Females in Football - Sarah Morton
Sarah is undoubtedly one of the most experienced football players to emerge from the Hawkes Bay region in recent years. Notably, representing New Zealand at age group level and then making her senior debut in 2018. Sarah's influence extends beyond her national achievements, as she has ignited a fire for women's football at Waterside Karori in Wellington.
Her exceptional skills, coupled with her unwavering dedication and infectious personality, make her a true asset to the game. She serves as a role model for aspiring athletes, demonstrating that success can be achieved through hard work, passion, and an unwavering commitment to one's craft.
We caught up with Sarah to find out a little bit more about her career and what advice she has for females wanting to chase their dreams in football....
Q: When did your football journey begin and what inspired you to get involved?
I started playing as a 5 year old - my family had moved from Napier to a rural farming community, Tikokino. My brother realised that most of the kids there played football, and so he gave it a try. Being the impressionable younger sister, I followed suit, and I never looked back!
Q: What challenges have you faced in your footballing journey?
The biggest challenge, for me, has always been injury. My football journey consisted of many sprains, strains and, eventually, bone fractures. The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup was a brilliant experience, however I was diagnosed with a lower leg stress fracture during this tournament. It wasn’t until I’d sustained two further fractures in my feet that I decided to step back from pursuing elite-level football. From there, I began focussing on my health & my enjoyment of the game.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt over your career?
My dad would always remind me about, simply, having fun. He would say that this never loses its importance, no matter the playing level.
I think my success has stemmed from this. Throughout my time playing football, I never had concrete goals of making the Football Ferns or playing professionally. My only real goal was to play and to fully enjoy myself. My achievements have come as a by-product of this.
Q: What are your proudest achievements along the way?
One achievement is definitely playing for NZ - at u17s, u20s and the Ferns level. These experiences have given me a wealth of knowledge, some fantastic friendships and shaped who I am as a young woman.
While I’m no longer playing for the Ferns or beyond, I am most proud of my work this year at Waterside Karori AFC. Our women’s team have been working hard to raise awareness/support for gender equity in football. Whilst this is on-going, I love helping to strengthen the girls’ and women’s space. These achievements may not have me back playing internationally, but they are more important. To effectively strengthen women’s football here, our resources, funding, visibility and overall support must drastically increase.
Q: What part of the game brings you the most enjoyment?
Kicking a ball around with some of my best friends.
Q: How do you handle pressure, both on and off the field?
Routine was always very important for me. It ensured I was properly fuelled, rested & fit for big trainings/games. And so, every time I took the field at an international level, I would use the strength of my routine to ease any fear/doubt in myself.
Off the field, I find that any pressure I feel can be eased by talking to friends and family. They listen, provide support and offer advice when they need to. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learnt that openly communicating these thoughts & feelings means you get any help you need.
Q: What advice would you give young girls wanting to progress through the female pathway?
To be yourself. Being your most authentic self will help you to thrive as a player & as a young woman. The saying, “do not be afraid to be different” strikes home for me, as nothing great was achieved by trying to fit in. Do whatever it takes to better yourself as a player, and hold fast to your identity along the way.
Q: What are your goals for the future, both in football and beyond?
In terms of football, I have no future goals as a player. Nowadays, I appreciate every moment I can step onto the pitch injury-free with amazing friends & teammates.
Off-field, I want to help achieve equity & equality in football. Using my experiences & networks to stand for our wāhine, where I can, is a massive priority.
Outside of football, I am commited to revitalising my Māoridom & aim to return this to my family.
Article added: Friday 21 July 2023
