By LIAM TWOMEY
A TYPICAL day for Altona’s Amy Jackson involves a 5.30am wake-up, training, recovery, work, study and bit more study before finally going to bed at 11pm.
While for some this may sound daunting, Jackson wouldn’t have it any other way.
After excelling across a number of sports as a junior, soccer was where the rising star chose to focus her attention and what a decision that proved to be.
The now 25-year-old has played four seasons with W-League club the Melbourne Victory and is on the hunt for the ultimate glory with the club in the coming weeks.
“I was lucky enough to be a part of the finals campaign for the last two years and we have just secured a spot in the finals for this season as well,” Jackson said.
“We are going into the finals with some good momentum. The team is such a united group. We have had a few obstacles to overcome this season in terms of coaching and staff changes but we are fighting fit and definitely ready to take this out.”
If successful, the only problem for Jackson will be finding room for a W-League title in what is already a vastly populated trophy cabinet.
Throughout her career she has competed at the under-20 World Championships and the under-19 AFC Championships, received a sports scholarship to Florida International University and captained a victorious team at the Sun Belt Championships.
Closer to home in the Western Suburbs, Jackson’s talents were also recognised by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club through their Don Deeble Rising Star Award.
Jackson is part of a who’s who of outstanding athletes from the West to win the award including Olympian Rachel Jarry and Richmond footballer Bachar Houli.
Off the soccer pitch, Jackson owns her own business and works at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy as the football program manager.
She also recently accepted a position as an Australian youth ambassador for player development.
Not surprisingly, Jackson has no plans to slow down with her playing and coaching career in the coming years as women’s soccer continues to expand both in Australia and overseas.
“In terms of the development of the W-League, we are seeing a lot more international players recruited so the standard has definitely lifted and it is developing up players along the way which is what it is all about,” she said.
“From a business and career perspective things are going quite well and I am concentrating on that a little bit. I would love to play for Australia one day but I’m not sure on the reality of that at the moment. I am more concerned with just enjoying my football and playing the best I can.
“There are times when I probably put a bit too much pressure on myself but at the same time I enjoy what I’m doing. Half the time it is not work, so if I can live my life like that then I will be happy.”
The Don Deeble award continues to support athletes who have achieved outstanding results at a state and national level from across the Western Suburbs.
For more information or to nominate contact the Star News Group’s sports department via email on starsport@starnewsgroup.com.au or call 9933 4800.
