Two Capalaba Bulldogs girls’ dreams have come true, meeting the Matildas at a special ceremony ahead of the world cup.
Under 13s and under 17s players Cearne and Penelope were given the opportunity to attend a smoking ceremony to welcome the Matildas to Meeanjin (Brisbane).
Cearne’s Mother Wendy Stanway said her daughter had been playing football for six years and was in awe when she met her idols.
“She obviously wants to be a Matilda so to meet the girls in such an intimate location was her dream come true,” she said.
“I think there is a lot of focus on men’s sports and seeing that you can achieve whatever you want to achieve is very important for young girls.”
Capalaba Bulldogs women’s ambassador Helen Nicoll said the Bulldogs were invited to attend because of the club’s connection to the current Matildas.
“We’ve had three Matildas come through our junior program including Clare Polkinghorne who played her junior years with the Bulldogs,” she said.
“It was great for the girls to meet someone who has gone through the bulldogs and is now playing for the Matildas.”
Ms Nicoll said the girls were chosen from a raffle at a Capalaba Bulldogs women’s NPL match.
“It was a very fair process, and the girls did us proud as great representatives of the club,” she said.
Ms Nicoll said opportunities to see strong women in high-level sport was vital for young girls.
“When I was growing up that wasn’t the case and for all those young girls who see the excitement around the world cup and get to meet the women who have worked their whole lives to be there is really special,” she said.
