BREAKING NEWS: Eight-year-old soccer prodigy Matilda Linturn, known as Tilly, is making headlines as she pursues her dream of joining the Australian national team, the Matildas. Despite being profoundly deaf in one ear, Tilly’s passion for soccer shines brightly, and she’s determined to overcome her challenges on the field.
Tilly, a player for Unanderra Hearts, has been kicking soccer balls since she was just six years old, showing early signs of a versatile athlete. With aspirations to follow in the footsteps of fellow Illawarra stars Caitlin Foord and Michelle Heyman, she thrives as both a striker and midfielder. However, her journey is not without obstacles.
Profoundly deaf in her right ear due to unilateral hearing loss, Tilly navigates life and sports with the help of a cochlear implant and a grommet placed in her left ear to aid her hearing. Her father, Andrew Linturn, shared the difficulties they face.
“Over the course of hours in a school day, it’s so tiring… trying to listen and bring all that information in,” Andrew explained. “The cochlear implant has been a game changer, giving her spatial awareness on her right side.”
In noisy environments like classrooms and supermarkets, Tilly often struggles to pinpoint the direction of sounds, making everyday situations particularly challenging. Yet, on the soccer field, her love for the game overcomes these difficulties. Visual cues and having her father as her coach help her stay engaged during matches.
Tilly’s passion for soccer is contagious. “I love scoring a goal and having fun,” she said. Her ultimate dream? “I really want to be a Matilda one day.”
In less than 100 days, Tilly will attend the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at Accor Stadium on March 21, 2026, where she hopes to watch her idols live. As part of the AFC’s pre-tournament campaign, she submitted her dream of seeing women’s sports celebrated equally, winning two tickets to the World Cup Final.
“I’m really happy about it. It was exciting when mum told me,” Tilly expressed, reflecting her enthusiasm for the upcoming event.
Tilly’s journey highlights the importance of resilience, determination, and the impact of sports in empowering young girls, especially those facing challenges. Her story resonates with many, reminding us that dreams are achievable despite the odds.
As Tilly continues to hone her skills on the field, she represents not just her club, but also the hopes of countless young athletes who dare to dream big. Stay tuned for updates on her inspiring journey and the upcoming Asian Cup, which promises to be a landmark event for women’s soccer in Australia.
