In late 2019 Chidiac received a letter from one of the girls in the program.
“She told me about the positive impact the program has had on her. That it is common for women and girls in Kenya to have to stay at home during their menstruation, instead of attending school and going to work as they don’t have enough money to purchase sanitary products.
“I knew after the letter that I needed to do more to support them.”
“I wanted to play more of an active role within their organisation so I reached out to Dorcas Amakobe {Executive Director} to see how I could help.
“After learning more about the program and the incredible people running it via a Skype call a few months ago we started working on a plan to fundraise, and agreed that we could use this opportunity to raise awareness on the ongoing problem women in Kenya face during their Menstrual cycles.”
Chidiac designed the T-shirt to raise funds, with each shirt sold going towards the purchase of reusable pads for 3 girls.
“The aim of the shirt is to both provide the girls of the program with reusable sanitary items and continue raising awareness for this cause,” Chidiac said.
“I’ve always thought that as footballers we are in a unique and privileged position. People look up to us on the field for the way we play, it would be great if we had that same effect off the field for all the positive things we did.”
“A little goes such a long way and I want to make sure I’m playing my part in making a difference to the issues we are facing around the world and hopefully encouraging others to do the same. I think it’s important to speak out about these issues, you never know who it could have an impact on.”
Chidiac joined Atletico in 2018 as the first Australian to play for them and helped lead Atleti to their third successive title and fifth overall.
“Since I can remember I’ve always wanted to play football overseas so it was really a dream come true to make the move over here. I’ve learnt so much on and off the field that has both made me a better player and a better person.
“I think being part of such a competitive team has changed my approach as it’s forced me to focus on all of my weaknesses and do a lot of extra work if I want to get a chance on the field. I’ve picked up some really great habits that I’ll be sure to keep with me throughout my career.”
Chidiac touched on how it has been in a COVID-19 world as a footballer.
“It’s been difficult for everyone with all the uncertainty around when/if we will be able to return to training, playing games and our season,” Chidiac said.
“At the time COVID-19 hit I was injured so when we went into lockdown my training wasn’t as affected as the rest of my teammates.
“Luckily when I went back to Australia {after the two week quarantine in a hotel} the restrictions weren’t too bad. I was able to attend medical appointments for my ankle and have one on one rehab training, which has helped me get back to training on the field after a long ten months.”
Chidiac used this time to focus on other aspects in her life.
“I was also able to focus on other aspects of my life including starting a Certificate IV in youth work, volunteering, becoming an ambassador for Football United and being able to spend time with my partner which I wouldn’t normally get.”
Chidiac eventually returned to Spain for pre-season but due to the pandemic there was lots of protocol she had to follow.
“There are many precautions put in place like frequent COVID testing, wearing masks wherever we go and having our temperature checked before each session, and the team being separated in two locker rooms.
“So you could say it’s definitely quite different to what life was like before but everyone understands that this is just how things need to be for a little while (hopefully just a little while).”
Joining other Matildas in higher levels of competition, Chidiac says it’s fantastic to see them signing with bigger clubs, along with the chance to possibly play against some of our national players in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
“It’s great seeing more and more players from Australia heading over to Europe. The leagues here are getting stronger and stronger each season and I think all the girls are going to have great experiences on and off the field.”
Atleti’s next match will be a Clásico matchup in the UWCL quarter-finals v FC Barcelona. Barca were awarded the Primera División championship for the 2019-20 season due to the pandemic. Chidiac’s side was nine points off the chase and had to settle as runners up.
“Atleti v Barca is the Clásico in our league so we always want to beat them whenever we have the chance to,” Chidiac said.
“Whether it’s a league game, cup game or Champions League game there is a huge rivalry and it means a lot to the club and the fans if we beat them.”
With the date of the league return unknown at this stage Chidiac hopes to be back playing again soon.
“In the next two weeks (hoping everything continues going the way things are) I should be available to play again which is really exciting.
“Honestly I’m just looking forward to the feeling of being back out on the pitch and playing the game I love more than anything, I’ve missed it.”
