One of the Matildas’ most resilient and inspirational players, Hayley Raso, is currently thriving in the greatest position of her career. Having previously played in the FA WSL for one season with Everton, she recently made an exciting move to Manchester City under head coach Gareth Taylor.
“Being at a club like Manchester City, playing amongst incredibly experienced players week in week out at training and games, is only going to help me develop as a player. I want to be in a team that competes for trophies and this team does so. I thought it was the perfect move for me.”
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Hayley Raso has created her own identity as a fast-paced winger who consistently works hard to win the ball back for her team. Her famous ribbon matched to the colour of her jersey has become her trademark, a way to easily notice her on the pitch as she whips in a cross or scores a cracking goal.
“My grandma buys me those ribbons. She always sends them over to me no matter where I am in the world.”
Raso had already played in the FA WSL with Everton for a season under the management of Willie Kirk, however under difficult circumstances with Covid conditions and empty stadiums.
“My first season under Everton in Covid times was a little bit challenging and a little bit difficult.
“But being at Manchester City now with the fans in the stadiums at a big club like this, I’m finding myself really happy and I’m definitely really enjoying it here.”
Raso admits that Chelsea will be Manchester City’s toughest competition for the season ahead, however reassures City fans that their aim is to win the title and end up on top.
“Us as a team, we’re trying to go one better this year and win that title.”
Man City’s recent game against Tottenham was decided by a controversial handball not picked up by the referee. This game focused the obvious disadvantages in women’s football as VAR isn’t there to support referees in deciding on controversial contests. I asked Hayley for her opinions on the issue.
“It’s a tough one. It would be ideal to have VAR.”
The popularity of the women’s game in England has never been greater with international broadcasting deals in place for the FA WSL. This season has already attracted record crowds and ratings.
“The women’s game is growing and it’s kind of growing step by step and the WSL has just got a huge broadcast deal, so hopefully VAR is the next step in that.”
A day in the life of a professional footballer playing in England for Manchester City, although intense and demanding, is highly rewarding.
“At 9am in the morning we have breakfast at the club, we will do a video analysis session, we will then do a little bit of gym and pre-activation, go out and train, come back, have lunch, then we do a gym session and then from there is your recovery.
“You don’t end up getting out and getting home until late in the afternoon. It’s a professional lifestyle but it’s one I love.”
Challenges
Hayley’s journey is truly inspirational and motivating, especially to young aspiring footballers. She has experienced many injuries and setbacks, including a broken back which she suffered whilst playing for NWSL side Portland Thorns in 2018.
“I’ve had a pretty strong mental attitude and mindset through my whole career, whether that be setbacks, or not making a team, or an injury.”
“I think with all of those things I’ve wanted to put my mind to it and prove somebody wrong, or prove that I can bounce back from an injury.”
Like many unfortunate injuries, Raso’s back injury proved to be a major setback in her career. It was her mental strength and resilience that differentiated her from the majority, allowing her to continue thriving and growing into the player she is today.
“It was quite challenging for me both mentally and physically, so I questioned whether I should just stop playing.
“Something in me and my love for the game drove me to continue.”
Thoughts and opinions
When speaking to Raso, I was able to discover some unique insights into the different leagues she has been lucky enough to play in, such as the W-League, FA WSL and NWSL. It is interesting to think about these differences, as there is such a variety of pathways available nowadays to young footballers in Australia.
“For somebody who has been in a few different leagues now and knowing how it all works, I don’t think there really is a best way to move forward in a career, I think it’s about what suits an individual.”
Clearly, Raso’s career pathway has been a journey of resilience. She began her professional football career playing in the W-League for Canberra United at the age of 17. After playing for multiple Australian clubs, she progressed to the NWSL by signing with Washington Spirit in 2015. It was in 2020 that she ventured into the English FA WSL with Everton.
“In the WSL it is very physical and very technical.”
“In America it’s quite a fast-paced game, they’re real athletes over there.
“As for the W-League, I think it’s quite a physical league as well.”
5 fun facts about Hayley
Favourite colour ribbon: blue (of course)
Most difficult defender to play against: Becky Sauerbrunn or Millie Bright
Most admired player: Sam Kerr
Most memorable goal: Her goal against New Zealand after her back injury
Most annoying Matildas roommate: Lydia Williams
Olympics
Raso was thrilled to make her Olympic debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the age of 27. It was a major milestone in her career, especially after missing out on selection for the 2016 Olympic Games squad.
“For me personally, it’s definitely a highlight of my career. I wanted to go to an Olympics since I was a kid and I didn’t make the Olympics, the last one the girls went to, so I had a real driving factor in me.”
“I feel like I ticked off something really big and I feel so excited and proud that I was able to be a part of a team that did so well in an Olympic Games.”
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The Matildas finished with a history-making result of fourth overall.
“We as the Matildas did ourselves and the country proud in finishing fourth, the best we ever have.
“Although, in that we were quite disappointed in not achieving what we wanted in getting a medal.”
The Matildas are currently working hard towards the 2022 Asian Cup and 2023 World Cup. New coach Tony Gustavsson only recently joined the team in 2020 and is already highly regarded by his players for the success and joy he has brought to the team.
“I think we just need to continue working together and training under Tony.
“I think he’s the perfect fit for our team. He’s come in and done great things in such a short period of time, so I’m excited to see what he can do the more we train and the more we play as a group under him in the next few years.”
2023 World Cup
Hayley Raso, alongside the rest of the Matildas, will have the honour of representing Australia on home soil in the 2023 World Cup. The Tillies hope to take the title home and do our country proud.
“There’s honestly nothing better than playing in Australia.
“Just thinking about it excites me so much, and I know I can speak for the rest of the girls in that being in Australia, having all of your friends, family and the rest of the country supporting you in the stadium is something that drives us to do well.
“We’re very much looking forward to it and hopefully we are playing there in a final as well!”
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