From ANZA Matildas to Sydney FC

From kicking her first ball with ANZA’s Under-5 Lynx to signing a professional contract with Sydney FC, Willa Pearson’s football journey is nothing short of inspiring. The former ANZA Matildas player has gone from Saturday mornings on the pitches in Singapore with us, to competing in Australia’s top women’s league, all before finishing school! With a place in the Junior Matildas set-up too, she’s one to watch. We caught up with Willa to discuss her roots at ANZA Soccer, the highs and lows of her career so far, and the advice she has for the next generation of players.

How did your soccer journey begin with ANZA?
“I started playing at ANZA Soccer when my mum’s friend, Fiona Berka, asked me to fill in for her son Elliot’s team, the Under-5 Lynx. I had no idea of the rules, so when someone shouted ‘tackle,’ I did it Aussie Rules style!”

What’s your favourite memory from our Matildas programme?
“Still, to this day, it was when Coach Wan took our U11 Matildas team to Thailand. We ended up winning the tournament, and it was so much fun.”

Willa, front row, second right, at ANZA Soccer

Did any ANZA coach or moment really inspire you?
“My very first Sunday League coach, Scott Wells, inspired me because of his passion for the game and his consistent commitment to our team, even when we were so young.”

What’s the path been like from ANZA Soccer to Sydney FC?
“It’s been a little different. I’ve played with the boys since my first day at ANZA and still compete in the U15s boys’ league in Australia. It’s pushed me physically and helped me adapt to the speed of the game. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to work with some special coaches both in Singapore and Australia. I also play for my school and, for the last three years, I’ve represented NSW at the National Youth Championships. At that tournament I was asked to join the Sydney FC development squad. After two seasons of training, they offered me a contract.”

I’ve played with boys ever since my first day at ANZA and still compete in the boys’ league in Australia

What’s your playing style and position?
“I play centre back as well as defensive midfielder (number 6). I like to think of myself as a defender my team can rely on, someone who brings the team along with me.”

Left: Willa started out with ANZA’s Under-5 Lynx

It must have felt amazing when you discovered you were being signed?
“It was pretty exciting! When they called me into a meeting, I was worried they were going to tell me I wasn’t wanted at training anymore. So it was a big relief!”

What advice have you got for young ANZA Matildas players today?
“There will be lots of ups and downs, but what makes you the best player and the best person is how you come through those setbacks.”

Willa’s journey is an incredibly proud moment for the ANZA community. From those early Saturday mornings at Turf City in Singapore to representing Sydney FC in Australia’s top league, her story is proof of where passion, resilience, and the right environment can take you. We’ll be cheering her on this season, and we know many of our young Matildas will be inspired to follow in her footsteps. Go Willa!