We’re an old fashioned Aussie family, from AFL, Netball, Cricket backgrounds, but energetic Grace needed to stay active and wanted to try soccer.

Finding the big clubs full we were lucky a Scotsman let us into his mixed team.

Then Grace fell in love!

Grace was everywhere (and often nowhere) but the canny coach taught her (us) the game.

Even though Grace was far behind the girls from Futbol families she was finding a talent, and being a small club filling in for the only other girls team (who were a couple of year’s older).

With a dad who needed firm clarification from the Chilean coaching director; that it was “Referee, not Umpire”, we were unaware of the business that is 'Football'; finding out by accident the pathways that could be open to our daughter...

if I’m honest we only did the schoolgirls trial because it was $20 and gave Grace 4 more sessions to play the sport she now craved. Being last cut for that State Team, but fortunately selected as a train on member, opened up her potential (that we felt obligated to help her nurture).

Grace was unsuccessful trailing for Football West programs, however while she was not the normal footballer mould, Grace's determination & spirit had her through trials and finally accepted into the state program and playing U21 WNPL (Div 1) with them last year.

By being selected to represent W.A. In the Emerging Matilda’s national championships 2026, Grace’s hard work and perseverance has paid off!

It might be too much to say here, but those who’ve had loved ones in sporting programs (or any elite program) understand the commitment not just from the player (who loves the game), but the whole family and their support network helping with the year round training and hours of background work (including understanding siblings who lose some attention, however little sister Estelle, who is lucky to have the lead of Grace, and a head start, was also successful for the Football West U12 program from next year... so we're already in preseason at the Sam Kerr Football Centre every day now- sometimes one there in Welshpool and one in Maylands at the same time:).

While we appreciate how lucky we are for our girls to have such an opportunity, we are asking if the greater community would like help share in Grace’s journey.