Rising soccer star Emma Checker takes on the boys

[Playthewhistle]

Great to see some media coverage

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/sout ... 6654087261

[johnydep]

Rising soccer star Emma Checker takes on the boys - and dominates

Emma Checker, 17, will become the first ever women's soccer player to play in a Seniors Men's U18 competition at the West Torrens Birkalla Soccer Club. Picture: Keryn Stevens. Source: The Advertiser

TEENAGE soccer prodigy Emma Checker is set to become the first South Australian female in almost 20 years - and the second ever - to play against elite boys her own age.

Emma, 17, who made her senior debut for national women's team the Matildas, will play for West Torrens Birkalla's male under-18 Premier League team against White City at Novar Gardens tomorrow.

She will be the first female to play in an elite male competition since one of the state's most decorated Matildas, Di Alagich, played in the competition in 1995.

Board members and coaching staff voted for Checker to play against the boys last month, after an approach by the Football Federation of Australia.

"We were happy to allow her to trial with the under-18 men's team and earn selection on merit because she is such a special talent," club spokesman Andrew Ross said.

"If she earns selection in the side and it helps her progress towards playing for the Matildas we think that is great for women's soccer."

Birkalla under-18 coach Daniel Patterson yesterday confirmed Checker would play in tomorrow's clash after excelling in competitive training.

"She shows a level of experience and skill that is exceptional," Patterson said.

"She has been in the senior Matildas and the under-20 Matildas squad and I think that athletically she'll able to handle this level of football."

Checker said she was nervous but excited about the opportunity.

"I'm obviously pretty nervous because it's something new," she said.

"I've come up against boys before but they've always been younger than me, so this is definitely going to be a real challenge but one that I'm willing to take on."

[SwandelPark]

Doesn't say much about the local girls comp?

Or maybe she thinks she's too good for it?

[johnydep]

Doesn't say much about the local girls comp?

Or maybe she thinks she's too good for it?

Maybe you're paranoid. Or just have the 'tall-poppy syndrome'.

[Left Wing Back]

Doesn't say much about the local girls comp?

Or maybe she thinks she's too good for it?

Are you serious?

They offered and she took it, great promotion for their club. Also good publicity and challenge for Emma. Simple not a reflection of anything.

Why do we have so many that knock the women's competition and why do so many knock the stars of our game. (very Australian), such a shame. A congratulations and that will be a challenge may have been a better reaction.

Good Luck Emma

I was told Emma never played with boys till now to get where she was and she started at a later age and was identified through the women's game. Not sure if that is correct as I have never met Emma or her family to hear her story, but if it is true it is proof the women's game is doing well. If someone can put Emma's story here it will be great as I would love to use her for as an example for my under 15 women's squad as all 30 of them admire Laura Johns who started at our club and was Identified by the state coach and moved to Adelaide university and her career is still growing with inclusion into the Adelaide United Women's team. She was told by a friend "I play soccer at Para Hills East and they let anyone play, even beginners", so she came out and has never looked back. Was with PHESC for couple years. These stories are what inspire the next generation and we need more success stories out of South Australia and they will come.

[Modiano Triestine]

Rising soccer star Emma Checker takes on the boys - and dominates

Emma Checker, 17, will become the first ever women's soccer player to play in a Seniors Men's U18 competition at the West Torrens Birkalla Soccer Club. Picture: Keryn Stevens. Source: The Advertiser

TEENAGE soccer prodigy Emma Checker is set to become the first South Australian female in almost 20 years - and the second ever - to play against elite boys her own age.

Emma, 17, who made her senior debut for national women's team the Matildas, will play for West Torrens Birkalla's male under-18 Premier League team against White City at Novar Gardens tomorrow.

She will be the first female to play in an elite male competition since one of the state's most decorated Matildas, Di Alagich, played in the competition in 1995.

Board members and coaching staff voted for Checker to play against the boys last month, after an approach by the Football Federation of Australia.

"We were happy to allow her to trial with the under-18 men's team and earn selection on merit because she is such a special talent," club spokesman Andrew Ross said.

"If she earns selection in the side and it helps her progress towards playing for the Matildas we think that is great for women's soccer."

Birkalla under-18 coach Daniel Patterson yesterday confirmed Checker would play in tomorrow's clash after excelling in competitive training.

"She shows a level of experience and skill that is exceptional," Patterson said.

"She has been in the senior Matildas and the under-20 Matildas squad and I think that athletically she'll able to handle this level of football."

Checker said she was nervous but excited about the opportunity.

"I'm obviously pretty nervous because it's something new," she said.

"I've come up against boys before but they've always been younger than me, so this is definitely going to be a real challenge but one that I'm willing to take on."

Gorgeous !

[God is an Englishman]

are they going to allow boys to play in the girls comp as well?

isn't this against FIFA's rules?

[FoundIt]

how did she go on the weekend?

any reports?

[The General]

lot of U/18s games were postponed.

[batumgoesthedynamite]

hasnt even dominated in the womens game locally

has a lot to learn, surprised it has happened

[John Taylor]

Well done to someone who is prepared to have a go.

[SAD GAL]

I agree John. That's what the purpose of moving into the boys/mens league is all about. That age group is still where players learn and refine their craft. If a player was good enough (or developed at a rqasonable level) they would be in the senior squad.

The benefits she will achieve (and so to will he fellow players) will be invaluable.

[FoundIt]

so did she play or not? or was it postponed?

[Rey Mysterio]

Ref postponed the game due to pitch condition.

[The General]

hasnt even dominated in the womens game locally

has a lot to learn, surprised it has happened

I am a bit surprised too - have coached against her a few times at school level, she hasnt been the most dominant player.

Also fine line between confidence and having pride, without arrogance - one time she played GK, she fumbled the ball a lot so I told my players to have more shots - she yells out, "I dont care, I am in the Aust squad" and all I said was, "obviously not as GK"

Mark Williams ( afl coach ) daughter also played in the team, he couldve been in deep trouble with his alleged comments,given with what has happened recently re Adam Goodes.
I was surprised Immanuel College allow that kind of thing to go on.

[juniorsupporter]

Not sure that observations about a player playing in the school comp are very relevant as none of the elite girls take that competition seriously- most play because they have to and simply try to avoid getting injured by less skilled girls who only play at the school level. Not to mention that the quality of referees in that competition doesn't help- dangerous fouls/play just don't get called. Lastly many girls leave the Wednesday game to play another one in the evening or go to train. So their play in school games isn't indicative of what they can really do.

And anyway,with a lineup like Immanuel has had over the last few years, they could win in their sleep so there's no reason for those girls to play all out.

[paul merson]

hasnt even dominated in the womens game locally

has a lot to learn, surprised it has happened

I am a bit surprised too - have coached against her a few times at school level, she hasnt been the most dominant player.

Also fine line between confidence and having pride, without arrogance - one time she played GK, she fumbled the ball a lot so I told my players to have more shots - she yells out, "I dont care, I am in the Aust squad" and all I said was, "obviously not as GK"

Mark Williams ( afl coach ) daughter also played in the team, he couldve been in deep trouble with his alleged comments,given with what has happened recently re Adam Goodes.
I was surprised Immanuel College allow that kind of thing to go on.

Haha through Vidosic in goals and he'd probably fubble the ball too, what the fk has goal keeping got to do with her playing on the field for Birks other than a chance to have a cheap shot at slating her reputation?

Then throw in the racism card and a bit of celeb name dropping and cool story that has fk all to do with her playing at Birks.

God bless football news!

[SAD GAL]

Spot on Paul. The General is a tad precious. Need a touch of arrogance if you want to make it. In any facet of life. All due respect but in school soccer....Anyone with a heartbeat can play.

[God is an Englishman]

sounds like a great comeback though, "obviously not as a goalkeeper"

[The General]

Spot on Paul. The General is a tad precious. Need a touch of arrogance if you want to make it. In any facet of life. All due respect but in school soccer....Anyone with a heartbeat can play.

So maybe Adam Goodes was being a tad precious as well ? anyone with heart beat put the ball past an Aust player.

I would say Sharon Black, Di Alagich, Kristy Moore are not arrogant at all,quite humble in fact.

Just saying some of our promising up coming players could learn a lot from the way these players did things, I congratulate EC for making the matildas squad, wish her all the best, she will continue to develop, as long as she is aware there is always more to learn.

[paul merson]

sounds like a great comeback though, "obviously not as a goalkeeper"

Definetly witty, but fancy using her GK'ing as your example of her not dominating school football, then she behaved like a kid when she was heckled, no way a school kid behaving like a school kid, who would have thought.

[God is an Englishman]

sounds like a great comeback though, "obviously not as a goalkeeper"

Definetly witty, but fancy using her GK'ing as your example of her not dominating school football, then she behaved like a kid when she was heckled, no way a school kid behaving like a school kid, who would have thought.

I think he was more using it as an example of the attitude than not dominating but your point is valid.


I say good luck to the girl, I don't agree with it happening but good luck to her.

[paul merson]

I wonder how many players will pull out of challenges with her, the hard part is with youth football physicality shouldnt come into it, we should be promoting technically good football which I believe girls are fine to play in, but under 18's is when it starts to become 'senior football' and lets be honest in all the senior womens football Ive seen I have never seen a tackle thrown in any where near as strong as whats seen week in week out in the NPL, I hope for her and her opposition player that she doesnt get injured out there, fancy the stigma to hang over your head that you were the bloke that sidelined an under 17 girl.

[John Taylor]

I wonder how many players will pull out of challenges with her, the hard part is with youth football physicality shouldnt come into it, we should be promoting technically good football which I believe girls are fine to play in, but under 18's is when it starts to become 'senior football' and lets be honest in all the senior womens football Ive seen I have never seen a tackle thrown in any where near as strong as whats seen week in week out in the NPL, I hope for her and her opposition player that she doesnt get injured out there, fancy the stigma to hang over your head that you were the bloke that sidelined an under 17 girl.

Under 18's is a mix from u15's up. It can be tough, but to me , this makes Emma's efforts even more impressive. We should be congratulating someone who has won their place on merit and is keen to challenge the norms of what can and cannot be done. How brave ! What better way to improve than to jump in the deep end.

Good luck, and well done.

[paul merson]

I wonder how many players will pull out of challenges with her, the hard part is with youth football physicality shouldnt come into it, we should be promoting technically good football which I believe girls are fine to play in, but under 18's is when it starts to become 'senior football' and lets be honest in all the senior womens football Ive seen I have never seen a tackle thrown in any where near as strong as whats seen week in week out in the NPL, I hope for her and her opposition player that she doesnt get injured out there, fancy the stigma to hang over your head that you were the bloke that sidelined an under 17 girl.

Under 18's is a mix from u15's up. It can be tough, but to me , this makes Emma's efforts even more impressive. We should be congratulating someone who has won their place on merit and is keen to challenge the norms of what can and cannot be done. How brave ! What better way to improve than to jump in the deep end.

Good luck, and well done.

Hey I agree, Im certainly not knocking her, Im just pointing out a potential issue, looking at her build and our under 18's gk build I certainly hope they dont collide!!

[John Taylor]

sounds like a great comeback though, "obviously not as a goalkeeper"

To a child (as you are keen to remind everyone).

[John Taylor]

I wonder how many players will pull out of challenges with her, the hard part is with youth football physicality shouldnt come into it, we should be promoting technically good football which I believe girls are fine to play in, but under 18's is when it starts to become 'senior football' and lets be honest in all the senior womens football Ive seen I have never seen a tackle thrown in any where near as strong as whats seen week in week out in the NPL, I hope for her and her opposition player that she doesnt get injured out there, fancy the stigma to hang over your head that you were the bloke that sidelined an under 17 girl.

Under 18's is a mix from u15's up. It can be tough, but to me , this makes Emma's efforts even more impressive. We should be congratulating someone who has won their place on merit and is keen to challenge the norms of what can and cannot be done. How brave ! What better way to improve than to jump in the deep end.

Good luck, and well done.

Hey I agree, Im certainly not knocking her, Im just pointing out a potential issue, looking at her build and our under 18's gk build I certainly hope they dont collide!!

Indeed. I take your point and sentiment. But some of th gk's need to watch out or they will come off second best! If the SASI boys are competitive, Emma appears to me to be physically at least at their level, so gk's look out!

[johnydep]

Hey I agree, Im certainly not knocking her, Im just pointing out a potential issue, looking at her build and our under 18's gk build I certainly hope they dont collide!!

Tell that to Messi.

Maybe that's why Ludovic Giuly retired in May this year.

[God is an Englishman]

sounds like a great comeback though, "obviously not as a goalkeeper"

To a child (as you are keen to remind everyone).

yes, not abusive. Didn't try to get into the players area to fight anyone, didn't then go to the media insulting her...

[John Taylor]

sounds like a great comeback though, "obviously not as a goalkeeper"

To a child (as you are keen to remind everyone).

yes, not abusive. Didn't try to get into the players area to fight anyone, didn't then go to the media insulting her...

Yes, abusive, but I suggest leave this alone and move to a different topic if you want to argue further.