Tara Murray
There’s light at the end of the tunnel for Western United’s Angie Beard after two of the hardest months of her life mentally, with a FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
Having joined United part way through the A-League Women’s season, Beard had to watch her side from the side lines in their grand final defeat.
Beard said the whole United set up was extremely special and had been a big part of why she came home, signing with United until the end of next season.
“I loved playing professionally in Europe and it’s not the last time you’ll see me over there,” she said.
“It’s been great to be closer to family, but it’s always hard leaving a club and connections you’ve made.
“Leading into the World Cup, Mark Torcaso and Amanda Stella (along with everyone at Western) gave me a lot of support in finding my form and playing left back in an aggressive, attacking way.
“The club from top to bottom prioritised the women in a way I’m not sure I’d seen before”
The disappointment of missing the grand final was tough for Beard with a foot injury.
She said while Sydney FC was too strong in the grand final, there’s always a case of what might have been.
“It was hard to be on the side line with a couple of our girls, especially Chloe Logarzo and Jess McDonald,” she said.
“I’d like to think we would have made a difference if circumstances had been different. But that’s football.
“Injuries are an inevitability and with experience and support around you, you learn to take it in your stride and focus on recovery first and foremost, then focus on supporting the team in the ways that you can.
“The after effects of my foot injury and surgery and the timing of it all, I probably had two of the hardest months of my life mentally. With the big picture in mind, I’m lucky and grateful for the medical team at Western United for getting me back to full fitness before the World Cup. I won’t be wasting this opportunity.”
Having recovered from surgery with the help of the United medical team, Beard has been named in the Philippines team for the FIFA World Cup starting this week in Australia and New Zealand.
Beard, who had played three friendlies for the Matildas, will represent the Philippines for the first time at the World Cup.
She joins fellow Western United star Jaclyn Sawicki in the squad.
“It was a long process that started around 15 months ago, right after the Asian Cup,” she said.
“[Alen Stajcic] Staj reached out to me and we had our first conversation about it, and at the time I didn’t even know that it was an option.
“I’ve worked with Staj before, him being head coach at the time when I received my first Matildas training camp call ups at 18 years old.
“I trust him, I respect him as a coach and the coaching staff as a whole here make me feel valued and respected as a player.
“I was still being called into Matildas camps against Spain, Sweden and for the Canada games, I had to sit with it and really decide what I wanted for my football and for my life before ultimately placing my allegiance with the Philippines.”
Beard said while she cherishes her time at the Matildas, the Philippines are just as much a part of her as Australia.
Her mum was born and raised in Cebu City with her family still living there.
She said she feels like she made the right decision to switch her allegiance to the Philippines.
“We didn’t have that much money growing up so the opportunities to travel and spend extended periods of time with my family in the Philippines were limited,” she said.
“My football career has taken me to a lot of places, Europe for a few years now, champions league, other national teams.
“It feels like I truly belong. The women in this squad are very talented and Staj is developing them to a place where their potential can really shine.
“Not only that, I feel like I’ve been a part of this team for a long time.
“I know that there have been whispers about my change for a little while now so the fans have just been waiting and waiting for the official announcement and it’s been kind of like a “so when is this thing finally happening?!” situation.
Beard said this was the biggest stage for players in the sport and knows it’s something that might only come around once.
“It’s been intense,” she said. “Personally, I believe I have developed myself into a player that should be playing international football.
“I’m at a point in my career where my experience and age is now pushing me more to step up on and off the field.
“The pressure can definitely be felt at times but nevertheless,
“I’m also really enjoying the experience with this team. I’ve been working a lifetime to get this opportunity and we’re all excited to show the world what the Philippines is all about.”
The Philippines first match is on Friday against Switzerland.
