For Isla Huddy, football has always been more than just a game it has been a source of joy, resilience, and connection. Her earliest memory of the sport takes her back to her time with Woden Valley as a young child. She still remembers the thrill of scoring her very first goal, the kind of moment that sparks an excitement so strong it stays with you for life. That early feeling of pride and passion has never left her, and it continues to drive her today.
But for Isla, her defining football moment didn’t happen until much later. Last season was one of the most challenging she has faced, leaving her uncertain about her future in the game. Football no longer carried the same spark, and she found herself questioning her love for it. However, everything changed this season when she scored her first goal against Midura. The rush of that moment reminded her why she had fallen in love with the sport in the first place. “It brought back my passion,” Isla reflects. “That goal made me realise I still loved football, no matter how tough it got.”
Like many players, Isla has her own unique pregame superstitions that she swears by. She doesn’t allow any of her family members to say the words “see you in the grand final,” firmly believing it brings bad luck and could jinx her team’s chances. To her, words carry weight, and avoiding that phrase is part of her routine. In addition, she always straps her ankles before heading out onto the pitch. While partly practical, it has also become a ritual that grounds her and helps her feel ready to perform. These small habits highlight the mental side of sport the blend of belief, preparation and tradition that helps athletes’ step into competition with confidence.
More than anything, Isla is quick to credit her teammates for keeping her in the game. Playing with West Canberra Wanderers has been one of the most important parts of her journey, and she admits that without her team, she might not still be playing. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them,” she says. Having shared the pitch with many of the same girls for the past five years, Isla values the friendships, trust and unshakable support that the team provides. For her, football is not just about scoring goals or winning games it’s about belonging to something bigger. “We’ve been through so much together, and that’s what makes it special.”
Beyond her personal journey, Isla is deeply aware of the bigger picture surrounding women’s sport. She acknowledges that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in achieving true equality. “It’s about the little things,” she explains. “Awareness, understanding, and showing people that women aren’t ‘less than’ just because we’re biologically different.” For Isla, conversations about respect, recognition, and opportunity are just as important as what happens on the field. She is determined to use her voice to push for change, knowing that the fight for equality is ongoing.
When it comes to offering advice for younger players or anyone aspiring to pursue a career in soccer, Isla keeps it simple but powerful: keep pushing. She knows from experience that setbacks and doubts are part of the journey, but resilience makes all the difference. “There will be challenges,” she says, “but if you stay committed and push through, the game will give back to you.”
Isla Huddy’s story is one of passion rediscovered, perseverance in the face of challenge and the importance of team spirit. Her journey with the West Canberra Wanderers is proof that football is about more than wins and losses it’s about connection, resilience and love for the game. For Isla, the sport continues to be a source of strength and joy, and her message to the next generation is clear: keep going, because the game is worth it.
Words: Charli Fiddes
