Football Australia has launched ParaMatildas, the first national team for women and girls with cerebral palsy (CP), acquired brain injury and symptoms of stroke.
A first in the Asia-Pacific region, the ParaMatildas become the 10th member of Australia’s national teams’ family and the first new senior national team in 22 years.
“Today is a momentous occasion for Football Australia as we celebrate the inclusion of the ParaMatildas in the Australian football family,” said Football Australia CEO, James Johnson on Monday during the presentation event in Sydney.
“With the launch of the ParaMatildas we are closing the gap in Australian football and ensuring that women and girls have the same pathways as men and boys in our game.”
A young Greek Australian, Nicole Christodoulou is among the football lovers to join ParaMatildas.
Can you believe? 🤩#paramatildas #ItsTimeForEqualPlay #undefeated #cpfootall pic.twitter.com/KktzG4w7jc
— CommBank ParaMatildas (@paramatildas) March 7, 2022
Christodoulou, who suffered two strokes at the age of 21 which left her paralysed down the left side of her body is not willing to give up her dreams and in ParaMatildas she has found more motivation to keep kicking her goals.
“I’ve always been a happy person, even when I was in hospital. All I wanted to do was play football,” Christodoulou who is also a high school teacher said.
“I had to learn how to walk again, how to run, how to kick a ball, so being here today, means everything to all of us. We’re going to make all of you proud. As our coach [Kelly Stirton] said, ‘We’re going to take over the whole world’,” Christodoulou enthused sending a message to everyone going through challenging times.
“I’ve had many people put me down and say, you can’t do this, you can’t do that, you’re not going to be a teacher, you can’t work, you can’t play football. But did I listen to them? No, that’s why I’m here.”
The ParaMatildas will kick off training season in April to prepare for the inaugural International Federation of CP Football Women’s World Cup in Spain which will take place in May.
