“If you love football, stick to it and work hard because anything is possible.”

That’s the advice Hunter product and Matildas star Emily van Egmond offers to any aspiring youngster who’s involved in, or thinking of taking up, the round ball game.

The gifted midfielder recently spent a couple of days at “home” with fiancée Kat Thompson catching up with family after wowing national, and international, fans at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

And, even though Australia did not claim the overall honours, the players themselves captured the hearts of everyone in the country as they reached the semi-finals for the first time in history to finish fourth.

In fact, the Matildas broke all television records, with more than 11 million people tuning in to watch their showdown with England for the chance to qualify for the decider.

“I think proud is the first word that comes to mind, now that I’ve had time to reflect on it,” van Egmond said.

“But, to have had all the support we did throughout the journey was unbelievable for us.

“The girls thrived off it in every single game.

“So, we were very humbled by it all.

“Hopefully, that’s just the start of things to come.”

While you could visibly see the disappointment on the faces of superstar skipper Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord after the team was beaten by Sweden, van Egmond is sure they’ll bounce back bigger and better.

And, fourth – out of almost 200 global sides, which contested the lead-up matches – isn’t so bad.

“One hundred per cent,” she said.

“I mean, obviously, your objective going into the tournament is to win and, without a doubt, I had the absolute confidence and belief that we could have gone all the way.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

“I think that’s all part and parcel, there’s highs and lows within football.

“Of course, we were upset… and to not really have any silverware to show for it was probably the hardest thing.

“However, at the end of the day, I think we can all hold our heads very high and just be immensely proud of the effort that we gave.”

Van Egmond confessed she could sense the Matildas were deemed for “something special”, especially with the World Cup being staged in Australia and New Zealand.

“We’ve learnt a lot over the years,” she said.

“We’re all that little bit more experienced, there’s been a core group now within the team for a while.

“To have grown up playing with one another from an early age – Sam, Caitlin and I met when we were super young – honestly helped us as well.

“For the three of us, we’ve been together ever since.

“It’s amazing to think we’ve represented our country in four World Cups.

“Being familiar with one another and all of that, and being extremely close, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I get to play football on the biggest stage with some of my best mates.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling.

“And, we have a great crop of youngsters coming through as well.”

“Of course, we were upset… and to not really have any silverware to show for it was probably the hardest thing.

Emily van Egmond

It is a far cry from when van Egmond – at the age of five – took her twin brother Max’s place in a local team that their father, Newcastle Jets A-League Women’s coach and ex- Socceroo Gary, had signed him up for.

Afterwards, there was no stopping the former Dudley-Redhead junior.

She debuted for the Matildas at just 16 in 2010 and attended the FIFA Women’s World Cup the following season in Germany.

The now 30-year-old’s competed professionally since 2009, gaining a wealth of experience over the course of her career, having played in Australia, Denmark, Germany, England and, lately, in America, where she takes the field for San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League.

In 2021, she donned the “green and gold” in her 100th match, against Denmark.

“I always had the hopes and dreams of a little girl playing football for my country,” van Egmond told the Newcastle Weekly.

“So, to do it, again, for my fourth World Cup is something I’m extremely proud of.

“Some people mightn’t think so, but fourth in the world is huge.

“It’s a massive honour for all of us.

“And, I believe it’s shown everyone now what we’re capable of.

“Australia can become a football powerhouse.

“But, I loved every single second of kicking a ball around, growing up in the area.

“I played at Dudley-Redhead with some of the best boys… and we had the best time.

“Then, I was in all kinds of different rep teams and clubs, just looking to obviously find the right pathway for myself to get to this point.

“I’ve also been extremely fortunate enough to have my father, who’s pretty well-known within the game.

“I virtually had my own individual coach, so to speak.

“He’s been my biggest supporter and the reason as to why I’ve been able to make it to this level.”

Van Egmond admitted she loved returning to Newcastle, too.

“This is home… dad’s coaching the Jets’ A-League Women and mum (Annette) is the principal at Glendore Public School in Maryland,” she said.

“In fact, they were the real MVPs of the whole tournament.

“It’s not easy being a supporter, flying around the country, late-minute bookings and hotels, taking time off work and everything.

“So, it’s been amazing for myself to have them in the crowds, watching me, and supporting me from day dot until now.

“My entire family is incredible.

“I’ve just been so proud to be able to play a home World Cup in front of them, the entire nation and coming fourth.

“Also, I love seeing all the grassroots and the little girls running around and kicking the ball here (Newcastle).

“Hopefully, the Matildas have now left an everlasting legacy and the game is in a much better place from when we started.

“With any luck, it’s inspired every single young footballer out there.”

During her quick stopover in town, van Egmond was presented with the Key to the City by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

She’s just one of a dozen people to receive such an honour.

“It’s huge, obviously, and I’m so humbled by that… it’s massive,” she said.

“The ‘live’ sites across the Hunter, and the whole nation, have been amazing.

“We’ve also seen so much high-level support, from the AFL teams at the MCG to the Boomers barracking for us, heaps of different things.

“Everyone’s gotten around us, which has been sensational.

“If you’d asked me before the tournament if I thought it would’ve had this reach, there’s no way I would’ve said ‘yes’.

“However, it has and it’s unbelievable… I just hope it continues to stay that way.”

Hopefully, the Matildas have now left an everlasting legacy and the game is in a much better place from when we started.

Emily van Egmond

The Matildas, and van Egmond, seem comfortable to be role models for the next generation.

She happily signed autographs for fans – young and old – and posed for “selfies” with adoring supporters while at Nobbys Beach.

They realise they’ve changed the Australian sporting landscape, not only for football but for women’s sports as well.

“It’s been amazing to see the amount of little girls and boys who are coming up to say hi and supporting us,” van Egmond said.

“I guess they’re aspiring future footballers themselves.

“That was one of the most pleasing things to come out of this [World Cup] campaign.

“Now, there’s a scope on it and you’ve witnessed the whole nation really captured by it.

“We’re just asking everyone to stay with us and continue on the journey, with the Matildas, because I feel like we’ve definitely got more to give.”

But, the girls also require Football Australia to play its role.

The hierarchy appeared to “drop the ball” after the Socceroos’ successful stint in 2022.

“We need to put more money into the game straight away,” van Egmond said.

“Seriously, we’ve got to make sure we’re investing now from grassroots all the way up and giving young girls and boys a legitimate pathway.

“I read the other day that the Australian Government made a $200m commitment to women’s sport.

“That’s fantastic.

“However, from a football point of view, we must continue to grow the game in all facets.

“It’s the world sport for a reason… and we’ve just shown, and we’ve just seen, how many Australians got behind us throughout the prestigious tournament.

“I understand the audience numbers were massive.

“So, let’s capitalise on it.”

As for van Egmond’s immediate plans?

She’ll line up for the San Diego Wave in the US National Women’s Soccer League, with an eye on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“That’s the priority first-up,” she said.

“I can’t look too far ahead at this stage… or what I’ll do after my career ends.

“Quite simply, I love the game.

“And, I’m sure dad can give me some advice,” she added with a laugh.

“But, I’m very happy at the moment being able to be a player and doing what I love.

“So, in the meantime, I’ll just continue to give it my all, wherever I need to.”

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