Newly named goalkeeper for the Western Sydney Wanderers W-League team had long road to success
YOUNG Jada Whyman has being chosen as one of the Western Sydney Wanderers’ W-League goalkeepers. Originally from Wagga Wagga her mum used to drive her for hours just to get to training.
Fairfield
Don't miss out on the headlines from Fairfield. Followed categories will be added to My News.
FOR young Jada Whyman, being chosen as one of the Western Sydney Wanderers’ W-League goalkeepers is a dream come true, after a long, hard road to get there.
Originally from Wagga Wagga, the 17-year-old would travel for hours with her mum just to get to training and trials.
Whyman was also part of the development program at the Institute of Sport in Canberra, and had to travel to Sydney for training, the family is now happy to call St Johns Park home.
“My mum has been there every step of the way, and my stepdad has had to work hard behind the scenes to look after my little brothers and sisters while we’ve been away,” Whyman said.
“The whole family have been a huge support.”
Whyman is proud of her indigenous background and loves that she can be a positive role model for other young indigenous women.
“I used to watch players like (Matildas goalkeeper) Lydia Williams and now there are some indigenous girls who look up to me as well — it’s really awesome,” she said.
Whyman’s position is not only gruelling physically but also mentally.
“The pressure is pretty big but the goalkeeper coach at the Wanderers has been training me pretty hard, so I feel like I’m ready for the season,” she said.
Whyman said the rivalry on the pitch is fierce, but once the game is over all the girls get along and support one another.
“It’s great to be playing against some of the players that I’ve looked up to as a girl.”
Whyman said women’s football is steadily increasing in popularity.
“I think women’s football is getting better and better and you can see that by the great sponsors we’ve got on-board and the supporters who come to watch our games”
Whyman has also been selected in the Young Matildas squad for the Asian Football Confederation Under-19 Women’s Championship qualifiers in China next month.
Former Sydney doctor banned after ‘masturbating’ patient
A former Sydney doctor has been banned from practising in Australia after he masturbated a patient in his bedroom despite knowing he had “crossed ethical boundaries”.
The ‘holy grail’ of church property portfolios revealed
Towering skyscrapers, hundreds of homes, thousands of commercial buildings and expansive farmland – the holy grail of property portfolios of major churches can be revealed. See the list of property sales in your suburb.