South of Federal, west of Possum Creek and a stone's throw from Big Scrub lies the NSW North Coast metropolis of Eureka, pop. 343. It was from the rich dairy country around Eureka that Jamilla Rankin, Matilda #221, learned her football.
Eureka FC is best described as a small family club, and from the age of 4, till she was 14, the Melbourne Victory left back grew up in its protective and supporting embrace. The Football North Coast SAP program, continued her education, all the while playing with only boys until she moved into the Brisbane Roar academy under the tutelage of Victor Stokes.
Rankin made her debut in 1922 in the run up to the home World Cup in a friendly loss to the eventual World Champions, Spain.
My chat with Jamilla during the inaugural Unite Round was brief but insightful, and I believe there are big things ahead of her still, as replacements for the "Golden Generation" will need to be found.
Eureka FC is best described as a small family club, and from the age of 4, till she was 14, the Melbourne Victory left back grew up in its protective and supporting embrace. The Football North Coast SAP program, continued her education, all the while playing with only boys until she moved into the Brisbane Roar academy under the tutelage of Victor Stokes.
Rankin made her debut in 1922 in the run up to the home World Cup in a friendly loss to the eventual World Champions, Spain.
My chat with Jamilla during the inaugural Unite Round was brief but insightful, and I believe there are big things ahead of her still, as replacements for the "Golden Generation" will need to be found.
  |   |