Alanna Kennedy has played 87 times for the fabulous Matildas, Australia’s women’s soccer team, but she never forgets that it all started at the Campbelltown Cobras when she was a little girl with big football dreams.
She has always maintained a close relationship with the area, often visiting her local primary school Rosemeadow Public, between balancing her national and club commitments.
Kennedy’s decorated playing career has seen her play at the top level for Melbourne City, Perth Glory, Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC and in the American National Women’s Soccer League, most recently with Orlando Pride.
But one of her favourite moments was captaining the Matildas during Olympic Games qualifiers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium earlier this year.
Her extended family and friends were in the stands to support and applaud Kennedy.
Now Kennedy will have another reason to return home more often: she has accepted an invitation to become a community ambassador for Macarthur FC Bulls.
“It’s exciting for young kids in the area to now have a team and role models to support and aspire to,’’ says Kennedy.
“I put myself in their shoes and to have that connection between club and community is something I feel is very important for young players.
“I am looking forward to helping the club promote a healthy and active lifestyle through different community programs, like the Macarthur Square Bulls in Schools program.
“Providing opportunities and pathways for aspiring Matildas in the area as we lead into the women’s World Cup in 2023 is an important role for the club, and I am proud to be part of that,’’ Kennedy said.
Macarthur FC chairman Gino Marra welcomed Kennedy to the club.
“One of the main goals for the club is to promote the positive stories and connect with the local area through football,’’ he said.
“To include Alanna, who played her junior football with the Campbelltown Cobras, as our club community ambassador, really strengthens the connection with the club and the local community.
“Whenever Alanna plays around the world, local boys and girls look up to her, knowing she is representing the Macarthur region.
“She is a wonderful role model for the community, and we are privileged to have her as an ambassador,” Marra said.
Someone who knows Kennedy really well is Macarthur FC head coach Ante Milicic, who coached the Matildas until recently.
“I’m delighted that Alanna has come on board with the club as a community ambassador,’’ Milicic said.
“In my time as Matildas manager, Alanna impressed me with her professionalism and passion on and off the pitch.
“She has always represented her home region proudly.”
