Jade Melbourne of the UC Capitals. Photo: Capitals Facebook.
Women’s sport across Australia is riding a wave created by the Matilda’s World Cup success. Every code is reporting a flow-on with crowd numbers surging as people seemingly discover women’s sport for the first time.
While women’s sports teams in Canberra will no doubt benefit from the Matilda’s momentum, to a certain extent, the groundwork was created by the Capitals and Canberra United as stand-alone women’s sports teams in this city.
Carrie Graf: the Capitals have been trailblazers for two decades. Photo Credit: Vanessa Lam, University of Canberra
As Carrie Graf, the former UC Capitals Head Coach and now the UC Director of Sport, points out, the impact of the Capitals has existed in Canberra for 20 years.
On the back of nine WNBL titles, the UC Capitals have been the benchmark club in the league for many years. Because of this, it has developed a large loyal supporter base.
The devotion of that support was truly tested last season. The team won only two games from the 21 games played.
But that devotion was on full display earlier this year when the UC Capitals sold out their final home game, despite the team finishing on the bottom of the ladder.
But this is a meshed-on, loyal fan base. They are there regardless of the score.
UC Caps have developed a strong fan base over many years. Photo: File.
The large last home game turnout and the impact of the Matildas have given rise to optimism within the UC Capitals’ ranks. They believe they can sell out every home game in the upcoming season.
That optimism is well founded.
Within 24 hours of membership packages for the upcoming season going on sale, a record number had been sold.
UC Capitals general manager Lucille Bailie said the corporate support was also on the rise, and sponsors are lining up to be a part of the team.
The UC Capitals start their season against Adelaide on 5 November at the National Convention Centre. They finish the season against the Melbourne Boomers, also at the NCC, on 24 February.
There are two games through the season at the team’s spiritual home, Tuggeranong Stadium. The first of these games is against Melbourne on 15 December, and the second is against Bendigo on 15 February.
The awareness of the WNBL has never been greater and it’s set to expand into new territory this season with every game televised on ESPN and 9Now.
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