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 (which was a couple of year’s ahead).

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 out daughter… and if I’m honest we did the schoolgirls trial because it was $20 and gave Grace four more sessions of the sport she craved.

Unlike the normal mould, but with so much zest and determination, Grace made it through trials.

Training with the squad at 12, before being the last cut just before the tournament. Then trialing for the next two years without luck, finally being accepted into the state program last year. Grace’s hard work and perseverance has paid off by being selected to represent W.A. In the Emerging Matilda’s national championships 2025!

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).

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