The A-Leagues are the professional leagues for men’s and women’s football (soccer) in Australia. Both leagues are contested by 12 clubs, with the A-League Men founded in 2004 and the A-League Women founded in 2008. Despite football’s grassroots popularity, and the fact that almost all current Socceroos and Matildas players began their careers in the A-Leagues, the competitions have historically struggled to attract popular support, mainstream media attention and investment.