As part of the NZ Maori women’s football side, it was an amazing experience to not only represent my country but my culture too. Growing up in a Pakeha environment and then coming into this camp was very enlightening. I hadn’t experienced anything like it before and it got me out of my comfort zone having to learn a haka within a week and then performing it in front of the Australians and a huge crowd on game day.
To get to sing our NZ national anthem and actually get out onto the pitch and play for my country after a hard past few years with an injury that kept me out of the game was really special. Winning against Australia 5-0 certainly added to the moment.
I would just like to especially thank Mr John Samuel and Mr Alan Taylor for their continued support and believing in me to bounce back from my injury. I’m hugely grateful for their support and advice and I look forward to hopefully seeing more BDSC football girls go on and reach their full potential in the game.
˜ Steph Trowill