Wentworth Falls football player Linda O’Neill has played in the W-League since age 16, and for the Wanderers Women since the team’s inception five seasons ago.
After struggling to juggle football commitments and a full-time job, she’s decided to hang up the boots.
The 24-year-old works as a nurse at Nepean Hospital, and said last season it had been like having two jobs.
“The workload/rotating shifts within the hospital is demanding emotionally and physically, and then to try and juggle having enough energy to perform football – it's pure exhausting,” she said.
“When I finished school I really had to consider my career obviously because opting for the dream of a football career full-time isn't really livable on. I really don't know how some players manage without working.”
She hopes in years to come, a football career will be possible for young women.
“I hope for the future generations it will change and young players can fulfill the dream of a football career,” O’Neill said.
A midfielder for the Wanderers Women, O’Neill was named player of the year in 2013 after a standout season her coach Steve Roche described as “incredible.”
At the time, Roche told the Gazette O’Neill was “by a mile our best player”.
“The team was hit by injuries so I think we played Linda in just about every position on the field, bar goalkeeper.
“A midfielder, she wasn’t signed to do that utility role but she not only did everything we asked of her tactically, she played incredibly well each match.”
O’Neill said she had particularly liked the team dynamics that season, and had always enjoyed meeting local fans.
The talented athlete has also played for Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets, and was a Young Matildas player.
For the time being, O’Neill is making the most of having “a normal life”, but hasn’t ruled out a return to the W-league. “If I miss it enough I'm sure I could try and come back but right now I'm really enjoying the break and so is my body,” she said.
The Wanderers Women kick off their season on November 6 when they face Perth Glory.
The team includes three current Matildas and four American signings.
