Sydney FC player Cortnee Vine says tune in to women’s football
Cortnee Vine is on track to compete in one of the biggest women’s sporting events of all time this year, the FIFA Women’s World Cup. TThe ninth edition will be held in ten stadiums across Australia and New Zealand in July and August, and iIt’s an event that the Australians have proven they enjoy having AF on home soil. The final round of tickets for the Matilda’s first game sold out in less than an hour, meaning 100,000 people will be watching that game alone at Australia’s largest stadium.
But that interest in the World Cup didn’t exactly rub off on them A leaguethe premier women’s soccer league in Australia that’s currently running and where many of the Matildas players compete.
I feel like everyone forgets there is a big sporting event going on!
Cortnee is currently focused on the A-League – she plays for Sydney’s team, Sydney F.C. Still, she says: “I hope that support for the A-League grows all the way to the World Cup, but right now I feel like everyone is forgetting there’s a big sporting event happening!”
It’s only $18 (and $9 for a child under 16) to watch a women’s A-League game live at the stadium, making it an affordable day trip. Or you can watch live and free on 10 Play from the comfort of your own home.
Even better, for a tenner you can snag tickets to the BIG game – the A-League Women’s Grand Final at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on Sunday April 30th. Show the girls your support by bypassing them.
Meet one of football’s stars – just before International Women’s Day we had a quick chat with Cortnee about football and her favorite places in Sydney.
How was your A-League season?
“Not so bad at the moment! [Sydney FC is currently top of the ladder, out of 11 teams.] Of course there are always things to improve and get better at, but right now I’m enjoying every minute of playing with Sydney FC. We have such a high quality girls group that makes soccer games and training so enjoyable. Teams like this don’t come around often, so I look forward to every moment I have with them.”
Have you noticed a growing interest and support for women’s football (sorry football!)?
“Interest and support for women’s football has grown around the world. You can see how much people cared about women’s football at the last European Championship. I hope that the same effect will occur after the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.”
How did you come to this sport?
“I was an active kid, I was always outside and did a lot of different sports. I followed my brother into soccer and loved playing with my buddies. That’s how it all starts – you enjoy playing and having fun, laughing, winning games and being there for each other even when you lose.”
What were your biggest challenges along the way?
“The biggest challenges in football are injuries, which also lead to mental struggles. It doesn’t help that their overcoming is different in every situation. The only way I get by is to have the best support network around me – people who are always in my corner and support me through everything.”
What would you say to someone who has never watched women’s football to encourage them to tune in?
“Football is so entertaining – it’s full of energy and full of tense action. Being a spectator at the stadium is a fun afternoon whether alone or with a group of friends.”
What would your perfect day in your hometown of Sydney look like?
“Relax in the morning and have brunch at acafe (My favorite is the terrain of the city) followed by possibly a trip to Small bay beach with my partner (with an umbrella and lots of sunscreen for me, of course) and read a book, then to Newtown for dinner (the restaurant options are limitless there) and then to the Dendy cinema for a movie and kuletos For a drink. I also love Vino e Cucinaan Italian restaurant in Paddington.”