Nicole Christodoulou to play in Football Australia’s new ParaMatildas team

·

Football Australia unveiled the ParaMatildas on Monday night. It is the organisation’s first national team for women and girls with cerebral palsy (CP), acquired brain injury and symptoms of stroke.

At the launch event in Sydney, Nicole Christodoulou was named as one of the ParaMatildas and spoke passionately about her love of football and what led her to donning the green and gold.

Christodoulou described how she experienced two strokes at the age of 21 which left her paralysed down the left side of her body. This never stopped her from achieving her goals.

“I’ve always been a happy person, even when I was in hospital. All I wanted to do was play football,” the high school teacher said at the launch.

“I had to learn how to walk again, how to run, how to kick a ball, so being here today, means everything to all of us.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor (centre) poses with ParaMatildas players Nicole Christodoulou, Holly Saunders, Tahlia Blanshard, Georgia Beikhoff and Matilda Mason, as well as head of women’s football Sarah Walsh and ParaMatildas coach Kelly Stirton. Photo: Getty Images / Brendon Thorne.

The ParaMatildas will head into camp for the first time in April to prepare for the inaugural International Federation of CP Football Women’s World Cup, which will be contested in Spain in May.

Christodoulou said she’s looking forward to the event and the sky is the limit.

“We’re going to make all of you proud. As our coach [Kelly Stirton] said, ‘We’re going to take over the whole world’,” Christodoulou concluded.

Source: Football Network.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Conquest unveils $900 million plan for former Cyprus Club site at Stanmore

Conquest has lodged plans for a $900m retail and residential precinct on the site of the former Cyprus Community of NSW Club in Stanmore.

Councillor Katerine Theodosis calls on Merri-Bek to preserve its proud migrant history

Merri-Bek Councillor Katerine Theodosis has tasked Council to lead a program which documents and showcases the city’s migrant history. 

AHEPA Australia launches ‘Saving Hearts’ fundraiser in support of Heart Foundation

AHEPA Australia will host a Saving Hearts Fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, at The Grand Roxy in Sydney in support of the Heart Foundation.

Former Sydney teacher Bill Kafataris jailed for child sexual grooming

Bill Kafataris, 57, has been sentenced to two years in jail after being found guilty of sexually grooming a child following a retrial.

Oakleigh Grammar launches Term 4 with recognition, reflection, and a global vision

Oakleigh Grammar proudly welcomed the start of Term 4 with a meaningful commencement assembly, bringing the school community together.

You May Also Like

Adelaide food blogger on a mission to make Greek cooking fun and accessible

Christina Panagopoulos has created an online cookbook over two years to make Greek cooking fun and accessible for future generations of Greek Australians.

High-achieving Year 12 students honoured by Archbishop Makarios of Australia

The Archbishop of Australia recognised and awarded students from three Greek Orthodox colleges in Sydney for completing their 2023 HSC exams.

Victorian MPs commended for historic recognition of Armenian, Assyrian, Greek genocides

The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia has warmly welcomed the recent statements made in the Victorian Parliament.