Hayley Crawford: Introduction

To think of where it all started takes a while as I sit here and ponder just how long I’ve been playing the beautiful game…

Hayley Crawford:  28 years old
Position: Defender
Team: Newcastle United Jets

I started playing football at nine years old with the boys just like most girls in the Westfield W-League. I loved going to training and most of all I’d be excited for Saturday morning to come around so I could play a real game.

I knew that I loved the sport from the very first time I kicked a ball, and although I didn’t have much success in my first year of playing (in fact I think we lost most games) the competitive beast inside of me was awoken and I finally had something productive to channel my extra energy towards.

I continued to play in boys teams up until the age of 14 when I joined the Northern NSW National Training Centre (NTC). The many years I spent at Northern NSW built the foundations of the player I am today and I enjoyed Australian selection at both youth and senior levels.

I have played for two different W-League teams as I started the inaugural season in 2008/09 as a Canberra United Player before having the pleasure of leading the Newcastle Jets as I do now.

Off the field I graduated University with a Bachelor of Education/Health PE and currently work full time as a Business Development Officer for the Teachers Health Fund. I enjoy the laid back nature of living in Newcastle as well as the beautiful beaches it has to offer.

I hope to bring you some insights each week on the Newcastle Jets and how we are progressing and preparing for each vital game throughout the upcoming season.

Get out to support a W-League game near you!

Hayley 

Club Captain for Westfield W-League side Newcastle Jets, Hayley has represented Australia at many levels including the Matildas. Catch the W-League every week at your local groundor if you can’t make the game watch it on ABC1. Read Hayley’s other columns for The Football Sack!