Bridgeman Downs local Lily, a rising star in Australian football, is not only excelling on the field as a Junior Matilda but also making strides off it by studying for her Certificate II and III in Sport Coaching through TAFE Queensland.
Balancing international competition with academic growth, Lily is paving the way for a promising future in coaching.
‘I saw this course as a great opportunity to gain experience and knowledge about football’s coaching, strength, and conditioning aspects to enhance my performance,’ Lily said.
As a Junior Matilda for more than two years, Lily has represented Queensland and Australia while earning coaching qualifications through TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport. The program, developed in partnership with Football Queensland, allows high school students to gain nationally recognised qualifications before graduation.
Replacing one senior subject, the program contributes to Lily’s Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and involves weekly classes at the South Pine Sports Complex. There, she learns from former professional player and coach Karl Dodd, who brings his decades of experience to the classroom and pitch.
‘We learn coaching theory in class and put it into practice by running coaching sessions on the pitch. It’s a great way to learn how to engage and train players,’ Lily explained.
Lily and her classmates set up training drills, guide players through activities, and provide feedback, gaining hands-on experience that strengthens their understanding of the game.
‘I’m enjoying the coaching perspective and collaborating with other students who love football. The teachers are inspiring and make complex ideas easy to understand by explaining them from a player’s perspective,’ she added.
The program’s focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills equips Lily with the tools needed to pursue coaching after her playing career.
‘Becoming a coach is one of my goals after retiring from professional football. I want to inspire the next generation of players,’ she said.
Lily recently represented Australia in the 2024 AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia, where she played three matches against top teams like China, Japan, and Thailand. Scoring a goal against Thailand was a standout moment for her.
‘Wearing the Australian jersey and scoring a goal was an incredible feeling. It’s something I’ll never forget,’ she said.
Before heading to the tournament, Lily participated in a community coaching session for young girls from Cairns’ First Nations, refugee, and migrant communities, further solidifying her passion for coaching.
Looking to the future, Lily has big dreams. She hopes to play for Brisbane Roar, compete in Europe’s top leagues, and represent Australia at the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
‘I’ll be in my prime by 2030, and playing in my hometown Olympics is a dream I’m working hard to achieve,’ she said.
For now, Lily remains focused on excelling in her studies and on the pitch, confident that the skills she’s developing will prepare her for both a professional football career and a future in coaching.