Matildas star Tameka Yallop joins Endometriosis Australia as ambassador during Endometriosis Awareness Month

The elite footballer and mother of two shares her endometriosis journey as research reveals period pain is sidelining young people in sport

Matildas midfielder and Brisbane Roar FC captain Tameka Yallop has joined Endometriosis Australia as its newest ambassador, using her platform during Endometriosis Awareness Month and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 to help raise awareness of the chronic disease.

One of Australia’s most experienced footballers, Yallop has represented the national team more than 130 times and competed in four FIFA Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games. She is now speaking publicly about her experience with endometriosis to help break down stigma and encourage earlier diagnosis.

Her appointment comes as new research highlights the growing impact of menstrual health on participation in sport. A 2025 study from Federation University found one in five girls aged 10-16 have considered dropping out of organised sport due to period-related challenges.

Many young people experiencing severe period pain may be living with conditions such as endometriosis without knowing it, while coaches, teachers and families may not recognise the signs.

Yallop said she joined the Endometriosis Australia team to help raise awareness about endometriosis, particularly among athletes and people who live active lifestyles who may be managing symptoms without realising what is causing them.

“For a long time I pushed through symptoms because as athletes we’re taught to play through pain,” Yallop said. “It wasn’t until things became really difficult that I realised something more serious was going on.”

During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Yallop experienced one of her most severe endometriosis flare ups, managing symptoms while continuing to compete at the highest level before undergoing surgery shortly after the tournament.

“For me, having surgery was life changing, but I know so many people are still searching for answers,” she said. “No one should feel like they have to give up sport because of period pain. The more we talk about these issues openly, the more we can help people get the support they need earlier.”

Endometriosis also shaped Yallop and her wife Kirsty’s journey to growing their family. Both underwent surgery for the disease while navigating fertility challenges before welcoming their second daughter in 2025.

Endometriosis Australia Board Chair Monica Forlano said Yallop’s leadership in Australian sport would help shine a light on the disease which affects one in seven Australian women and those presumed female at birth.

“Tameka is one of Australia’s most respected athletes and her willingness to share her story will help encourage more people to recognise symptoms and seek support,” Ms Forlano said.

“With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup underway, we’re also engaging fans through our Health Hubs at tournament matches, where people can learn more about endometriosis and take part in our Period Pain Challenge.”

The organisation is also advocating for the introduction of Endo Playbook, a proposed place-based education program designed to help young people stay engaged in sport.

Inspired by the success of the EndoThrive Workplace Accreditation Program, the initiative would deliver practical endometriosis education through grassroots sporting clubs, equipping coaches, parents and physical education teachers with the tools to recognise symptoms, reduce stigma and better support young people to remain active in sport.

Endometriosis Australia is encouraging Australians to support the initiative by signing the Endo Playbook petition, calling on government and sporting bodies to back the program.