Matildas star Caitlin Foord is ready to hit the field in the W League

MATILDAS star Caitlin Foord may spend several months of the year overseas, but the young soccer player is back in Australia for the W League season — for now at least.

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MATILDAS star Caitlin Foord may spend several months of the year overseas, but the young soccer player is back in Australia for the W League season.

You’ve been in Portland in the US playing football for several months. What’s it like being based there for so long?

A lot of us girls do it because the W League in Australia only goes for four months of the year, so we have to do something for the rest of the year.

The US season complements the Aussie one really well. It’s great being in Portland, though, because it’s one of the biggest bases for women’s sport and it’s great to see so much support for what we do.

You seem really attached to Peach, your dog. Is it hard to leave her for long stretches?

It’s hard generally being away from home so much but at the same time it’s normal. It means that when I’m home I cherish the time I have here. My mum or sister Skype me with Peach, so we can see one another. When I come home she susses me out a little bit then gets so excited.

Matildas star Caitlin Foord is back in Sydney playing for Sydney FC in the W-League team. Picture: Gregg Porteous

You were the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup when you were 16 and then you moved overseas to play football at 18. What was that like?

It was a big call for me and so scary. I had just finished school and didn’t want to do further study and soccer was what I loved. I had a few options but chose the US because it was the place closest to us, culturally. It made me grow up quick!

How did you manage school and an elite sports career at the same time?

I didn’t really manage it. I was going to a sports school and they were very supportive of me but I was away so much I couldn’t catch up with what I was missing. I was never the academic type, but my goal was to finish school all the way through, and I did.

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When you look back do you feel like you missed out on anything because of your early soccer career?

It can be tricky when you’re in high school and friends want to party and go out. But that’s where the dedication and sacrifice comes in. You think you’re missing out but when you win a game or tournament, the party is so much better than the ones you’ve missed.

Caitlin Foord in action for the Matildas in 2017. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

You recently recovered from a foot injury which had you out of action for more than five months. Is that normal in the world of soccer?

I had been pretty lucky with injury up until this point. I went out to head the ball and as I came down it was like twisting your ankle, but right through the midfoot. I knew exactly what I had done because, although this injury is pretty uncommon, I had done it previously on my other foot. It’s an injury commonly seen in explosive players who take off very quickly. Some other girls have more injuries that keep them out of the game for longer.

Your Instagram account is dotted with lovely moments of you with your young fans. Do you feel like a mentor to them?

I don’t see it that way, instead I see it like they’re supporting me in my career. It is nice when they tell me I have made their day by stopping to chat though.

What’s your message to your young female fans?

If you enjoy your sport and you’re having fun, it’s the best thing for you — so stick at it.

You’ve just arrived back in Australia, what have you missed the most?

Mum’s cooking! And good coffee. But it’s not too bad here, Portland is big on their coffee. And there’s an Australian cafe here in Portland where you can even get Vegemite on toast, which is great.

Originally published as Matildas star Caitlin Foord is ready to hit the field in the W League