Rockingham local Judy Connolly represents Philippines in first ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in Manila

Rockingham local Judy Connolly has become part of history by playing at the first ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup. Born in Macau, China to an English father and Filipino mother, the 22-year-old defender settled in Rockingham at age two. She was selected to represent the Philippines team through a connection made while playing in Melbourne. “The stars just aligned for me,” Connolly said. “Football is really what got me this opportunity. I played it for most of my life in WA but decided to put myself out there and move to Melbourne in hopes of it opening doors for me, and it worked. “I was playing at the Philippines coach’s old club in Melbourne and when he found out I was half Filipino, he gave me a chance.” The FIFA Futsal World Cup first took place in 1989 and is held every four years, but this is the inaugural year of the women’s cup. It is being played in the Philippines, with the final set to play out Sunday night. Connolly’s team endured a rough start, losing 6-0 first up to Poland, before they scored their first two goals of the tournament in a nail-biting loss to Morocco. The host nation lost their final group match against Argentina 5-1, ending their campaign. Connolly said she gets emotional thinking about what the event is doing for young women across the world. “To be able to share the world stage with such powerful women is something I’ll hold with me forever,” she said. “So many female athletes having been pushing for this since the men’s cup began, so for us to finally have this opportunity, and for me to be part of it, is completely incredible. “It’s a privilege to be part of a historic event that promotes women’s sports, inspires young girls and celebrates cultural identity on a world stage.” Connolly said while she was representing the Philippines on the international stage, her football journey began in Rockingham and is very important to her. “I brought a piece of Rockingham with me here, this community has really helped shape me as an athlete,” she said. “I never thought a girl from Rockingham would be able to do this and represent something that is such a huge part of her. “I want everyone to know that no matter who you are or where you’re from, even if it is the most isolated city in the world, your dreams are big enough.”