SOCCER
GIRL POWER
CARA MAYEGA and JANELLE MACBAY – Junior ANZA Matildas Coordinators write about the power of all girl’s grassroots soccer teams.
W
e all know the benefits of playing a team sport and what it contributes to our children’s social and athletic development. For girls, playing with an all-girls team can be incredibly empowering and rewarding. This season (20202021) ANZA Soccer was proud to field over 150 girls, playing across all our Matildas age groups. The girls trained together on Tuesdays, under the guidance of professional coaches and Matildas Head Coach, Adelina Gomez. On Saturdays, when Covid rules allowed, they played friendly games against our mixed and boys’ teams. For our youngest Matildas, aged from six years, they played a combination of skill drills and 4v4 games. “When Zoe asked to do a trial for soccer, I was skeptical as she is usually more interested in arts,” says Cara Mayega. “As soon as she stepped foot on the pitch she was welcomed by the other girls. She absolutely loved it and there wasn’t a Saturday where she didn’t jump out of bed and rush to put on her turquoise uniform. She might still do cartwheels between penalty kicks but seeing her this happy and engaged has been a gift.”
Matildas starts from 7-years-old and welcomes newcomers.
Matildas G10 competitive team
Head coach Adelina Gomez guides the girls during a water break.
The Matildas are a diverse group of girls from all backgrounds and nationalities. New friendships on the field often extend off the pitch. Our parent volunteers make sure every girl feels welcomed and has fun. “When Kiki started at ANZA Soccer, we had she just arrived from the Netherlands,” says parent Laurens Klasen. “ANZA Matildas gave her the support she needed to enjoy soccer and make new friends.” This year, the Matildas formed the youngest group of competitive players representing ANZA Soccer in the JSSL League, one of the most competitive leagues in Singapore. Ten girls ages 9-10 years made up two teams of five, playing and training competitively against all-girl teams aged 2-3 years older. Not only did this teach them resilience, but it also inspired them 62 anza
Soccer_JulAug21.indd 62
July/August 2021
15/6/21 6:02 PM
