Matildas Star Caitlin Foord On Her Fitness, Nutrition And Life Goals

If there’s one thing that inspires us here at Amodrn, it’s successful women in sports. Not that long ago, we were lucky enough to chat to young Matilda, Sam Kerr and here, we put Caitlin Foord, 23, in the spotlight as yet another rising star in the Australian women’s football league.
Ahead of the world cup, just last week Nike Football unveiled the 2018 Australian National Team Collection. For the first time in Nike history, the Matildas (including Caitlin) were the first to wear the jersey which was undoubtedly a huge moment in women’s football.
Currently injured with a ruptured ligament in her foot, Caitlin has had to tweak her training and eating regime and learn to really listen to her body. She’s a firm believer that “what you put into your body is what you’ll get out of it” and is all about living a life of balance. Read on to get to know Caitlin a little more:
How old were you when you first started playing football? Where did this passion stem from?
I started playing at the age of 9. Football was never in my family. I’m actually the first one to play the sport. I was always very sporty doing a lot of sports as soon as I could walk. I just started playing football at school in the playground at lunch with the boys before I joined my local team (Warilla Wanderers).
What does your training regimen currently look like?
My current training program is a rehab program because I am recovering from a lisfranc injury. So Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday I’m in the gym getting my strength back. I also do conditioning on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday—so that’s either bike, pool or boxing to stay fit. Wednesday and Sunday are my recovery days.

How does nutrition reflect your training? Do you follow any specific diet?
I have been a lot stricter with my diet because of my injury. I’m currently counting my macros and have limited my sugar intake. I do however have cheat days to go out and enjoy myself. I really believe you have to have a good balance in everything you do so I like to eat healthy but also go out and enjoy a meal here and there with friends.
What has been the proudest moment of your career to date?
My proudest moment would have to be qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics. The Matildas hadn’t qualified for the Olympic Games in 14 years. It had been a dream of mine from a very young age to compete in the Olympics so that moment when we finally qualified and to know I was going to be living a dream of mine along with some of my best friends… there was no better feeling.
If you could play anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
All women in sport inspire me. Female athletes have had to do it tough at some point in their careers and have made sacrifices whilst not always getting the reward they deserve at times. It’s good to see times are changing and women’s sport is taking off not only here in Australia but globally. This only happens from all the athletes sticking at it. We want to leave our sports in a better place than when we started.
What do you love most about the National Team’s Collection?
I’m a big fan of the new National Team Collection from Nike. It’s really modern in design and I love that it’s inspired by the success of the team in 2005. If I had to pick, my favourite part of the home kit would be the sleeves that resemble rolling waves and on the away kit, I love the volt yellow strike through—it’s a bit playful. I’m excited to see Australia create a sea of gold to support the Socceroos and Matildas this year. The Matildas wearing the kit on pitch first was special and something we are all proud of.
If you could play anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I eventually want play in Europe. Football is obviously massive there and I want experience the Champions League at some point in my career. I would love to play for PSG or Lyon in France.
If you weren’t playing professional football, what would you be doing?
That’s a good question! I would definitely still be involved in sport in some way. Hopefully I would of made it professional in one of the other sports I was playing.