From a sport ending injury to representing my country

In May 2023 I was playing 11 a side football for my club when I sustained an impact to the face during the game. I sustained a severe concussion, a collapsed nose, a black eye and whiplash.

Unfortunately my coach at the time decided to send me back onto the field, while I was concussed, where I sustained a number of additional head knocks from the ball.

Unfortunately as a result, I needed a full nose reconstruction to be able to breathe properly again, and my concussion symptoms lasted for a significant time, affecting me in my daily life, and even more so my ability to work.

Due to too many concussions and now a vulnerable (and expensive) nose, I had to say goodbye to the sport I loved (as well as every other “impact” sport). I was devastated.

However, there is a silver lining to this story. I found a new variation of football. Walking football- and I found a new family of friends within this growing sport.

where no headers are permitted in the game, and there is an emphasis on player safety. This sounded like a sport I might be able to play despite my dire circumstances. I slowly started to learn and play this game as my post concussion symptoms allowed me to.

Fast forward to last year where I had the pleasure of playing for Australia at the Asia Pacific tournament (against Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia). It was here that I scored my first international goal in any sport, and as a bonus in front of the Man City Women’s team! This opened my eyes to the possibility of being able to not only still play team sports, but also at the highest level.

This year I have had the honour of being selected to travel to Spain in October to compete for Australia in the World Nations Tournament.

I will need to take 2 and a half weeks off work for it. I am one of only two Wa women selected in my team.

My team will be playing the opening match of our tournament against the hosts Spain, which is exciting and nerve racking at the same time!

By donating to this tax deductible fund, you will help me with some of my following expenses.

Flights to and from the competition in Spain

Player Registration

Travel Insurance

Accomodation

Flights to and from Sydney for training camp and practice matches

Player uniforms

For someone who thought that they would never play sport again, I never dreamt that I would be representing my country at a large international tournament in another continent.

Thank you for considering to donate and help make my dream come true :)