BDC Leader Charlotte Named in All Australian Schoolgirls Football Team

Bishop Druitt College is celebrating an extraordinary sporting achievement after 2026/27 School Leader Charlotte was selected for the 2026 All-Australian Women’s Football Team.

Her national selection follows an impressive performance representing New South Wales at the All Schools National Championships in Melbourne. Balancing an intense training routine, high-level competition in the boys’ Newcastle NPL 1 division, and her academic and leadership responsibilities via BDC Horizon Online, Charlotte’s dedication to her sport continues to set an inspiring benchmark for our college community.

Coffs Coast Focus Magazine sat down with Charlotte to talk about her journey from local grassroots football to the national stage.

Q&A with Charlotte

Q: Hi Charlotte. Congratulations on being selected in the 2026 All-Australian Women’s Football Team! What went through your mind when you found out you’d been selected?

Charlotte: Thank you so much! I was honestly shocked when I heard my name, but when it sank in, I was really happy. I’ve been competing in the pathway for this championship for the last 4 years since it’s U18, and this was the first year I’ve been able to play for NSW in the All Schools National Championships, so to be selected in the Australian Schoolgirls team in the first year competing at the level was really special for me. It was a really proud moment too, because I’ve put a lot of work in for the last few years and it’s really paid off. I'm grateful for everyone who has supported me, especially my family, coaches, school (Bishop Druitt College) and friends.

Q: Can you take us back to where it all began? When did you first fall in love with football, and when did you realise you might have the potential to take it further?

Charlotte: I first started kicking a ball around at age three with my brother, since he played too. I joined Boambee FC at 6 years old, and that's when I fell in love with the game. From there, I played my junior years before moving to Sawtell FC. When I and others realised I had the potential to take it further, I moved to NCF, where I play in the boys’ Newcastle NPL 1. I’ve had heaps of opportunities, with highlights being the Emerging Matildas tournaments and U17 Junior Matildas camp in Melbourne. 

Q: Your performance at the National Championships in Melbourne ultimately led to your All Australian selection. How did you feel the championships went for you, and what was it like competing against some of the best young players in the country?

Charlotte: I felt the championships went really well for me. Leading in, I was fit and had been performing well, so I was going in with a good mindset. I knew it would be challenging competing against some of the best young players in the country. Playing against quality opposition like this pushes me to constantly work harder. 

Q: You’ve been on the radar of national talent scouts for several years, including receiving some incredible feedback from former Matildas during a coaching session two years ago. What did it mean to hear professional players say they could see a future Matilda in you?

Charlotte: It was incredible. Coming from people who have achieved so much and played at the level I aspire to, it was really special to hear that they think I have the potential to go further. It definitely gave me motivation and a drive to work harder. At the same time, I know there’s still a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead. Representing the Matildas is obviously a dream, so to have former players recognise that potential was something I'll never forget.

Q: What does being named an All Australian mean to you personally? Is it something you ever imagined achieving when you first started playing?

Charlotte: It means a lot to me. When I first started playing, I never would’ve imagined achieving something like this. I just played because I loved the game and enjoyed being around my friends. But as I've gotten older and started playing at higher levels, I've been able to set bigger goals for myself. Achieving something like this makes all the hard work feel worth it. I'm really proud, but I also see it as motivation to keep improving because there is still so much I want to achieve.

Q: Your coaches describe you as someone willing to put in the extra work and learn from every experience. What does a typical week of training look like for you?

Charlotte: A typical week can be pretty busy, especially with balancing soccer, school and work. I typically train 4 afternoons a week, plus 3 gym sessions a week before training for strength, speed and recovery. I have 3 sessions in the morning, training twice and coaching a group of girls at RISE one morning. I find that really special; it’s time I can put back into the community, and it’s rewarding seeing them progress. On top of this, I have a game on the weekend, sometimes in Newcastle, which means travelling down early in the morning and getting back late at night.

Q: You’re also a 2026/27 School Leader at Bishop Druitt College. How do you balance the demands of elite football with your academic commitments and leadership responsibilities?

Charlotte: I was really honoured to be a 2026/27 School Leader, and balancing the role can be difficult at times, but I’m also really grateful for the opportunity. I’ve definitely learnt to manage my time well, especially on weeks where I’m travelling or know I have a lot on with football. Having the opportunity to do school online in some of my subjects has been really helpful with BDC Horizon Online. I can focus on my academics while travelling. BDC has been really supportive of my football journey and helped me balance my sporting and academic commitments with the new leadership role.

Q: If you could imagine yourself five years from now, where would you love football, and life more broadly, to have taken you?

Charlotte: In 5 years, I’d love to be playing football at the highest level possible, representing Australia. Playing professionally and hopefully for the Matildas has been a huge dream of mine since I was little, so definitely something I want to continue working on. For life more broadly, I hope I’ll continue to grow as a person and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. 

Special thanks to Coffs Coast Focus magazine for conducting and sharing this feature interview.