Photograph: Jamie Castaneda
Jubilee Stadium will always be the place where Shay Hollman’s football dream came true as she debuted for Sydney Football Club last weekend.
Hollman, 16, was substituted for Sarah Hunter in the 80th minute in last Saturday’s top of the table clash.
“It was amazing, it has been such a goal of mine, to have the opportunity was pretty cool”. Hollman said.
Sydney FC beat Melbourne City 3-0, putting them seven points clear at the top of the table.
“The girls got the win so the whole vibe was really good”.
Hollman’s footballing career started form a young age at Seaforth Football Club.
It was a family game with her two brothers, Jake and Corey who now play for Macarthur Bulls and Sydney FC, also playing their youth football there.
“We all started at Seaforth” Hollman said.
“It was U6 or U7 when I started and was playing with my best friend.
“I remember playing with some school friends, my brothers and siblings, it was a mixed boys’ and girls’ team.”
Hollman only had a few seasons at Seaforth before taking the next step and moving to Manly United Football Club.
Joining Manly United in the under 9’s boys’ competition was where her footballing skills began to develop.
“I was [at Manly United] for a lot of my youth where you are learning to kick a ball, take a proper first touch and shooting skills so all the learning mainly happened there.
“I remember all the coaches being really good … so that definitely helped with the technique and smartness side of the game.
“Being in the boy’s environment in my younger soccer also massively helped me get to where I am today”
Hollman had one season in the girl’s competition in the under 13’s before moving to Football NSW Institute team and now onto Sydney FC where she has been reunited with former Manly United teammate Kahli Johnson.
“I played with [Kahli Johnson] in the U13 team so cool how we’ve come back to be in the same team again.”
Hollman is now looking towards the next game when Sydney FC take on Brisbane Roar FC on Wednesday 2nd February at Leichhardt Oval.
