© Brisbane Catholic Education, Trinity College (2025)
Trinity College Beenleigh student Charlotte Davis has just returned from a football playing experience of a lifetime after representing Queensland at the Commbank Emerging Championships held in Sydney last week.
The Year 10 student was selected in a squad of 18 to represent her State in the Under 16 Girls competition.
Charlotte was grateful for the chance to play in a Championship event that helps develop future players for the Matildas (Australian Women's team).
“It was an amazing opportunity to play among the best in the nation, I was honoured to be on the squad," Charlotte says.
Around 100 of Queensland's top young female footballers were invited to trial for the squad. The selection process involved up to 15 weeks of rigorous Tuesday night training sessions in Nudgee.
Charlotte's hard work and commitment paid off when she received an email from Football Queensland offering her a position in the team.
“I couldn't believe it; this was a goal I had been working towards for several years," Charlotte says.
Her road to the Championships wasn't without setbacks having torn the Anterior Talofibular Ligament in her ankle and was in a moon boot just prior to the competition taking place.
Charlotte's high level of professionalism and commitment towards becoming a professional athlete ensured that she was fit and ready.
She played in all six games for Queensland who finished the Championships in sixth place.
“The talent displayed throughout the tournament was amazing and it was a good challenge play against the best," Charlotte says.
“Being in the squad allowed me to make amazing connections through Football Queensland; getting to know the coaches better and getting my name out there."
© Brisbane Catholic Education, Trinity College (2025)
She came away with some key learnings that she can take back to her local club Logan Lightning FC.
“I learned how to react better to my mistakes after seeing the talent around me making mistakes and learning how to fix them," Charlotte says.
The Trinity College student was one of four players score a goal for her team across the Championships as she found the back of the net in the 3-1 against Western Australia.
“As the opposing 10, I had to be on the weak side of the ball, I checked my shoulders, and I saw the amount of space I had," Charlotte says.
“My teammate had the ball, and I peeled off and open my body to take a touch. After I took a touch, I saw the keeper was set off her line and took the shot."
“After being in the moon boot, shooting was still something I struggled with, but in the moment, I didn't even think about my ankle and just shot, which it was great to score."
Now, with renewed confidence and experience under her belt, Charlotte is focused on one clear goal.
“It is a dream of mine to play for the Matildas," Charlotte says.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, Trinity College (2025)