Letters from young fans to their heroes, the Matildas
The Matildas have inspired a nation, and none more so than their young fans. Some put pen to paper to tell their favourite players what this World Cup campaign has meant to them.
NSW
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The Matildas are everywhere.
Kids are proudly dressing in green and gold, and are inspired to put on soccer boots and have a go because of their new heroes — and school is no exception.
Maths homework is working out the perimeter of football pitches. English classes are writing letters to the players who have captured our hearts. Music classes are creating anthems in honour of them.
And even the homework-averse don’t mind one bit.
Here, NSW pupils put pen to paper to tell their favourite players what this unprecedented World Cup campaign has meant to them — and every single one of us.
Dear Matildas,
You have done so well to get so far in the World Cup. I also play soccer and my team is also doing well. You have worked harder than ever so keep up the good work. I have enjoyed watching all of you with my family, and my school has been dressing up in green and yellow to support your team. My sister also says she loves the Matildas because you are the best team in the world!
Henry, 8, and Lucy, 5
Willoughby
Dear Mackenzie,
The game on Saturday night was by far the best and most stressful game I’ve ever seen you play. It was such a thrill to watch you and the Matildas win your quarterfinal. Thank you for being an inspiration to me as a fellow female goalie. I love defending the goal for my team just like you.
Neave, 9
Willoughby
To the best football team in the world – the Matildas!
I have always joked about wanting to be the first Matilda to play for the Matildas. But now I know that dream can come true. The Matildas have not just inspired me – but my friends too – to be the very best they can be.
I want to be the next Sam Kerr or Mary Fowler but all the Matildas have shown me friendship, sportsmanship, dedication and hard work can pay off.
The Matildas make me believe I can do anything. One day I hope to meet you all and maybe even kick a football around!
Lots of love from Matilda, 11,
Leichhardt
To the Matildas,
I’ve always thought that I’d love to play soccer for my country. To be a Matilda. You’ve shown me that my dream can come true.
Soccer brings me so much joy. I’ve been playing soccer with my school friends since I was 5. Our team is called the Diamonds. When I’m out there running on the pitch, I feel a true happiness inside me. I forget all my worries and I love running free. The dads are our coaches and at training they love to kick the ball so high, and we have to go and chase after it. I hope your coach is as fun as them.
I hope that one day I can be a Matilda just like you.
Nancy, 9
Willoughby
Dear Matildas,
My name is Monet and I am 7 years old, I go for your team. I love you Matildas!
I started playing soccer this year, and love it. I love it even more now because of you, you have been such an inspiration.
You guys are the best, I love watching your team play soccer games. I can’t wait to continue playing soccer and making it to the top just like you have! I hope I am like you when I am older. You are my champions! GO MATILDAS! Love always,
Monet, 7
Warriewood
Dear Matildas,
I have been playing soccer for two years and I love it more and more every time I play.
You inspire me to train hard, play my best, be a good sport and nice teammate.
The season has been even more exciting because the World Cup is on and there have been lots of things to celebrate. For example, my soccer club had a World Cup day – how EXCELLENT! Also my school had a Matildas dress up day.
I have loved seeing people who don’t know much about soccer learn all the Matildas’ names. Even my big sister Ella is now borrowing my Matildas jersey to wear while we are watching all the nerve-racking games. I got to see the Matildas play Denmark at the Stadium and Sam Kerr play her first World Cup game which was incredible. I almost cried seeing her walk onto the field. People often tell me I look like a little Sam Kerr with my low ponytail. I love all the Matildas players for showing the world how amazing girls can be at soccer. Love,
Zoe, 8
Box Hill
Hi Matildas,
I’m so glad you won your game because I get to watch you play again on the TV! You have played the best game I have ever seen and you are pretty good!
I love the Matildas.
Charlotte D, 7
Allambie Heights
Dear Matildas,
Good work on the win Matildas and Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi!
I love that you never give up! You are so amazing and inspire me to follow my dreams! Love,
Frankie, 7
Allambie Heights
Dear Matildas,
You are nice and kind teammates together all the time, and when you work together in soccer they win. The Matildas always win all the time in the world that I know in my life. Love,
Sibella, 6
Allambie Heights
To the Matildas,
Thanks for keeping the Australian economy going, but most importantly thank you for your outstanding effort to keep us entertained with your fantastic skills, teamwork, perseverance and resilience – simply brilliant!
Equally so, you have filled our loungerooms with suspense, screams and cheers, and high spirits in our school halls and shopping malls, bringing our community together.
This camaraderie is one to be inspired by.
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE, OI OI OI.
I hope that I too can be an inspiration to others as you have been to us.
Brody, 13
Warriewood
To The Matildas,
Firstly, I’ve been struggling with how to start this letter knowing you might be reading this; you’ve been so inspirational to me and all the girls and boys in my soccer team.
You’ve inspired us to work hard, follow our dreams and never give up as they can come true. To me, you’ve given me perseverance, guidance and a lot of stress on Sunday night; you’ve taught me that, I can be a Matilda if I can keep on trying, you’ve taught my friends to keep swimming to become part of the Australian Swimming National Team, The Dolphins. Throughout my eight years of playing soccer, you’ve been my idols and the people I look up to. Ellie Carpenter has been my inspiration, to be aggressive defensively and attackingly; unlucky on that ‘off-side’ goal! Mini has been inspiring me to take control of the possession in the middle and play with power, Mackenzie Arnold has been inspiring me to always believe and leave no stone unturned until the job is done. Lastly, Cortnee Vine has shown me that no matter the circumstance, always come through.
As I’ve followed you through different tournaments and World Cups, every single time you have not failed to inspire me. All the Tillies are equally as inspiring as each other.
I’m so proud to be Australian, thank you for inspiring both the nation and me!
Reggie, 12
Freshwater
Dear Matildas,
Thank you for inspiring me to keep playing soccer. I hope and dream I can be just like you one day, playing the best game in the world for my country and making everyone really proud!
I have watched every game and have been cheering you all on. My favourite moment so far was when Cortnee Vine scored the winning PK against France! I think you are all amazing!
Lola, 11
Woollamia
Dear Matildas,
I play soccer for the Avalon Soccer club. I wanted to take this opportunity to express my deep admiration and gratitude for the incredible impact you have had on my life, both as an athlete and as an individual.
You have inspired me to push my limits and strive for excellence in every aspect of my life, especially in the world of soccer. Watching you conquer challenges and overcome obstacles on the field has left me with a sense of determination and resilience that I will carry with me every time I step onto the soccer pitch. Your ability to excel and unite people through the beautiful game is something I will try and use in my everyday life and helps me to overcome what ever problems life throws at me.
Thank you for being my role models and to many other little girls and boys around the world. Wishing you all the best,
Scarlett, 13
Northern Beaches
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Originally published as Letters from young fans to their heroes, the Matildas
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