What Do They Call Soccer in Australia? (Football Down Under)
In Australia, association football is officially called “football” by the governing body (Football Australia) since a formal rebranding in 2005, but the general public still overwhelmingly refers to it as “soccer”. This dual terminology exists because the term “football” or “footy” in Australia is historically reserved for Australian Rules Football (AFL) in southern states and Rugby League (NRL) in northern states. To avoid confusion in a highly saturated sports market, “soccer” remains the standard conversational term across the country.
- Official Name: Football (changed from Soccer Australia to Football Federation Australia in 2005).
- Common Name: Soccer (used by fans and media to avoid confusion with AFL and NRL).
- National Teams: Socceroos (Men’s) and Matildas (Women’s).
Contents
The 2005 Official Rebranding: From Soccer to Football
For decades, the sport was governed by “Soccer Australia.” In 2005, under the leadership of Frank Lowy and CEO John O’Neill, the organization underwent a massive structural overhaul and rebranded as Football Federation Australia (now Football Australia). This move was designed to align the country with the international community and FIFA standards. Along with the name change, the domestic competition was relaunched as the A-League, replacing the old National Soccer League (NSL). Despite the official pivot, embedding the term “football” into everyday Australian vernacular has been an ongoing challenge due to entrenched cultural habits.
If you ask an Australian if they want to watch “football” or “footy,” they will almost certainly assume you mean AFL or NRL, depending on the state. Always use “soccer” to guarantee you are understood.
Why “Soccer” Survives: The Crowded Sports Landscape
Australia boasts one of the most competitive domestic sports markets in the world, featuring four distinct codes of football. In southern states like Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, “footy” universally means Australian Rules Football (AFL). In northern states like New South Wales and Queensland, “footy” refers to Rugby League (NRL) or occasionally Rugby Union. Soccer finds itself competing for linguistic space against these deeply rooted local giants. Major media outlets, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), still frequently use “soccer” in headlines for clarity.
The National Teams: Socceroos and Matildas
The strongest evidence of the enduring power of the word “soccer” lies in the beloved nickname of the men’s national team: the Socceroos. Coined in the early 1970s by a journalist, the portmanteau of “soccer” and “kangaroo” is an untouchable brand asset that Football Australia has never attempted to change. The women’s national team, the Matildas, also operates under a distinctly Australian moniker, bypassing the “football” terminology entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it offensive to call it soccer in Australia?
No, it is not offensive to call it soccer in Australia. In fact, it is the most practical and widely accepted term to prevent confusion with other sports, though hardcore purists may prefer “football.”
What is the Australian soccer league called?
The top-flight professional soccer league in Australia is called the A-League Men, and the women’s equivalent is the A-League Women.
Do Australians care about soccer?
Yes, soccer is the most participated team sport in Australia at the grassroots level. While domestic league television ratings trail behind AFL and NRL, events like the FIFA World Cup generate massive national interest.
Whether you are playing in a local park or watching the A-League, you will hear both terms used interchangeably. When talking to locals, stick to “soccer” to keep things clear, and enjoy the diverse sporting culture of the land down under.
