Charli Grant is enjoying the greatest period in her career at the present time. She’s just been called up to the Matildas squad for the forthcoming friendlies in Denmark and Sweden, where she now plays for unbeaten Damallsvenskan leaders FC Rosengård, after a stellar campaign in the W-League for Adelaide United.
Charli grew up in the Adelaide coastal suburb of Hallett Cove as part of a family of four. “Yeah, there was my Mum, Dad, my brother and I. We lived only a ten-minute walk from the beach. My entire family are sport lovers but my brother, cousins and I were the first to play soccer in the family as it was the only sport offered at our school.
“From reception to Year Five I attended Emmaus Primary school and Year Six to Year 11, I went to Woodcroft College.
In my final year of school, I relocated to Sydney to join the Future Matildas program.
“I finished school online through Lake Ginninderra College. I lived in Sydney during the off-seasons of W-League for two years with a host family. Currently, I am completing a Bachelor of Health Science through UniSA online.”
Charli began playing football at a young age, heavily influenced by her brother.
“I played from the age of six at my primary school. It was the main sport offered and I always wanted to follow my brother so I joined the game and loved it as soon as I stepped onto the pitch. At the age of nine, I joined my first club, Cumberland United Women’s Football Club.
“From club football, at age 11, I was identified to play in the South Australian state football system, I was part of this program for six years.
“In my final year of the program in 2018, at age 17, I signed my first professional contract for Adelaide United and was selected for Young Matildas to play in the Asian Cup qualifiers.
“In the off-season of W-League, I was part of the Future Matildas program for two years. Before signing for FC Rosengård, I had played three seasons for Adelaide United and played in two Asian Cup qualifier tournaments and a World Cup qualifier with the Young Matildas.”
Charli is hugely appreciative of the support that her family has given her which has enabled her to get to where she is today in the game.
“If it wasn’t for my Mum, Dad, and brother, I would not be where I am today. They all would do anything to make sure I could attend every training, have enough food to be fuelled for the day and just be there to listen to all my ups and downs. Especially growing up, it was very difficult to attend training as I would have to travel at least an hour, which meant Mum would go straight from work pick me up from school, have food ready for me to eat in the car, and go straight to training.
“Every coach I’ve had has helped me develop as a player and as a person. In particular, my U17 state, Adelaide United, and Young Matilda/Future Matilda coaches are very important to me as they have taught me resilience and instilled belief in me, along with growing my technical and tactical side of the game.
“I am beyond grateful for everyone that has supported me in my career so far.”
Charli’s successes in the 2020/21 season came on the back of a tough time last year when she suffered a hamstring injury.
“That was the biggest challenge that I have faced in my football career. When I was trying to come back to play, I continued to have pain, this was very difficult as it was within a talent identification camp for the Matildas and I wanted to put my best foot forward and show what I was capable of.
“Despite the difficult mental challenge I have experienced during this injury, I feel as though it has made me more resilient and helped me understand my body better.”
Charli was part of the most successful season that Adelaide United has ever had in the W-League. She has hugely positive memories of the campaign.
“As the team has been together for a long time now, it was a really good environment to be a part of. We all had a lot of trust and belief within each other which was key in our success this year.
“I believe that Adrian Stenta was a very good appointment to the head coach role, he instilled a winning mentality and enhanced the positive attitude within the group which was crucial to overcoming any setbacks.
“It was amazing to be part of a record-breaking season but at the same time, it was heartbreaking to not make Finals after all the progress we had made. I think the key this year to achieving the results we did was the team’s chemistry and morale.
“The team has been together for a few years now so it was only a matter of time until we clicked and after struggling to achieve results in previous years we were hungry to win. I think the biggest improvement the club needs to make next season though is the ability to finish the opportunities we create.”
On the back of a string of impressive performances, Charli was approached by FC Rosengård, who had just earned a place in the Quarter-Finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
“I’ve always dreamt of playing overseas, especially in Europe, so when I was contacted by the club and knowing the success they have had, I knew it was too good of an opportunity not to take. I felt as though making this move will put me in the best environment to develop both as a player and person.
FC Rosengård are currently filled with many successful, experienced, and talented players. I feel honoured to be part of this team and hope I can contribute to the club’s success.”
In terms of the coming months, Charli is clear about what her immediate aims are. “I want to cement a spot in the starting line-up for FC Rosengård and provide as much defensive and attacking support as possible to help us win the league. It has always been a dream of mine to play for my country and my current aim is to be selected for the upcoming Olympic squad.”
Adelaide United supporters hoping to see Charli back in the red and blue next season should not give up hope of her returning to her hometown team for 2021/22.
“If the seasons do align and I’m available to play, I would love to return home to Adelaide United. However, currently, I am just focusing on developing as much as I can in this environment and helping my team, FC Rosengård, on being as successful as we can.”
