A talented young footballer hailing from regional New South Wales, Megan Castle’s journey into the beautiful game came in unexpected fashion. It was not the result of any early obsession or grand plan; but rather a young girl’s adoration for a plethora of sports combined with watching her brothers compete which initially attracted Castle to football.
“I started playing football when I was about 12 years old,” recalled Castle. “At the time, I used to play every single sport you could name, but because my brothers were playing, I thought I would give it a go and I’ve loved it ever since.”
This initial allure into the sport of football quickly developed into something much more significant. Castle’s earliest experiences in her hometown of Tumut involved playing for Tumut Eagles Football Club in a boys’ competition due to the lack of any female league. “Playing against boys, who were both physically and often stronger than me, helped develop me into the footballer I am today,” Castle reflects. “Without the coaches within the club giving me the opportunity, I wouldn’t have come this far.”
Castle’s dedicated commitment to the game saw her quickly progress as her first significant break came when she was invited to trial for the Wagga City Wanderers’ WNPL Under 17’s side at just 15 years old. “Being asked to trial for the age group above me was definitely an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” Castle commented.
She capitalised on her chance spectacularly in her first season by capturing the competition’s Golden Boot after scoring 32 goals in just 18 games. “That was definitely a turning point in my career,” admits Castle. “After that season, I got picked out by the first-grade coach and invited to play with their first-grade team for the following year.”
Castle continued to develop her footballing skills and knowledge with the Wagga City Wanderers first-grade team over three years, benefiting from the high-level coaching and the broader opportunities that became available. Castle appreciates the role every club has played in forming her career but singles out the Wanderers particularly as playing the biggest part in advancing her journey in football.
“Every club has helped out in different ways but the club that was able to help pursue my career even further was Wagga City Wanderers,” spoke Castle. “Playing for Wagga, gave me opportunities of representing NSW at the youth national championships as well as getting picked up for Riverina in the school state championships.”
Her ambitious attitude towards the sport and consistent first-grade performances drew European interest of which Castle couldn’t ignore. “I decided at the end of the 2022 season that I wanted to continue my football dreams overseas and this is when I was offered the opportunity to go to Scotland and play with the Motherwell FC squad,” said Castle.
“This however would not have been possible without my previous Wagga City Wagga coach, Sam Grey and my Family for supporting and helping me achieve this goal.”
Castle credits her Scottish venture as the proudest footballing accomplishment of her young career, as she also prospered from the widespread love of the sport present in Europe. “My biggest achievement in the sport so far would have to be playing over in Scotland as to compete in a different country has been a personal dream of mine for a very long time,” expressed Castle. “Being in a country where it is there main sport definitely comes with its perks. Everyone is so into their football as its apart of their culture.”
After learning and growing in the southeast of Glasgow with the highly reputable Motherwell FC, Castle would stay in Scotland for a further year, moving 40 minutes northwest to play in the Scottish Championship with Renfrew FC. “The following season another opportunity came about where I was able to trial for Renfrew FC who were playing in the Scottish Championship,” stated Castle. “I played with Renfrew for a full season before making the move back to Canberra where I am now playing in the WNPL first grade Canberra Croatia team.”
Castle’s Canberra Croatia outfit made finals by finishing fourth in the regular season this year. They defeated third-placed Gungahlin United 3-2 last weekend after super-sub Castle came off the bench to score in 92nd minute and send her side through to a semi-final clash against Canberra Olympic on Sunday.
Castle will be looking to get her hands on that illustrious WNPL first-grade silverware but admits she does have her sights set on making a return to Europe in the near future. “My goal is to play in many different countries all over the world as there are many, I have my eyes,” Castle claimed. “I’m planning on heading back over to the UK in the near future where I will play in England and experience their style of Football for a bit.”
“My ultimate goal in football that I want to achieve is playing for the Matildas, as well as a big Premier League club in England,” Castle confirmed.
Castle’s incredibly hard work and ambitious attitude has already seen her amass an impressive repertoire of clubs played for. She praises football as being such a positive influence and driving force behind her proven determination. “Football has been so beneficial in my life, and I will always have love for the game and my passion for it is unbeatable,” spoke Castle.
“My family is definitely to thank, having driven me over 7 hours weekly just for trainings as well as taking me down to the local oval to do shooting practice with me, I wouldn’t have as much passion without that.”
Castle’s footballing expedition is far from over as her determination, passion and love for the game continue to put Australian football fans on alert, as she is certainly a star to look out for in the future.
