As the World Cup wraps up for 2026 (with congratulations to the Spanish team for their win), the Cootamundra Strikers are far from easing up on the competition.
Despite their 6-3 defeat against CSU, the women’s team were on the attack from the very beginning, despite only having 10 players on the field and held their own admirably against the opposition for 25 minutes before conceding a goal.
Coota Strikers Women’s Team coach, Ash Rogers, said there were some truly incredible players on the field.
“Goal scorer, Louise Raleigh, [was a] powerhouse after gaining the ball at her feet from her fellow Striker, Lily Peacey, and moving the ball forward with her quick footwork,” she says.
Lauren Rixon, Ash says, had some “amazing saves” on display while she built up confidence in her skills to retrieve the ball from the opposition.
“Captain Heidi Parkinson, Vice Captain Madi Robinson and one of our senior players, Hailey Freer, stood their ground in the last line of defence and put their football knowledge and skills together to protect the keeper,” says Ash.
Tracey Schwarze and Lauren McDonald debuted for their first 90-minute game, and both made the team proud with their hard work playing off.
Congratulations, Ash says, also go to Jaci Hoey and Tala Schwarz on their consistency towards the game by learning the positions thoroughly over the past 12 rounds.
“From women who haven’t played before or have come back, they have done sincerely well to keep their game,” she says.
Next week, the women’s team will go up against the Junee soccer team.
Across the board, the Strikers’ team showed grit, determination and spirit in their matches with both men’s teams leaving their matches victorious.
The Men’s Blue team proved tenacity pays off with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Henwood Park, which awarded them three points.
The Men’s White team climbed up into 2nd place on the ladder after an incredible 7-1 win over Charles Sturt.
The U16s team fought valiantly but eventually conceded a loss to Henwood Park with a score of 4-1.
As the teams prep for another big weekend ahead of them, one thing’s for sure: there’s plenty of good quality soccer on display right at home!
Player Profile – Cootamundra Strikers U16s – Joshua Ismay
For ten years, Joshua Ismay has been training and working on specialising his skills in soccer. Now 15 years old, he says, if given the opportunity, he would absolutely play professionally.
“I was drawn to soccer very early because that’s why all my friends were playing,” he says.
“I enjoy making new friends and have lots of fun playing, and being able to develop and improve my skills over time.”
Joshua says he loves being part of the Strikers family, and says it’s because the whole town feels like “one community” with a united goal.
“It feels like the whole town is proud of you and the team,” he says.
“I think the Strikers are a really great Club and community [because] you get to know and mix with people from all different grades and teams.”
Inspired by Lionel Messi (Argentina’s Captain and forward who led the team as runners-up to Spain at the 2026 World Cup) for his ability to overcome challenges, Joshua says his sporting inspiration has helped him to where he is now.
“He never gave up, kept working hard and ended up being one of the best soccer players of all time,” he says.
However, when push comes to shove on the field, Joshua says he can always count on his team to help him through a tough match.
“My biggest inspiration during a hard match would be my teammates getting through the challenges so we can all celebrate in the end,” he says.
“Teamwork is very important to me because you all work together to get the result; it would be very hard to win a game with no team.
“Teamwork is also important because it means you can celebrate together, because you all worked hard to achieve the goal.”
Joshua’s extracurriculars are truly extensive, and he says he can also be found on a cricket pitch, bike riding or engaging in photography.
As for his favourite post-game celebration? He says it always comes down to singing the team song together with his mates after a hard-fought win.
Look for Joshua as jersey number 20 at the next Strikers game!
Player Profile – Cootamundra Strikers Blue – Aaron Walker
There isn’t much that 44-year-old Aaron Walker can’t do.
A police officer and retained firefighter by day, his nights now consist of training alongside his sons for the Cootamundra Strikers.
Soccer, he says, is a new passion project of his.
“I started playing soccer in 2026,” he says.
“My sport of choice growing up was AFL, which I played until I was about 33.”
Both of Aaron’s sons play soccer, and when his eldest was asked to help out the men’s squad this season, Aaron says it was an opportunity not only to get fit, but to play alongside his son.
Feeling “humbled” to represent his town, Aaron says the camaraderie and connection to community amongst his teammates have been a great way to switch off and reduce stress from work and everyday life.
“There is nothing more rewarding than being part of a team,” he says.
“With the right team and people around you, a loss can be as good as a win, knowing the people you’re with gave 110 per cent for you and your teammates.”
Being close with his family (both found and by blood) is an incredibly important part of Aaron’s ‘why’, and he says he draws upon them regularly for inspiration.
As for sporting heroes, he says his AFL days still form an important part of who he is, and he can’t look past Barry Hall and Tony Locket.
Outside of soccer, Aaron holds a largely unknown secret: he won a Guinness World Record in 2009 for playing in what was then the longest Cricket Test Match.
For newcomers, Aaron says they shouldn’t be fooled by his long sporting history and urges them to just “give it a go”.
“Don’t let age or fitness level, or your ability turn you away,” he says.
“You have to start somewhere, and you will improve.”
Playing under jersey number 26 for the Men’s Blue team strikers, Aaron is certainly a player to keep an eye out for!
Elizabeth Kovacs
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