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

Pope Francis dies aged 88 after 12 years leading the Catholic Church

Pope Francis has died aged 88. His papacy was marked by reform, humility, and efforts to modernise the Catholic Church.

Thousands join Archbishop Makarios of Australia for Resurrection Service in Sydney

Archbishop Makarios led the Holy Saturday Service in Kogarah, Sydney, with thousands of faithful attending the Easter celebration.

Greek Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter

Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter, highlighting Greece’s commitment to border security.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflects on faith and resilience in Easter message

Kyriakos Mitsotakis shares his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on global challenges and the enduring hope of the Resurrection.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia issues Easter Message for 2025

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has released his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on the impact of loneliness.

You May Also Like

‘We are always by your side’: Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue Governor

The Tax Governor of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IPRA), Giorgos Pitsilis, was in Sydney to attend the 15th Plenary Session.

Billy Magoulias sets goal for Greece in Rugby World Cup

“I guess with me being the only NRL player in the squad I have a bit of responsibility and a leadership role," Billy Magoulias said.

A guide to happiness by Greece’s most intelligent minds

The United Nations celebrates March 20 as the International Day of Happiness, recognising the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.