Women Play Soccer too! Cindy Metcalfe Story

Cindy Metcalfe's passion for football was ignited in her childhood, where backyard matches with her brother were the first taste of the sport she would come to love. At the age of 12, she joined a boys' hearing team, unaware at the time that deaf football teams even existed. Her talent quickly became apparent, and by 13, she was playing with girls at the U16s level. Just a year later, at the age of 14, her skills earned her a spot in the state league with the Parramatta Melita Eagles.

Her football journey continued to ascend as she played for Marconi, Sutherland, and Blacktown Spartans, representing NSW in both U16s and U19s Youth at national titles, which they triumphantly won. Her prowess extended to the combined high schools interregional competition, where she also clinched victory twice.

Cindy's talent and success were undeniable, yet she was unaware of deaf football teams until a chance encounter. A deaf football official, who had seen a newspaper article about Cindy, recognized her potential and contacted her. This led Cindy to begin playing with men at a deaf futsal gala day, while continuing to play on hearing teams and participate in Deaf national teams.

In 2005, Cindy achieved a significant milestone by representing Australia at the Deaflympics in Melbourne. This experience was not only a sporting achievement but also a cultural and social one, as she connected with deaf footballers and athletes from all corners of the globe. The Deaflympics, however, presented unique challenges. The team had limited time to prepare, facing the daunting task of competing against established international teams with years of experience playing together. The Deaflympics were an unforgettable experience for Cindy, and the memories of her two goals still shone brightly in her mind. The roar of the crowd, the feeling of the ball hitting the back of the net, and the overwhelming sense of accomplishment - these were moments that she would cherish forever. Each goal represented not only her personal skill and dedication but also the spirit of the team and the wider Deaf community.

Cindy's athleticism wasn't confined to football alone. Throughout her career, she also excelled in futsal, achieving victory in every age group from the age of 13.  Cindy football and futsal career amassed an impressive 130 trophies and scored over 1000 goals over her 30 year playing career which included national championships with hearing teams.

Even three knee reconstructions couldn't extinguish her passion for the sport. Cindy's resilience and determination allowed her to overcome these setbacks and continue playing at a high level. She attributed her success to a combination of factors: her natural left-footedness, the skills and experience she gained from playing futsal, and the unwavering support of her teammates, coaches, and most importantly, her mother.

The pinnacle of her futsal career was representing Soccer Australia on the international stage, playing in countries like Brazil, Canada, and Italy. These experiences not only showcased her talent but also allowed her to immerse herself in different football cultures and broaden her horizons.

Cindy's journey, marked by her remarkable achievements in both football and futsal, stands as a testament to the unwavering support of her mother and her own relentless determination to overcome obstacles and shatter stereotypes. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration, not only for deaf women but for all women who aspire to excel in the realm of sports. Cindy's unwavering pursuit of her athletic dreams, in the face of adversity, exemplifies the indomitable spirit that lies within each individual, waiting to be ignited by passion and nurtured by perseverance. She has not only defied limitations but has also paved the way for future generations of female athletes, proving that with unwavering belief and steadfast support, any goal is attainable.