12/04/2026
These national tournaments are as much a roller-coaster of emotions for the players as they are for coaches , staff —and for us as parents.
We ride the highs and the lows with them . We feel the loses and we celebrate the wins and resilience builds character, which in turn shapes personality. At any level of elite football or sport, success is never a straight line .
As a parent, I won’t pretend it doesn’t hurt to see our team—especially my own daughters —facing tough moments. Sometimes we want to reach in and save them, but I’ve learned this: having the right coaches and mentors is equally important as what you tell your kids off the park.
"Every lesson is an opportunity to learn and grow; every failure is a chance to come back stronger"
Coaches at this age dont just look for talent, dedication, and technical ability. Sometimes the most telling trait—the one that can slip under the radar—is how players respond to setbacks. Just like life, we have our setbacks, but it’s how you respond that defines you. In the end, as a parent, all we can do is regulate their emotions aswell as ours and appreciate the ride and look back one day with gratitude and love for the "experience".
Its never an easy feat coming from south Australia when your the 5th smallest state in Australia but our girls have held their own !
Memories that last a lifetime, and I’m grateful to share the outstanding achievement by my two South Australian-born daughters—sisters who are equally talented—playing in the same team at this year’s Emerging Matildas Championship 2026 .
Today we play Queensland at 2:00 PM for game 5. It’s the small mementos, like this player’s card , that parents can look back on in years that come with a smile.
To all the players, mums and dads, and caregivers: your childs success is a direct reflection of your commitment. And to the players, show gratitude and love to your parents for working their buts off to give you kids these types of memories and milestones that will live with you for a lifetime.
Good luck today to team SA.
We aren't the biggest state but we hold our own playing against NSW , VIC and Queensland 🔥
2pm today vs Qld live on KommunityTV
