Kate Phillips: World Cup has shown just how different the world could be

At the crack of dawn yesterday I scrolled through my emails and social media accounts.

This is part of my every day work ritual, however, this morning was different.

The first email I read was an announcement about Sam Kerr’s plan to open up a soccer academy across Australia.

“It’s an incredible privilege to be able to share what I have learned to better the sport, to build a legacy, and to inspire and connect with the next generation of Australian footballers,” she said.

An unusually motivating read first thing.

Then the first social media post I read, which was by an old friend with three beautiful daughters, was equally inspiring.

“My 6 year old saw a clip of men playing football in gold and green uniforms and turned to me, surprised, “There’s a MEN’S Matildas??”

“I am so excited about women’s sports. The future is bright!”

How good is that?

And what a lesson it provides.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup may be over, but its impact certainly is not.

Not only has women’s sport finally been given some serious recognition, a spotlight has been shone on the inequality between men and women in sport (and life).

And, most importantly, it has shown us how different things could be.

My friend’s daughter has a fabulous mum, she has been taught that gender doesn’t equal ability.

Now, the Women’s World Cup has illustrated this on the world stage.

Her little girl’s reaction speaks volumes.

Just imagine what we could achieve if we kept it up.

Maybe that’s the problem.