by Genevieve Henry (11/12/24).
Above: Tahlia Blanshard (3) surges forward for the ParaMatildas in their World Cup group game with the Republic of Ireland. Photo: Mark Avellino, supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
A part of the groundbreaking ParaMatildas side that became the first Australian team to win a football World Cup, Tahlia Blanshard has emerged as an incredibly impactful figure in Australian football.
Blanshard, who only started playing in 2018, has become one of the most important figures in this team, bringing skill and passion from the defence.
In the IFCPF World Cup final that would see the ParaMatildas make history, the team faced the USA, the very side that they fell to in the final two years previously. Australia was determined to get redemption, and they got it. Blanshard commented on how this rivalry and high-level opponent brought out the best in the side.
“The final was definitely one of the toughest games I’ve ever played, but it was also one of the most fun and rewarding games too. We knew the US was an incredibly strong team and we knew that we had to give 110% effort if we wanted to come out on top.
“The US came out super strong from the whistle, but I believe the early goals from the US played a big role in us finding that next level within ourselves and fuelling our determination to win. I always say to myself that even if my legs get tired, I play with my heart, and that’s what I feel we all did in that final.”
Blanshard reflects with pride how both she and the team have grown in their two-and-a-half-year history.
“The greatest feeling for me is looking back on 2022 when I was midway through transitioning from my previous sport of swimming, and at the time still unsure which path I would take, to now, just two and a half years later, having a World Cup silver, an Asian Cup gold – with my first individual achievement of getting MVP of the final, and, officially, also now a World Cup gold. It’s wild to think back on how much has been achieved by the ParaMatildas in such a short amount of time, it all honestly makes me extremely emotional!
“The ParaMatildas are my family. I love getting to be with all of the girls. It’s just so great to be surrounded by so many similar people who all share the same dream. Each of the athletes have different strengths, and I feel we are really getting to the point where each person has a special strength that they bring to the group. The word “united” is very special to us, and I feel that is the best way to summarise our squad.”
Although the ParaMatildas have not been around for long, they have already become the very best in the world, and Blanshard is thrilled at having seen the growth from the very beginning.
“I love how being involved from the beginning of our sport means that I get the privilege of watching it grow in Australia and across the world. I’ve seen the number of athletes in Aus go from maybe five at most, to having full training camps and knowing there’s now players from all across the country.”
Blanshard has battled with her mental health throughout her life, but through her own strength and the support received, she has proven that nothing can stop her.
“Being an athlete who has also struggled with their mental health for the majority of their life, a lot of my biggest trials in my football have actually come from within, and were ones that were hard to see from the outside, but that’s where I feel very privileged to now be surrounded by such an amazing support system, and such incredible teammates.”
Aside from football, Blanshard keeps herself busy with her other passions: music and dancing, saying, “I have a massive love for music! I listen to music every day and love going to concerts. I especially love supporting smaller Aussie musicians and find it really exciting to find new songs. I also have a massive love for my childhood hobby of dancing, so for a fun way to socialise and switch off from football I still go to Physical Culture classes at my local childhood club.”
Blanshard recently graduated with a degree in health science which she has already put into use. “My degree has helped me a lot both in starting up and coaching my CP football clinic on the Central Coast and also with my work with disability and youth advocacy, especially when those issues fit with the health banner. I have dreams to go on and do further studies in the next year or two.”
With her clinic and outreach, Blanshard is doing her part to make football a more accessible place. “I am so passionate about watching this sport thrive, and each time we find a new player, it continues to drive me to be the best athlete I can be.
“I hope to see a day where all kids with CP know football is an option for them, and when kids and adults can all have access to opportunities to play no matter where they live. I believe it is important to do whatever we can to grow CP football, as those younger developing athletes are our next generation of ParaMatildas’ stars.”
“CP football, especially five-a-side, is both fun and challenging. It’s extremely fast-paced, and each game is so different from the next. Also, the close off-pitch connections we build with the other teams we play against is something that you don’t see in many other sports, and is a big reason why I love this sport so much.”
As well as her community work, Blanshard uses her position and social media to advocate for all the causes she is passionate about, ensuring she does her part to make the world a more inclusive space. She shared her advice on the best way to be an advocate for change and be a kinder person.
“The most important thing is to listen to and amplify the voices and stories of those with lived experience – whether that be me or any others of the thousands of incredible advocates in your community.
“One of the best things someone can do is keep holding room to continually learn, and know that every little action makes a difference – from calling out a mate using hurtful language, all the way to sharing stories, attending events, or signing petitions. It all matters to create a more accessible and inclusive world.
The status that the ParaMatildas are now building in Australia as the country’s very first world champion football team continues to blow Blanchard away.
“Thank you so much for supporting us. I cannot even put into words what it means to know we have people who, not only know who we are, but actually follow and support us. This is only the beginning of our story, and I’m so grateful we have you all on this journey with us!”
This is the second in Impetus‘ four-part series of exclusive interviews with the ParaMatildas’ World Cup winners. Read all of them via the links below:
PART ONE: KAITLYN SMITH: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/12/10/katelyn-smith-we-bloody-did-it-but-man-it-was-a-rollercoaster-to-get-there/
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