Reforming breast protection: Boob Armour’s Suzie Betts on female safety in sport

Katrina Gorry

Boob Armour is a revolutionary Australian business dedicated to women’s safety and empowerment that has emerged as a beacon of hope in the field of breast protection.

Founded by Suzie Betts with a mission to support and educate females, Boob Armour is not just another company – it is a movement that embraces strength, resilience and empowerment.

Boob Armour has changed the way female’s approach safety during physical activities and sports. With their cutting-edge products and commitment to education, they are making a significant impact on female’s lives.

The inception of Boob Armour was inspired by the personal journey of Suzie finding lumps in her breast due to trauma she faced in her younger years that left her feeling vulnerable and unsupported. Determined to find a solution, she embarked on a mission to design innovative breast protection that would ensure both comfort and safety and create a positive change.

At the heart of Boob Armour’s mission is empowerment. By providing specialised breast protection, Boob Armour enables females to participate in physical activities with confidence and without the fear of injury.

Their products are designed with the utmost care, prioritising both functionality and style, ensuring that females feel comfortable and empowered while wearing them.

Through workshops, online resources, and collaborations with medical professionals, Boob Armour ensures that females have access to the latest information and expert advice on breast injury prevention.

Boob Armour’s dedication to education goes beyond individuals; they also collaborate with schools and sports organisations to implement breast injury prevention programs.

In an exclusive chat with Soccerscene, Suzie Betts shared some insights about the beginnings of the company, their involvement with the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the impact Boob Armour will have in the future of female sports.

Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the creation of Boob Armour and how your personal health scare played a role in its development?

Suzie Betts: The inspiration from Boob Armour was obviously from a trauma that I received and presented itself later in life.

Having two daughters who played contact and impact sports, it became my mission to make sure that they, for one, were protected from any type of impact injury. It then progressed from there, as I became more and more aware of the research regarding breast trauma and it became my mission to protect all females playing sports right from grassroots to elite.

Young girls can experience a trauma that obviously hurts at the time, but also may present itself later in life with lumps that can be mistaken for breast cancer cells. We are wanting to create the habit of protection as soon as the girls start playing sports. So, they pack their bag for soccer, they pack their shin guards, their mouth guard, and they pack their Boob Armour – they’re creating that habit.

Breast health is a significant concern for women. How does Boob Armour promote breast health and what measures do you take as a brand to promote this?

Suzie Betts: We are a breast health platform focused on opening up conversations about breast health, impact, and injury. We aim to address the unreported nature of breast injuries and promote discussions to make it a comfortable topic, similar to discussing injuries to other body parts. Professional athletes like Katrina Gorry from the Matildas support our cause and have worn our inserts to protect their milk supply while breastfeeding. Many other elite athletes in sports such as basketball, netball, Aussie rules football, and more are also recognising the importance of breast protection.

Can you explain how the design and materials of Boob Armour provide comprehensive protection and support to female players during the Women’s FIFA World Cup?

Suzie Betts: Our product ensures a snug and comfortable fit for females with different breast sizes and shapes. It easily slips into their favourite crop top or sports bra, making it comfortable and easy to wear. The inserts are lightweight (15g each), thin (2mm), and breathable. We offer a range of sizes, and our website features a Fit Calculator to help find the perfect size. Made of polyethylene, our inserts absorb impact effectively, providing the best barrier between impact and the breast.

Well-fitted sports bras with proper breast protection, Boob Armour, helps ensure physical comfort, minimise the risk of breast-related injuries, and enhance body confidence. By providing the necessary support and safety, breast protection allows female players to focus on their performance with greater peace of mind, contributing to their overall well-being and self-assurance on the field during the Women’s FIFA World Cup.

In what ways does Boob Armour contribute to the emotional well-being and self-confidence of female athletes competing in the Women’s FIFA World Cup?

Suzie Betts: There still needs to be more education on the long-term effects so that females are aware of what an elbow to the breast in a soccer game really does. 

We now have medical evidence that a trauma can affect a woman’s breast feeding capabilities.  This is an emotional & stressful time for a new mother and if this can be avoided with adequate protection, it should be.

In soccer, player safety should be paramount and that includes recognising the sensitivity and vulnerability of the breast area.  An elbow to the breast should be recognised as a “strike attempt” just like any other contact that can cause pain and potential injury and therefore penalised.

If breast protection was mandated like shin guards & mouthguards that would empower current and future generations of female soccer players, sending a powerful message about inclusivity and the importance of respecting the female body in the game.

What are your plans for Boob Armour? Are there any new developments or improvements on the horizon?

Suzie Betts: As our global expansion continues, we are thrilled to see a surge in athletes from different regions, all recognising the crucial role of breast protection. The United Kingdom, Europe, and the USA have shown immense interest across a wide range of sports. Moreover, we have made strides in partnering with major teams, leagues, and colleges to integrate our innovative PPE strategy into their progression models. Our influence reaches even further, collaborating with Gaelic Sports teams in Ireland and making an impact in countries like India, where cricket and hockey enjoy immense popularity.

Together, we are championing the cause of safety and empowerment in sports.

For more information regarding Boob Armour and the impact they are having in the education of breast injuries visit: https://www.boobarmour.com.au/about-us/

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Why Australia is unlikely to host a Men’s World Cup in the near future

In December of last year, Saudi Arabia was officially announced as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

This makes them the fourth country from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to host the tournament—following Japan and South Korea in 2002, and more recently, Qatar in 2022.

What stood out about Saudi Arabia’s selection, though, was the lack of competition—they ended up being the only country to submit a formal bid.

Australia, a fellow AFC member nation had initially expressed interest in hosting the 2034 World Cup, but with Saudi Arabia heavily investing in their bid and momentum clearly shifting in their favor, Australia chose to step back.

Instead, they redirected their focus toward hosting the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup—an event they were awarded in 2024—and the 2029 Club World Cup.

This isn’t the first time Australia has tried to bring the World Cup Down Under. Back in 2010, they launched a bid to host the 2022 tournament.

However, it ended in disappointment—they received just one vote in the first round, while Qatar controversially secured hosting rights under what many described as “suspicious circumstances.”

Now, 15 years after that failed bid, and with Saudi Arabia next in line to host, it seems increasingly unlikely that Australia will get a World Cup anytime soon. And there are several reasons why that might be the case.

Cost Factor

One of the major reasons Australia may not host a men’s FIFA World Cup in the near future is due to the enormous cost involved in staging the tournament.

According to Statista, Qatar spent a staggering $220 billion USD ($342 billion AUD) to host the 2022 World Cup, making it the most expensive edition in the tournament’s history.

This was largely due to Qatar needing to build much of the necessary infrastructure from scratch.

Even so, previous World Cups have still come with hefty price tags.

Russia spent around $11.6 billion USD ($18 billion AUD) to host the 2018 tournament, while Brazil’s 2014 World Cup cost about $15 billion USD ($23 billion AUD).

In fact, the last men’s World Cup to cost under $1 billion USD ($1.56 billion AUD) was the 1994 tournament held in the United States.

In contrast, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup—co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand—had a far more modest price tag.

According to FIFA’s bid evaluation report, the tournament was expected to cost around $150 million AUD, with just over $100 million AUD contributed by governments.

Not only does the Women’s World Cup cost significantly less to host, but many of the stadiums and infrastructure acceptable for the women’s tournament would fall short of FIFA’s stricter requirements for the men’s event.

To meet those higher standards, Australia would need to make substantial upgrades, adding further to the cost.

Beyond the economic risks, there’s also a broader question of national priorities.

Australia may ultimately decide that the billions required to secure and host a men’s World Cup could be better invested elsewhere—into areas that deliver more lasting and equitable benefits for the population.

For example, upgrading the nation’s public health system, affordable housing initiatives, education infrastructure, and climate resilience projects are all pressing needs that demand long-term funding and attention.

Investments in regional transport networks, Indigenous community support, and renewable energy development could arguably provide a stronger return on investment in terms of social and economic outcomes.

Given these competing priorities and the immense cost of hosting, Australia may find that the pursuit of a men’s FIFA World Cup is a luxury it simply can’t justify—at least not in the foreseeable future.

Rival Interest

Rival nations within the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) would play a major role in limiting Australia’s chances of hosting a Men’s FIFA World Cup.

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and the competition to host it is incredibly fierce.

Countries go to great lengths to secure hosting rights, especially within the AFC, where Arab nations in particular have been extremely proactive.

One major factor is the concept of sportswashing—the practice of using sports to improve a country’s global image, often as a way to divert attention from human rights issues or political controversies.

This has become especially common in the Middle East over the past decade.

Between early 2021 and mid-2023, Saudi Arabia alone reportedly spent $6.3 billion on sportswashing efforts, including around 300 sponsorship deals.

Their investments span across numerous sports: boxing, motorsport, snooker, golf, ATP tennis, cricket, and even the America’s Cup sailing regatta.

However, football has been their biggest focus.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia’s top-tier football league—the Saudi Pro League (SPL)—has emerged as Asia’s most high-profile domestic competition.

This rise in prominence has largely been driven by the league signing world-famous players to extremely lucrative contracts.

The most notable example is Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the most recognisable athlete on the planet, who joined Al Nassr on a deal reported to be worth around $207 million USD (approximately $322 million AUD) per season.

But Saudi influence in football isn’t limited to their domestic league. They’ve also hosted major international club competitions.

For instance, five of the last six editions of the Supercopa de España—a tournament featuring the top Spanish clubs—have been held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Now it’s not just the World Cup, looking at the AFC Asian Cup, the premier men’s international football tournament in Asia, three of the last four editions were hosted by Arab nations.

Qatar alone hosted it twice during that period and Saudi Arabia is also set to host the 2027 edition.

So, Australia faces stiff competition within the AFC for the rights to host a World Cup—particularly from wealthy and politically influential Arab nations that have a proven track record of securing major football events.

The last FIFA World Cup (2022) was held in Qatar, and the next AFC host is Saudi Arabia and based on the current pattern, it wouldn’t be surprising if another Arab nation—such as the UAE—secured the next opportunity after that.

Location

One major factor that could affect Australia’s chances of hosting a men’s FIFA World Cup is its geographical location.

Because Australia is so far from Europe and the Americas—where most of the global football audience is—many matches would air at inconvenient times in those regions, potentially lowering TV viewership.

This issue was already evident during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

According to FIFA, the final between Spain and England reached 222.02 million viewers.

That’s a noticeable drop compared to the 2019 final in France, where the USA faced the Netherlands and drew 263.62 million viewers.

A decline like this in viewership could make FIFA and its broadcasting partners think twice about holding a men’s World Cup in Australia.

Speaking of broadcasting, broadcast rights are another concern with time zone differences potentially reducing the value of international broadcast deals, since matches wouldn’t air during prime hours in key markets.

In fact, ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, FIFA reportedly missed its target for selling broadcast rights by about $100 million USD ( $155 million AUD), according to the Wall Street Journal.

FIFA had hoped to bring in $300 million USD ($466 million AUD), but only managed around $200 million USD ($310 million AUD).

It even reached a point where FIFA president Gianni Infantino warned of a possible TV blackout across Europe unless broadcasters increased their offers.

All of this shows how Australia’s remote location could seriously impact global viewership and broadcasting revenue, making it a tougher sell as a host for a future men’s World Cup.

Conclusion

So, in light of these financial, geopolitical, and logistical challenges, it’s clear that the odds of Australia hosting a FIFA World Cup remain firmly stacked against them—making another failed bid not just possible, but increasingly probable.

Given the significant financial demands, complex geopolitical dynamics, and substantial logistical hurdles involved, it becomes increasingly evident that Australia faces an uphill battle in its pursuit of hosting a FIFA World Cup.

These compounding challenges not only diminish the likelihood of a successful bid in the near future, but also raise the probability that any renewed attempt could end in yet another disappointment.

Minns Labor Government announces commitment to women’s football legacy.

The Minns Labor Government has announced an investment of $400,000 towards women’s football as a bonus of NSW hosting 11 games at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The NSW Football Legacy Program includes five key initiatives designed to grow and support women’s football at every level, ensuring a lasting impact from NSW hosting matches during the tournament — including the Final at Stadium Australia on 21 March.

Here’s what the program offers:

  • Women in Leadership Program: Designed to boost confidence and leadership skills among women in football, helping them step into or grow in leadership roles while building a strong network of advocates for the game.
  • Body Image and Wellbeing Program: Aimed at female players aged 13 to 18 in the National Premier League, this initiative focuses on promoting healthy body image and overall wellbeing.
  • Flexible Football Initiative: Introduces more accessible and adaptable ways for women to get involved in grassroots football, removing traditional barriers to participation.
  • Coach and Referee Mentor Program: Helps develop a strong network of female coaches and referees by pairing them with experienced mentors, creating role models and encouraging more women to take on these important roles.
  • First Nations Football: Supports young First Nations footballers (aged 14–16) and coaches by providing opportunities to train and grow in high-performance environments.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper stated that the Minns Labor Government aims to build on the success of recent women’s football events to create a lasting, inclusive legacy for women and girls in NSW through the NSW Football Legacy Program.

“Women’s sport has seen tremendous growth and success in recent years, including the unforgettable performances of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023,” Kamper said in a press release.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to ensure that the momentum from that tournament and NSW’s hosting of 11 games at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ leaves a lasting legacy for women’s football in NSW at all levels.

“The initiatives delivered through the NSW Football Legacy Program will ensure football is a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls to play the World Game.”

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas welcomed the NSW Government’s support, saying it will help make football more accessible, safe, and inclusive for women and girls as Football NSW works toward gender parity.

“Football NSW has experienced unprecedented growth in female football and we are delighted with the NSW Government’s continued commitment to our game,” Tsatsimas said in a press release

“The initiatives being supported, including the Empower Her body image and wellbeing program, will help to ensure that football is an accessible, safe and enjoyable sport for women and girls across the state.

“We look forward to seeing the impact of these new and expanded programs over the coming years as Football NSW continues towards the goal of gender parity in our game.”

The $400,000 investment and the initiatives within the NSW Football Legacy Program mark a significant step forward in strengthening women’s football across the state.

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