Tilly’s “endless gratitude” for the Matildas

A Moreton City Excelsior (MCE) player has flown across Australia to tell the mighty Matildas how football “shaped, saved and carried” her.

Matilda “Tilly” Leeman, who plays for MCE’s Rebels women’s team, flew to Perth last week to share her story of resilience with the national women’s side. She was one of three fans taken to West Australia to meet the Matildas, who were in camp preparing for the Women’s Asian Cup.

They met Matildas’ stars Holly McNamara, Amy Sayer, Michelle Heyman and Katrina Gorry ahead of Sunday’s opening Cup match against the Philippines. The trio also presented a giant inflatable football with inspiring messages from 16 superfans, selected by Allianz, printed on it.

“They (Matildas) were all interested, very approachable, friendly and fun,” said Tilly, 34, who also gave the squad personalised friendship bracelets.

It came just weeks after the Bald Hills resident answered a Facebook post asking for stories of resilience through sport.

“I just hoped someone would read it,” Tilly said. They did, liked it and one month later she was asked to join a “resilience campaign” with Allianz.

The “unexpected” offer was the result of her sporting comebacks and rediscovering a love of football.

Rediscovering the love of the game

At 16, Tilly had earned a sports scholarship and hoped to play in state and national teams when she found out she was pregnant. Three months after giving birth and now in Brisbane, she joined a new team and won an end-of-season grand final.

But after a second child, Tilly experienced postnatal depression and anxiety, during the COVID pandemic. However, following a decade-long break – and in her 30s - Tilly has rediscovered joy and community through football and team sport.

“My gratitude for this sport - and for the Matildas - is endless,” she said. “I’ve never been a professional, but I’ve always felt part of the team.

“Soccer has shaped me, saved me and carried me through both comebacks.”

And, immediately after the Matildas’ 1-0 victory over Philippines on Sunday, Tilly registered to play for Moreton City Excelsior again, alongside two friends.

She is now preparing for Rebels’ first pre-season match on Friday after playing futsal at Brendale Indoor Sports Centre last year.

Care you can count on

Tilly’s Matildas’ experience is part of Allianz's 'care you can count on' campaign with midfielder Amy Sayer who spent 457 days on the sidelines after an ACL injury.

“Being a role model for Aussies young and old, and knowing people look to us for motivation gives extra meaning to what we do,” she said.

“It reminds me to keep going when I face my own mental challenges on fighting to return – especially heading into a major tournament.”

Allianz research shows two thirds of Aussies faced adversity in the last year, led by financial pressure (44 per cent), physical health (30 per cent) and lack of confidence (26 per cent).

Many said they increasingly look to positive role models – 44 per cent named the Matildas - for strength and resilience.