Never give up on your dreams

It is wonderful to see the students and staff return for Term 3. As everyone reconnects we are hearing amazing stories of the winter break from our returning exchange students, students who have been at the Global Young Leaders Conference, our skiers, snowboarders and runners training programs, and of course our excited Barbreck students and staff.

For me, it was not a physical trip away, rather it was the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream.

I began playing AFL Women’s Masters Football.

So, you have either just taken a gasp, are silent (as you process what I have just said), have a wry grin, are laughing out loud, are keen to caution me about injuring myself, or can’t wait to offer me some words of encouragement.

Some of you may ask how this relates to education. I believe the personal qualities I am learning through my new role in football are qualities any St Catherine’s girl should possess as they work towards achieving and fulfilling their dreams and aspirations.

Playing football has been a personal dream of mine for many years. At every chance I could, I was out in the street kicking the football with my son. During his Auskick days, I joined in at every Mother’s Day match. For the past two years, I have been a volunteer boundary umpire and water carrier in my son’s football teams. I encouraged my daughter to join the first girl’s team at our local football club.

I waited patiently and my chance finally came this year when I was given the opportunity to join the Waverley Warriors Women’s Football Team.

So, what I have learnt about myself since joining this team?

Perseverance

Many of our bodies aren’t as fit and agile as they used to be. This opportunity has shown me the importance of continuing to work hard on things that do not come naturally.

Never say never

I could easily have told myself that my time had passed but I went along to training to see if I could cope and I have not looked back. I am not the fastest or most skillful in my team but what I am is a player who tries her hardest in any position I am placed. As my coach said, “you just have to remember, see ball get ball.” This I can do.

Know your limits

I am not playing to be drafted (although wouldn’t that be great?), I am playing to be a solid contributor to my team, to ensure they are protected when they go for the ball and that I am protecting myself. I have perspective on what my role is and why I am playing.

Meet challenges

I joined the team knowing one other person. I had not played competitive football, I had really only played kick-to-kick. I have had to make new friends, be vulnerable, learn new skills, get fitter and stronger, and learn how to juggle yet another activity in my already busy work and family life.

Try new things

Tackle and be tackled, mark, kick and handpass on the right and left side, bump, run, wear a footy jumper and learn a song that is not your lifelong team of choice (this is the hardest to get used to).

Be positive

Training can be hard and matches are very hard. You watch members of the team get hurt and suffer an injury that may see them out for a couple of weeks. They keep coming to training and matches, always encouraging those of us still fit and able to take the field. This is an integral part of being a great team.

I am so proud of what I am doing, and would like to say thank you to the students, staff, parents and Old Girls for their support of Mrs Weereratne (one of my teammates at work and footy). Mrs Weereratne and I have a pronounced pep in our step as a result of this incredible experience.

Girls, never give up on your dreams. Sometimes they take a little longer to come to fruition than you prefer, but when they present, take them with both hands and don’t look back, no matter how many challenges you face along the way.