It’s official. Caitlin Foord, the wunderkind of Australian football is no longer a promising prodigy, but a fully fledged star of the world game. Still only 22, Foord beat off some serious competition to be crowned the 2016 AFC Women’s Footballer of the Year earlier this month. She is now the only female to win both the senior and youth awards, having won the junior equivalent five years earlier following a stellar debut at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
The bright lights and gilded trimmings of the 2016 AFC Annual Awards in Abu Dhabi could not have been any further removed from Foord’s upbringing as a self-confessed beach-addict in unpretentious Wollongong, a couple hours south of Sydney. “It was the best 48 hours of my life,” Foord, who answered the phone while lying on the beach, told FIFA.com in reference to her whirlwind visit to the United Arab Emirates capital.
“It was the first time I had been overseas with my sister, and we had the best time. The hotel was the biggest and most insane place I have ever seen, it was just amazing. We felt like millionaires for a couple of days.”
Dig the new breed Australia have enjoyed two breakthrough showings on the world stage over the past 18 months, winning their first-ever knockout match at a Women’s World Cup, and were only a penalty shoot-out away from a maiden spot in the medal round of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. Despite their enhanced status, the Matildas remain one of the youngest senior international teams in world football. Australia had eight players aged 21 or younger at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, of which Foord was one.
“The award is obviously a great honour, but I think it reflects how well the Matildas are going, especially as we had two players nominated” said Foord. Evergreen Australia attacker Lisa De Vanna was also nominated, while compatriots Katrina Gorry and Kate Gill were previous winners. “I think there will be more in the years to come.
“At the moment there is only one or two per cent between the teams in the world, and I think any of those teams can win on any given day. The Matildas are getting better and better and I think we can see that progression. I think we have been a little bit unlucky at recent major tournaments, and had results been just a little different we could easily have come out with a medal. The next cycle is very exciting for us because we're so young, but experienced as well. I’m really excited, and I think we can do really good things.”
Growing up fast With fast feet, natural game-sense and a rare ability to dribble at pace, Foord is not only an exceptional talent, but capable of the unexpected. She scored just ten minutes into her international debut, and within two months was named Hyundai Young Player of the Tournament at Germany 2011.
Starting her senior football career as a free-running forward, Foord was introduced to the role of full-back just prior to the 2011 Women’s World Cup. A few weeks later she was asked to mark Marta on her Women’s World Cup debut, and duly kept the superstar Brazilian under wraps.
This was a rough diamond that immediately sparkled when put under the bright spotlight. Foord’s career has been on an upward trajectory ever since. She has come under numerous positive influences, but lists USA legend Christie Rampone as an especially important figure.
“When I first had to really grow up was going overseas at 18, playing in the NWSL,” Foord said. “It was best decision I ever made and really developed my football because that was all I had over there.
“I was lucky enough to learn from Christie Rampone who I had next to me every day,” Foord added, about the former USA captain. “She is of course one of the most experienced players in women’s football and I learnt so much from her. I became close to her kids, and in fact I just about became one of her kids!”
Foord spent two seasons with the New Jersey-based Sky Blue FC, but is now considering a new adventure in Japan’s Nadeshiko League in an attempt to broaden her football knowledge. “Going to new environments is always helpful, because there is always something to learn,” she said. “Japanese football is like nowhere else in the world given their possession and technical focus. I think that is something I can improve in my game.”
Foord is clearly not one to rest on her laurels. And if raw ambition is any indication, then the Caitlin Foord story has many more chapters waiting to be written.