Margaux Chauvet is gearing up for a monumental night at Leichhardt Oval when Sydney FC face Western United in a top of the table battle on Saturday as part of the Pride Celebration.
The crunch clash will almost certainly have an impact on where the title lands this season – and the drama will play out on an evening when Sydney FC join a celebration of diversity and inclusivity to signify Australian football’s ongoing commitment to making football accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Chauvet expects the Oval will be pumping for the 7pm kick-off following last Saturday’s 2-0 Sydney Derby win and is looking forward to facing a United team that have not lost in seven games.
She said: “The game is really important for two reasons. Firstly, it’s the Pride celebration, which I know means a lot to the Sydney FC players – and secondly it’s against top of the table team, who are only five points ahead of us.
“It’s going to be massive.
“We really do need to win it with so few games remaining after this. I believe it is five for us and four for them.”
And the defender said: “It’s important that we all come together this weekend to show our inclusivity and our support and empower everyone in the LGBTQI+ community.
“It’s great for the younger generation to see and to feel included, safe and supported. We want people to feel heard and supported.
“We recently did some training in this space and discovered there’s a large percentage of the LGBTQI+ community who don’t feel as if football is a welcoming space for them.”
READ MORE: Sydney FC supporting Pride Celebration this weekend
Chauvet does feel that Australian football is working hard to provide an inclusive experience at games.
“I think there’s more and more voices coming through,” she added. “A lot of leaders, a lot of important people in the league and in clubs.
“They are reaching out, speaking out and teaching and helping people understand what the environment should be.
“So coming through, I know a lot of generations, younger generations, I’m sure feel very welcome and safe and I think it’s only getting better.”
Head Coach Ante Juric will be missing six players who are currently playing with the Young Matildas in U20 Women’s FIFA World Cup.
That makes the task of taking on league leaders Western United, who include former Sky Blues skipper Chloe Logarzo in their ranks, even more tricky.
But Chauvet is confident, adding: “But I think what we showed in the last game is that we’re good with setbacks, we’re good with working hard and making sure that we get the win.
“It’s going to be one of those games that comes down to the small details, that kind of thing, but I have full confidence in our team that we will come out and win.”
Sydney FC v Western United
Liberty A-League Round 19
Saturday 9th March, 2024
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney, NSW
Kick off: 7:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 6:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Play
Tickets: Click Here
Join the Conversation: #SYDvWUN & #SydneyIsSkyBlue
Matchday Partner: Navarra Venues
