ULTRA MAG | ISSUE 11 - EMMA CHECKER

“There’s no real words to explain how special this one truly is.” Emma Checker’s 10 Ultra essentials perfectly encapsulate her life and career. Debuting for the Matildas at just 16 years old tops it all off. “It’s crazy how much time has passed,” Emma says. “I hope that I have many more Caps left in me.”

Emma grew up in Adelaide, surrounded by an AFL loving community. It wasn’t until grade six when Emma was exposed to football and ventured out of her comfort zone. She credits the start of her football journey to her primary school PE teacher, who encouraged her to try out for the SA primary school state team, before even joining a club. There was no doubt that the sporty kid was rusty, but her determined personality ensured her selection nonetheless. “It definitely gave me this spark,” she says.

Emma speaks with passion towards her love for football. “Working towards team goals and that feeling of winning together and losing together, and having to work through all of the emotions”, is what makes the game so unique. Like other team sports, the best part is the uniting aspect of the game. However, football is specifically rare as a global sport. “I love that it’s the world game,” Emma says. “It’s really unique to play a world game.”

“I can’t believe I’ve played 11 years in the league.” Emma has had a remarkable football history of playing for top tier clubs in various countries, like South Korea, France and Iceland. She describes her recent experience at Icelandic side, Selfoss, as a “bold move”. “I knew that my big goal was to be in that team [the national team], so I had to make decisions that put me in a position to do that.” She describes her experience in Iceland as life changing. “It ended up being one of the best football and life decisions I’ve ever made…it helped me love playing abroad again.”

Shifting from being a teenager who debuted for the Matildas at just 16 years old, to becoming the captain of successful A-League Women’s side, Melbourne City, has brought Emma a whole new experience and challenge in football. “I’m not perfect at it, but I know I’ve committed to evolving to that role.” Playing alongside the experienced footballer for many years, I know that she is a leader to all teammates on and off the field, and as a young girl aspiring for a future career in football, she has been the perfect role model and inspiration for me.  

“Even though we had a disappointing end to the season, it was actually a really successful year,” Emma says. Captaining Melbourne City, following in the footsteps of Steph Cately, Emma knew she had a lot of responsibilities to take on. After enduring a challenging season in 2020/2021, Emma speaks optimistically about City’s upcoming season. “I’m actually really proud of the way we bounced back,” she says. “Part of me is not pleased we finished second [last season], but I’m also pleased we have something to work for in the coming season.”

It is clear that Emma’s football career has provided her with so many ineffable experiences. “I have no regrets in everything I’ve done,” she says. She has met so many amazing people along the way, and speaks in admiration of her best friend, mentor and role model, Melissa Barbieri. “She’s been my idol, a mentor, a best friend, everything under the sun for me.” She has also had the opportunity to meet and combine with New Balance, in which she describes as an “extended family”. The brand has represented her since her time in Korea, and has proven to be one of her biggest support groups.

Emma speaks as a proud female footballer when talking about hosting the 2023 World Cup. “I’d go beyond personal…this is huge and I think it does reflect where we have come in women’s football.” She has no doubtely contributed to the national team’s success over the years, and much like all Australian footballers, having the World Cup played on home soil, means so much to her. “I think that this is a big turning point and we are on track to achieve really big things.” 

Being a professional female athlete has its challenges no doubt, and Emma Checker has faced these with such determination and resilience. It is clear that she will work hard for anything she wants to achieve, despite the injuries or setbacks she may face. “I feel so fortunate that I’ve had the life experiences that I’ve had through football,” she says. “It definitely hasn't come at an easy price, but I wouldn't change it for anything.” Coming in and out of the national team is evidently challenging, but Emma describes her relationship with the team as positive and still intact. She knows the next 12 months are crucial if she wants to represent her country in the World Cup. “I know it’s definitely not going to be gifted to me.” 

Emma Checker is an inspiration to all young girls across the globe. She has had such a positive influence on female football through her constant support, coaching and training of aspiring women. Her amazing career spans over a decade, with many memorable experiences and achievements. Her football is flourishing, and she is determined to achieve her next goal. I know that like myself, the rest of the country cannot wait to see what's next for Emma, and we all hope to be cheering her on in the 2023 World Cup