Tag: association football

Redcliffe’s Very Own Sharn Freier Takes on Europe

Twenty-three-year-old Redcliffe-born Sharn Frierer has secured a landmark move to VfL Wolfsburg, marking one of the most significant transfers in Australian women’s football history.

Read: Redcliffe’s Hope: Jamayne Isaako Eyes Historic Finals Appearance

Peninsula Pride Sharn Freier

Born in Redcliffe, Freier’s meteoric rise is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the region’s sporting heritage. Her football journey began in the Moreton Bay region with Pine Rivers United, before making her mark at Moreton Bay United where she claimed the NPL U15s title in 2016.

After a stint with The Gap FC and Brisbane Roar, Freier returned to her roots in 2021, rejoining Moreton Bay United as a senior player. This homecoming proved crucial in her development, despite facing an ACL injury that kept her sidelined for a year. True to her Peninsula spirit, she bounced back stronger than ever.

“Brisbane will always be home to me,” Freier reflects, acknowledging her roots while preparing for her next chapter.

While preparing for her European adventure, Freier continues to shine in the A-League, where she plays alongside her twin sister Laini. This season has already yielded two goals and four assists, with three of those assists setting up goals for her sister, maintaining the connection that began on Moreton Bay’s local pitches.

Breaking New Ground

The move to Wolfsburg, which will take effect after the current A-League season, comes with a club-record transfer fee for Brisbane Roar. Freier’s contract, extending until June 2028, places her among Europe’s elite at one of Germany’s most successful women’s football clubs.

“This move will give me the opportunity to challenge myself and be part of a full-time professional environment,” says Freier, who turned down interest from Italian clubs last year to wait for the right opportunity.

The past year has been extraordinary for the Pine Rivers State High School alumna. After making her Matildas debut against Mexico last April, Freier quickly established herself in the national setup, scoring her first international goal in a pre-Olympic friendly against Canada. Her Olympic journey took her from reserve status to a debut against Germany—ironically, her future footballing home.

Read: Redcliffe Leads the Way in New Developments: Key Projects to Watch in 2025

As Sharn Frierer prepares for her final months with Brisbane Roar before departing for Germany, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire the next generation of Peninsula footballers.

Published 23-January-2025

‘I’ll Return Stronger’: World Cup Hero Cortnee Vine Takes Mental Health Break

Local World Cup hero Cortnee Vine, who first made her mark at Redcliffe’s Peninsula Power, has announced she will step away from soccer to focus on her mental health.

Read: Redcliffe Parade Redevelopment: A New Era for the Coastal Precinct

Cortnee Vine takes a break from whirlwind success

The 26-year-old, who became a household name after scoring the winning penalty in Australia’s quarter-final victory over France during last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, has experienced a dramatic transformation in her career since her early days at Peninsula Power.

“I’m sure many people can appreciate that my life has changed dramatically over the past two years,” Vine said in a statement released by her management on 15 November. “Due to these very new and sometimes overwhelming experiences, I’ve discovered that identifying, managing and prioritising my mental health has become something I have needed to work very hard on.”

Vine Time goes global

Following a successful four-year stint with Sydney FC, Vine made a significant career move to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club North Carolina Courage in June. Despite scoring one goal in five appearances and participating in the team’s recent playoff campaign, the Redcliffe star has chosen to take time away from the sport.

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni confirmed Vine’s unavailability for the upcoming international window, which includes four home matches against Brazil and Taiwan. “Cortnee has chosen, at this stage, not to be considered to be selected,” Sermanni said. “We’ve had a chat before the last window and had a chat within the last week. She’s good but just not available for these upcoming games.”

Matildas at home

For supporters hoping to see the Matildas in action, the team will hold a free public training session at QSAC’s Main Stadium on 26 November, with gates opening at 3:30 p.m.

The national team will then compete in four home internationals:
November 28: vs Brazil (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
December 1: vs Brazil (Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast)
December 4: vs Taiwan (AAMI Park, Melbourne)
December 7: vs Taiwan (GMHBA Stadium, Geelong)

Read: Street Name: Prince Edward Parade , Redcliffe

Despite the current challenges, Redcliffe’s World Cup hero remains optimistic about her return. “Like many who face mental health challenges, I have my good days and my difficult ones, but every day is a lesson in learning to find the right balance,” she said. “I truly appreciate everyone’s support and concern, and I’m confident I’ll return stronger than ever.”

Published 25-November-2024