After weeks of rain and closed sporting fields, and forfeits by 2 different clubs, the Flying Bats have had another opportunity to demolish their competition in the female division of the North West Sydney Premier Women’s League.

They were up against the North Epping Rangers and absolutely annihilated the girls 12-0. With up to 5 male players on the field for the Flying Bats it is not surprising. Last time the teams were pitted against each other the Bats won 4-0.

The Flying Bats was once a lesbian club, it now has a team consisting of males identifying as female dominating the women’s league. They are on top of the table with 39 points and are undefeated.

The North West Sydney Football Association, along with Football NSW, have previously been caught out threatening the clubs and players with fines or legal action if the object. Instead of protecting and promoting their female players they seem intent on protecting and promoting the males who wish they were women.

Another interesting point is that Flying Bats are not even located in the North West Sydney region. The club is registered in Petersham. It is exceptionally rare for Football NSW to allow clubs to play in competitions outside of their registered geographical zone. One has to wonder why they are not only making this exception but threatening clubs who object?

Both the North West Sydney Football Association and Football NSW have threatened clubs who forfeit with fines, but as yet, no fine has been issued. They also threatened to take legal action if the females didn’t want to include the males in their competition. 

It is disappointing that the North Epping Rangers Club forced their players into such a humiliating position by making them take the field against the Bats to be thrashed 12-0. They didn’t have to. Two other teams have chosen to protect their girls by choosing to forfeit. Why didn’t North Epping Rangers choose women’s dignity over male feelings? 

A hint could be found on the club’s Facebook page. A club that spends its time promoting males appropriating womanhood may not be overly interested in protecting girls who are concerned about playing against biological males in a female competition.  

The only option left to the players is to self-exclude. How embarrassing that in 2024 that is the only option left for women and girls who simply want to play sport on a fair and safe playing field.

I had the opportunity to speak with Ben Fordham about this issue. You can listen here.