The moment that went unnoticed at the Women's World Cup
Lydia Williams is a Tuggeranong United Junior; I know this because she was in my team in U13. It was my first season, and I’ve only recently become aware of the impact of our short friendship when I reflect on my teenage years.
To put it in a sentence, Lydia Williams was not only the goalkeeper of my team but my only friend. Being a soccer newbie, I didn’t know all the rules and the rest of the team had been playing together since U6. It’s hard to find your way in an already close-knit team that doesn’t think you’re any good and doesn’t want to make room for you. But Lydia did; she always had time to talk to me. I didn’t see Lydia again; I saw bits about her in the news when she played for the ACT and knew she had been selected for the Young Matildas and then the Matildas. The next time I saw her was in first-year massage, which she could not finish due to her commitments with the Matildas. I don’t remember her being in class much, and she often did her exams before she left or sometimes would arrive back on exam day.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup was Lydia’s 5th World Cup. She has 102 caps for the Matildas but did not feature in a single minute during the campaign. You often hear people raving about the goal scorers or stoppers, but Lydia’s work was her wholehearted support and experience from the sideline.
A fan posted in Matilda’s supporters’ Facebook group about seeing Lydia sitting in the goals, taking it all in one last time. It instantly brought tears to my eyes. Lydia has had an incredible international career.
This video was released to celebrate Lydia’s 100 international caps. It’s a wonderful snapshot of the person and athlete Lydia is.
Lydia has published two children’s books, and I purchased both for my nephews as soon as they were released. Her books include her aboriginal heritage, but most importantly, they promote inclusivity, embracing our differences and belonging. Despite this, Book Week was all about Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold.
Thanks for your contribution to women’s Football (soccer), Lydia.
I’ve had this draft sitting here for over two weeks as I tried to find my U13 team photo, which seems to be MIA. If I find it, I’ll be sure to add it in.