Nike FC Cup Journal: Camila Fresneda

Camila Fresneda offers so much love, knowledge and experience of football, education and coaching. Her football journey began back at home in Colombia, at just eight years old, where female participation was rare, but kicking a ball around with the boys was a common weekend activity for her. 

“I used to play with the boys,” Camila says. “You have to show up, and show you're good enough to just hang out with them.”

Camila’s 29 year journey, spanning over two countries, represents the different opportunities and experiences available for female footballers across the globe. 

Colombia’s competitive nature shaped Camila into the player she is today. “We used to train six days a week,” she says. “You are hungry to be the best.” At the time that Camila was playing with her local club, there was no professional league. Therefore, her goal was to play in the United States, where she saw more opportunities for women in football. 

Moving to the United States meant that Camila could pursue football, however at the expense of leaving work, studies, family and friends behind. “It got to a point when I thought, okay, I’m not going to get much out of it to leave… so I just stopped playing.” Making this decision was evidently difficult, especially when reminiscing on what could’ve been. The immense resources and lifestyle sacrifices required to achieve one’s goals is the harsh reality for many female footballers.

In 2016, Camila moved to Australia to focus on sports business studies while learning English. She hadn’t played football for years, participating in futsal at a social level instead. Eventually, a friend convinced her to join community club Maccabi FC Caulfield, in Melbourne’s south-east. “I didn’t know what kind of league this was, nothing,” she says. “I just wanted to play.” Her love of the game stood out and led to her return to the pitch. 

The language barrier was a challenge for Camila, and her first season in Australia was difficult. “I needed to learn to speak properly, and this was my best shot.” Through football, she was able to communicate, and the game helped her improve her English. It’s amazing how football has become a language in itself, where a global understanding exists. 

In her first season at Maccabi, Camila contributed 14 goals as the team won promotion into State League One. The following year, the team achieved something no other team had before. They knocked a National Premier League team out of the Nike FC Cup; the first team from outside of the top tier to do so. In that match, Camila was on the scoreboard once again.

Moving to Australia with only her partner meant that Camila had to sacrifice time with family. She admits that “it’s hard sometimes, especially Christmas and birthdays.” Despite not seeing them for six years, football has clearly helped Camila find her place and settle into life in Australia. 

Away from the pitch, Camila’s studies supported her in incorporating football and coaching into a career. She now coaches the Heidelberg National Premier League U15 girls squad, along with being the team manager for the U19s. Additionally, she coaches for Football Australia in schools and has developed her own football academy, Football Supremo, carrying out one on one sessions with female footballers. It is evident that Camila truly enjoys coaching the younger girls, as she speaks with such enthusiasm and joy about the importance of mentoring. “That’s why I’m still playing, because I can relate to the girls.”

With such great passion for football, Camila’s life revolves around the game every weekend. Whether it be her own team, the girls she coaches or her partner's game, you’ll find her pitchside. She’s currently playing for Moreland Zebras Juventus FC, where the squad brings a high level of competitiveness to the game. The team has progressed to the round of 16 for the last three editions of the Nike FC Cup - an impressive feat for a team competing in Victoria’s third tier. They are fierce and experienced. “We are working towards that promotion [from State League One],” Camila says, “it drives us.”

Camila has impressed both on and off the pitch, and a future in coaching undoubtedly awaits. “Hopefully in the future I will coach senior teams,” she says. “It’s hard, when you still want to play.”

Her passionate personality is infectious. Learning about Camila as both a person and a footballer taught me a lot about following your dreams and staying true to who you are. 

“The opportunities here are massive, you just have to go and take them.”