A soccer rule at a Sunshine Coast school has been given the boot after a group of girls rallied their classmates and took their case to the principal.
Coolum State School students Boe Chandler, 8, Leni Matthews and Violet Calder wanted to Bend It Like Beckham and play soccer alongside the boys on the oval.
Boe’s mother, Emily Chandler, said her daughter came home looking “bitterly disappointed” after learning about a new rule.
“As it turned out, the school had banned girls and boys from playing soccer on the oval together,” she said.
“Instead, the boys would play at lunch, and the girls at morning tea.”
Rather than leave it at that, the girls drew up a petition, gathered signatures from fellow students and took it to their principal.
Ms Chandler said the girls wanted to be able to play alongside their friends.
“They felt that friendship between boys and girls was important, and playing together was really fun,” she said.
“Some of the girls had also started not playing soccer at all.”
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The campaign paid off, with Coolum State School principal Shannyn Taylor announcing the change to students during parade.
Ms Chandler said the girls had shown courage and determination by taking action rather than simply accepting the situation.
“In a time when we hear so much about kids being disengaged and toxic masculinity, this group of girls showed that we have the power to change that,” she said.
“They showed incredible courage, leadership, and determination to stand up and advocate.
“They organised, they advocated, and made change happen.”
Ms Taylor said the students had handled the process with maturity.
“As a school community we are extremely proud of student Boe Chandler and the other students who successfully advocated for changes to the program soccer at the school,” she said.
“Our students showed great maturity in presenting their petition as part of a united students voice and now everyone is kicking goals together.”
