Junior Matildas know the price they're willing to pay to make it

The Australian Junior Matildas have qualified for the U-17 Women's World Cup for the first time after reaching the semifinals of the Asian Cup. The team hopes this success will pave the way for senior honours. The tournament will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.

Coaching staff emphasize that success comes with a price, encompassing the time, effort, and emotional resilience required. Coach Mike Cooper, a former teacher with two teenage daughters, understands the pressures faced by young athletes. He encourages the team to perform with purpose, express themselves, and be bold while also respecting the journey.

Players, such as 15-year-old Willa Pearson, are handling the pressure with maturity. Pearson, who made history as the youngest A-League player and goalscorer, focuses on steady improvement and the opportunity to perform against top international talent. Her teammate, 17-year-old Maeve Nicholas, feels privileged to be part of this historic achievement and aims to make a positive impact.

Coaching methods include learning Spanish and relating it to football, fostering team cohesion and shared purpose. The mantra "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard" resonates among the players, who are committed to continuous improvement and learning from both successes and setbacks.