Women in Sport

We’re levelling the playing field for women’s sport

From women-focused injury prevention research to advanced training programs and world-class sporting facilities, La Trobe University is using its excellence in health, science and technology to better prepare women athletes for whatever challenges they face on the field.

Real impact right here and now

Home of the Matildas

Our state-of-the-art football centre purpose-built for the Matildas is located in the La Trobe University Sports Park, a world-class precinct for teaching, research, community participation and elite sport.

Sports research and innovation

Women athletes are up to five times more likely to get injured on the field.* La Trobe researchers are working with partners like the AFLW, Medibank and the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) to better understand injuries in women athletes – from ACLs to concussion – and prevent them by delivering advanced training programs.

Sports partnerships

Through partnerships with Football Victoria, Carlton Football Club and their AFLW team and The Australian Ballet, La Trobe is co-developing research, education and facilities. We’re particularly proud to support the Adam Saad Pathways Program, including its Girls Academy, which is building future women footy stars from Melbourne’s North.

Sports courses

With short courses designed to support women athletes and Bachelors in Exercise Science, Physiotherapy and more, La Trobe is empowering the next generation of professionals to make an impact on women’s sport today. And the day after tomorrow. We’re proud to also support over 120 elite athletes – from Olympians to AFL players to netballers – to study at university through our La Trobe Elite Athlete Program (LEAP).

Changing the game with our sport industry partnerships

Learn more about Chloe’s progression through the ranks of the sport industry thanks to La Trobe’s industry partnership with the Carlton Football Club, and how her PhD research is preparing Carlton’s women athletes for any on-field challenge.

Why study Sport at La Trobe?

Top 30 globally

We’re ranked in the world’s top 30 for sport.

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), 2026, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Sports-Related Subjects

Discover our sport courses

_{*Montalvo, A, Schneider, D, Webster, K et al, 2019, ‘Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Sport: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Injury Incidence by Sex and Sport Classification’, National Library of Medicine, 2019}

News

Supported training improves injury prevention

Serious knee injuries can be reduced in women and girls' football.
La Trobe researchers recognised in Premier’s Award

Dr Brooke Patterson and Dr Ebony Monson winners in Victorian awards.
New toolkit helps women report abuse in sport

Australian women face high risks reporting gender violence in sport.
Mandatory strength warm-ups for female athletes

Global consensus backs initiatives for injury prevention and safety.