Living her football dream: Alexia and the Young Matildas

Year 12 student, Alexia Apostolakis recently travelled to Uzbekistan to represent Australia with the Young Matildas in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup. The team came home with a bronze medal, earning their place in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Columbia later this year.

When did you start playing football and what inspired you to play?

I started playing football when I was around 5 years old. At the time I was following in my older brother’s footsteps and joining whatever sports he was doing. I really enjoyed the competitiveness of football and being the only girl in a boys soccer team challenged me well!

How did you feel representing Australia in Uzbekistan, what were the highlights?

The preparation and hard work amounting to the first game in Uzbekistan made playing all the more honourable. Not many people can say they’ve represented their country at an international level, so although it comes with a little pressure, the memories and experiences you gain feels amazing. The highlights were definitely qualifying for a youth World Cup which will be held later this year. We were the first u20 team to do so since 2006 (when I was born)! Another highlight would honestly be just the interactions I had with my teammates, coaches, staff and other teams, it was truly memorable.

How do you feel about heading to the Women’s World Cup in Colombia?

I feel keen to start the process. Of course, no squad selection is guaranteed at the moment, so I feel super motivated to work hard and make my mark in the team. If I do make it, it will be my second time at a Youth World Cup – when Australia was nominated in place of a team that pulled out two years ago, I was fortunate enough to go. I was super young and that meant I didn’t really get picked to play so it’s been a huge goal of mine to make a World Cup and play this time around! Also off the back of a super successful and vibrant Women’s World Cup in Australia, I can’t wait to create the same legacy.

How do you juggle the stresses of school life and your football commitments (particularly in your HSC year)?

Not many people know but I was supposed to graduate last year! With the support of my parents and the school (especially Mrs Bosnich), I decided to split my HSC up into two years so I could find a balance. I think the key to juggling the stresses of both lives is to celebrate small successes from both worlds, such as handing in an assignment or finishing a training session. I think there also needs to be a fine line between being disciplined and doing schoolwork whilst I’m on the plane and actually taking my own time as well to have a break and hang out with friends.

What are your plans after your HSC year?

Of course football will be a massive priority after school. I’m working hard towards perhaps moving overseas to pursue a career there. In the meanwhile, I am super keen on going to university and getting a degree.  

Please click here to read Football Australia’s article about Alexia.