Mustangs FC Filming Third Season in Melbourne

Mustangs FC, the ABC ME kids’ comedy-drama series about an all-girls’ soccer team, has kicked off filming season three in Melbourne.

Aimed at the 9- to 13-year-old set, the show follows the teammates as they navigate friendships, families, feminism and football. In season three, which ABC Children’s has co-commissioned with National Indigenous Television (NITV), Film Victoria and NBCUniversal, the Mustangs enter a tough new league in which they’re forced to merge with a rival squad.

Mustangs FC, produced by Matchbox Pictures for the ABC in association with Film Victoria and NITV, is directed by Ana Kokkinos, Roger Hodgman and Corrie Chen, with the award-winning Indigenous director Beck Cole and Amie Batalibasi joining for season three. Lucy Garwood and Kate Moore are joining the cast, which includes Emmanuelle Mattana (Marnie), Ashleigh Marshall (Liv), Monique Heath (Lara), Molly Broadstock (Bella), Gemma Chua Tran (Anusha), Celine Ajobong (Ruby) and Tharanya Tharan (Zee) along with Jacek Koman as their coach, Danny, Pia Miranda as Marnie’s mother and comedian Celia Pacquola as the narrator. Dave Lawson is guest-starring as Deano, the boys’ coach.

Producers Amanda Higgs and Rachel Davis said: “We are very proud to be making a third season of Mustangs FC in what is a challenging and competitive funding landscape for children’s television. It’s wonderful to be receiving ongoing support from ABC ME, Film Victoria and NBCU, and we are thrilled to welcome NITV to the Mustangs squad this season. We’ve heard so many stories about young girls taking up soccer as a result of watching the show and we are immensely proud of all our team, both in front of and behind the camera.”

Alastair McKinnon, managing director of Matchbox Pictures, said: “Mustangs FC is already a global hit, blazing a trail for girls in sport that has resonated with audiences worldwide. We cannot wait to share the tears and triumphs of these inspiring young women in their much anticipated third season.”

Tanya Orman, NITV Channel Manager, said: “NITV is committed to celebrating and championing the production of diverse children’s content, both in front of, and behind the camera, and is delighted to welcome Mustangs FC to NITV’s content offering. We recognize the importance of young people, in particular, young women, seeing themselves reflected positively on screen and can’t wait to see what this new season delivers.”

Caroline Pitcher, CEO of Film Victoria, said: “Mustangs FC is proudly Melbourne made and we’re thrilled to support this trailblazing drama to return for a third series. Like Matchbox Pictures, Film Victoria is committed to seeing more women on both sides of the camera, and I congratulate Victorian next-gen talent Amie Batalibasi and Marisa Nathar for leading the way on season 3.”