Roselea FC has launched an ambassadorship program with Young Matilda Cortnee Vine
Young Matilda Cortnee Vine unveiled as ambassador for Roselea FC
Hills Shire
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Sometimes the smallest things spark the greatest ideas.
Roselea FC in Carlingford has just launched a football ambassadorship program with Young Matilda Cortnee Vine signing on to act as a mentor and role model for the club’s female players.
The program is the brainchild of the club’s vice president of women’s football Rohan Primrose, who started developing the idea after witnessing his daughter interact with former Sydney FC striker Marc Janko in 2015.
“Mark was fantastic and focused solely on her,” Mr Primrose said.
“They spoke for about three minutes about her football, what position she played and alike.” The impact though was profound.
“So much so that after that brief three minutes she swapped club allegiance from (Western Sydney) Wanderers to Sydney FC and has followed them since.”
Mr Primrose said that small interaction left a significant imprint on him.
“It also struck me that when young players meet their heroes, get a selfie and maybe an autograph, when they get home they only have a memory, a photo and a signature. It seemed important but a little superficial and short lived.
“I wanted to implement (a program) at Roselea FC to attract, inspire and instil a love of the game into our players as we look to grow women’s football at a grassroots level.
“I wanted to provide a deeper, longer lasting interaction that can motivate and inspire but also one that is two way. Nothing makes more of an impact to a young player than when your hero remembers you name.”
After reaching out to Football NSW, Mr Primrose was connected with Vine.
The 20 year-old is currently a part of the Newcastle Jets W-League squad and has represented Australia on the under-17 and under 20 national teams.
“Cortnee was very enthusiastic and said ‘yes’ straight away,” Mr Primrose said.
“We were on the same page from the first conversation. We wish to inspire our girls to participate in football, make new friends and have a lot of fun along the way and if they are interested, strive to achieve higher levels of competition.
“We also want to provide strong confident female role models, especially for our younger girls to look up to. We want all our young players, male and female, to be nagging their parents to see local W-League and Matilda’s games.”
Roselea FC is currently also looking for a Socceroo to fulfil a similar role for the club’s junior boys.