FIFA Women’s World Cup: Amy Chapman lifts the lid on Matildas squad, camp

What’s life like inside for the Matildas as they prepare for the biggest game of their careers at the World Cup? Amy Chapman lifts the lid on life in camp.

With a team chef and a team barista, ping pong tournaments and time to relax on beanbags watching the World Cup on Optus Sport — there is more to preparing for a World Cup than training and games.

Social media posts have given us a brief look at life inside the Matildas’ camp this World Cup.

With players gifted XBoxes and relaxing on beanbags to watch all the games unfold.

But a home World Cup is a once in a lifetime opportunity and these Matildas are doing everything to soak up the atmosphere- not just as the sold out stadiums.

They are relishing in the hundreds of requests for photos from passers-by on their morning walks.

Steph Catley sorts Panini stickers. Picture: Instagram.

Lydia Williams shows off her collection of Panini stickers.

Players are even competitively taking part in collecting World Cup playing cards and stickers.

The relaxed vibe between training sessions is something coach Tony Gustavsson has gone to great lengths to introduce.

He has no problem with players making their own schedules between training, media commitments and meal times.

Family are allowed to come and go — which has not always been the case inside camps.

Players like Katrina Gorry and Tameka Yallop, who are both mums, are relishing the opportunity to have their little ones among the team.

Matilda's Katrina Gorry with her daughter Harper. Source: Instagram/Katrina Gorry.

The balance is key — players can’t be switched on 100 per cent of the time.

Like every team each player brings their own personality to the squad.

There are a good mix of jokers in this current Matildas team tough.

And as is the Australian way they help bring laughter and lightheartedness to even the highest pressure days.

Emily van Egmond enjoying a coffee. Picture: Instagram.

Matildas pair Caitlin Foord and Lydia Williams share a laugh on bus ride. Picture: Instagram.

Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold is said to be the funniest in the team and Sam Kerr is also all for the banter.

Arnold said her fastest speed on the GPS had been clocked running to celebrate goals, as she doesn’t want to miss out on being in the celebration photos.

Other players such as Alanna Kennedy, Charlie Grant and Clare Wheeler enjoy showing fans a snapshot of life as an elite footballer through their social media platforms — and they have been happily sharing snaps from inside the camp.

Next to the jokers are leaders of the team.

They all have big personalities and help guide the team in their own unique way.

Captain Kerr is the iconic leader. Full of charisma and confidence which is infectious among the team. This role hasn’t changed despite her calf injury relegating Kerr to the bench for most of this tournament.

Clare Polkinghorne, the most capped player in Matildas history, is the quiet leader. Her actions speak louder than words- she is the ultimate professional.

Vice-captain Steph Catley is humble, level headed and leads by example on and off the pitch.

Just as we saw her line up for the penalty against Ireland- she is cool, calm and collected at all times.

Originally published as FIFA Women’s World Cup: Amy Chapman lifts the lid on Matildas squad, camp