From Childhood Dreams to Penalty Shootout Glory: Tameka Yallop's Inspiring Football Journey

“Growing up, you always won something. You always had that trophy or medal to put in your bedroom. But as you get older, it definitely gets a lot harder.” After coming so close to a medal in the last two major tournaments, Tameka Yallop has her sights firmly set on the Paris Olympics. It feels as though the Matildas are on the cusp of reaching new heights. “Some more silverware would be nice,” she chuckles.  

The youngest of seven children, Tameka’s story of falling in love with football is not uncommon. “I have a brother that’s two years older than me. Growing up, I just wanted to do everything he did. I fell in love with football around five or six - I was hooked.” Whilst her parents were stretched thin, they did everything from selling raffle tickets at the local pub to enlisting the help of older siblings to drive her around, ensuring Tameka could follow her dream. “I think players that came through my generation or older definitely had to have the right circumstances to play and be supported off the field as well,” she acknowledges. 

At twelve years old, Tameka transitioned from playing with the boys into a senior women’s team. There were no younger age groups for girls at the time. “I thought, oh geez, if I’m playing with a senior women’s team now when I’m twelve, maybe there is something there.” It was a turning point for Tameka, navigating her way through school with those her age, while taking to the pitch with adults twice her age. “It was two different worlds that I was living in, and they were very separate.”

The changes Tameka’s seen and experienced in women’s football throughout her career have been significant. Going from having to pay to go to tournaments to being able to make a living from playing, she’s relieved that players can now focus mainly on football. “I’m very appreciative of where the game’s got to, and it’s allowed me to have a balanced lifestyle right now. It’s crazy that that’s happened in my career span.”

With over one hundred caps for the Matildas, Tameka points out that when a girl says her dream is to play for Australia, it’s now taken more seriously. “People believe that it’s possible.” She recognises the impact of the World Cup has extended far and wide. 

Leading into the home tournament was anything but smooth sailing for her, however. Having managed to avoid surgeries for most of her career, the twelve months ahead of the World Cup were incredibly challenging as Tameka battled injury. “It was an emotional rollercoaster fighting so hard for something and then the relief of getting it. As an older player, thinking this could be my last World Cup… it was pretty touch and go.”

What followed was the most rewarding experience. “It was beyond any expectations that I ever had for a World Cup.” It’s impossible not to ask her about that penalty shootout - a moment which united the entire country. “Honestly, that penalty shootout felt like it went for two hours.”

All of the preparation at training for a penalty scenario ultimately helped Tameka to focus solely on what was happening on the field. “I’m not the first person to put my hand up for a penalty. Being seventh gave me a chance to watch the keeper. When I went up to take my kick, I went through the routine, just simple things like taking a breath. I couldn’t hear the crowd, and for me, it was just thinking back to training. As soon as it hit the back of the net it was a scream of relief and excitement at the same time,” she recalls.

Whilst Tameka managed to block out any external noise, her wife, Kirsty, had a different experience. “I used to take penalties all the time, but I’ve never been anywhere near as nervous as when she stepped up.” The former New Zealand international was in tears, struggling to think what might happen if Tameka missed. For the families of the players, those moments - understandably - are incredibly difficult. “It’s one of those times when you think of all that hard work and all those sacrifices mean something,” Tameka reflects.

Shortly after the World Cup, it was announced that Tameka would be staying in Australia. After all the challenges she’d faced being away and injured in the lead up to the tournament, she signed a multi-year deal with Brisbane Roar. The league’s expansion to a full home and away season played a role in her decision. “We needed pathways, we needed longer leads, we needed the investment. But I guess we needed the national team to perform to get that interest and that investment.”

For now, Tameka is relishing both her football and family life. Her three-year-old daughter, Harley, changed everything. “You start to experience life all over again through her eyes.” It’s certainly changed her motivations, and Tameka strives to be a role model for Harley. “I’m showing her how exciting life can be, but also what happens when you work hard.”

While Tameka knows she won’t be running around on a pitch forever, she’s focused on the present. Just as in that penalty shootout, her ability to block out the noise is impressive. It allows her to hone in on what matters most. “I like to call myself wise rather than old - the young girls on the team definitely keep me younger than I am.” She laughs as she talks about the bewildered reactions when she tells them she’s spent off days mowing the lawn or washing linen. Tameka concedes that ultimately it’s just a part of football and life coexisting in a way she’d hoped they would one day. It’s safe to say that she’s now well and truly found that balance.

Words and photos by Rachel Bach.