Bridging cultures through football and family

Originally published in El Telegraph

Written by Phoebe Mcwilliams, a graduate of the Change Our Game Women in Sports Media Program.

For young Australian Rules Football star, Izzy Khoury, there are many aspects of her women’s football team that remind her of her Lebanese heritage.

“There are a lot of common values,” explains Khoury.

“Both are welcoming and inclusive. They are caring, giving and provide a sense of connection.”

“People from all different backgrounds will come and join our team and we make them feel welcome. It’s the same in Lebanese culture.”

This year Khoury will represent Williamstown Football Club in the Victorian Women’s Football League, the highest level of women’s Australian Rules Football in the state.

The 21-year-old’s family are her biggest fans.

Both Khoury’s grandparents were born in Lebanon and moved to Australia in the 1960s and her parents met here through family friends.

There is still a strong Lebanese presence in her family despite the fact her grandpa moved to Australia over 60 years ago.

“I come from a big Lebanese background.”

“My parents, my grandparents, my aunties and uncles – we all speak Arabic, but we all speak English to each other as well.

Khoury’s love of football began from a young age when her dad Michael would take her to Carlton Football Club matches.

Now every weekend her dad, mum and grandparents come down to watch her play.

This is Khoury’s third season in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition. Players train together as a team three days a week and complete three strength training sessions at the gym in their own time.

Khoury believes playing football has not only taught her about the game, but about how to live a fit and healthy lifestyle.

“I train six days a week, so it’s really important I eat well and do things to help me recover like visit the pools, stretch and sleep properly.”

Living at her family home in Rowville, her parents see how much work their daughter does in order to pursue her passion.

“Yeah, I think mum and dad are very proud, and even my sister. They see how hard I work and how much like I love footy.

“I think the most important thing for my mum, she wants me to be happy. So, I think that they love me playing footy, because it makes me happy.”

To find your local Australian Rules football club visit www.play.afl

This piece was produced in collaboration with the Victorian Government’s Office for Women in Sport and Recreation.