We are reaching out to ask for support for Sophie Bailey, a 16-year-old goalkeeper with a big dream and an even bigger heart.

Sophie has recently achieved something incredible – she has been selected as 1 of only 2 goalkeepers in the country for the Australian School Girls Team, which will be travelling to Europe in January 2026. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play against some of the best young athletes in the world and continue her journey toward her ultimate dream of playing professional soccer in the A-League.

Unfortunately, there are no subsidies or grants available to cover the cost of this tour. Over the past four years, Sophie’s family has already invested more than $50,000 into her soccer career – including travel, equipment, coaching, and registration fees – and now they need the community’s help to make this next step possible.

Sophie’s Soccer Journey

• 2013–2018 (age 4–10): Played with the Berkeley Billy Goats, winning a Grand Final in the U12s. During this time, Sophie’s parents also volunteered as Junior Coordinators for the club for 2 years, giving back to the community and supporting grassroots football.
• 2019–2020 (age 11–12): Played U14s at South Coast Flame, making her U20s debut at just 13.
• 2021 (age 12): Selected for the Talented Sports Development Program (TSDP) at Illawarra Sports High School.
• 2022–2023 (age 13–14): Played futsal with South Coast Taipans – 2022 Runners Up and awarded Goalkeeper of the Season.
• 2021–present (age 13–16): Signed with the Illawarra Stingrays:
  • U16s Minor Premiers & Grand Finalists in 2023, where Sophie conceded the least goals of any goalkeeper in the U16s NPL competition.
  • Goalkeeper of the Year at the Stingrays (2023).
  • Progressed to U18s, with 3 more years ahead.
  • Made her U23s debut at just 16.
• 2023 (age 14): Selected for the NSW Talented Sports Program (TSP)
• 2023 – 2024 (age 14 & 15) Represented NSW Metro at the National Youth Championships — runners up in 2023 and Champions in 2024.
• 2023 (age 14): Scouted for the Sydney FC Academy.
• 2024 (age 15): Invited to the Junior Matildas Goalkeeper Camp and remains on their extended squad list, participating in weekly video calls.
• 2025 (age 16): Selected for the CHS (Combined High Schools) Team, winning the championship. From there, chosen to represent NSW in the All Schools Team, also victorious, and then selected as one of only two goalkeepers to join the Australian Schoolgirls Team traveling to Europe in January 2026.

More Than Just a Player

Sophie attends Illawarra Sports High School and is about to enter Year 12 with the goal of studying physiotherapy.

She gives back to her community by:

• Coaching Year 6 and 7 students, helping younger players develop confidence.
• Supporting children with disabilities to engage in sport in an inclusive way.
• Acting as a role model for young girls in a sport still dominated by men.

Her teammates recognised her leadership in 2025 by nominating her captain for the year, which seen her confidence grow on and off the field.

Soccer has been a true family commitment as well. Sophie’s younger brother, now 6, went to his first soccer game when he was just 2 days old and has spent his whole life growing up on the sidelines of soccer fields across the state, cheering Sophie on.

Why We Need Your Help

Sophie has an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in Europe, but it comes with significant costs. The trip itself is $10,000, covering flights, accommodation, team fees, and specialised coaching—but this does not include insurance, meals, or any additional gear she may need. These expenses will need to be covered on top of the $10,000.

Your support will ensure she can focus on her training, compete at the highest level, and represent Australia with pride.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will help Sophie continue chasing her dream of becoming a future Matilda.