round on Thursday night when they take on Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium thanks to JT Sports Tours, kicking off at 7:30pm AEDT.
