When Lily Smith pulled on her custom Charles Perkins XI jersey at this year's 2025 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships, she carried more than just her boots with her.
She carried the pride of her Worimi heritage, her family’s support, and the long drives from home to training that have shaped her journey so far.
At just 15, Lily has already shown the kind of commitment it takes to turn a passion into something far greater.
“I’ve been in football since I was four and a half, [and started playing] for the Pitt Town Pirates local club,” Lily shared.
She currently plays for Nepean FC’s Under-16 side, but her talent and tenacity have already seen her step up to the Under-18s, Under-23s, and even First Grade squads.
Each week, she travels over an hour to St Mary's for training and matches - a true sign of dedication to the game.
This is Lily’s second year of being selected to represent the Charles Perkins XI, and she says her first experience has left her prepared and more focused than ever.
“I feel like I was ready this time. Last year, I had no clue about [the team]. I didn’t even know there was a competition on,” she said.
“This time, [I knew] I’ve got to try my best to get into this team. I want to be better than last year.”
Lily loves the sense of connection she feels with her teammates, both on and off the pitch. For her, the Charles Perkins XI is more than just a football team; it’s a group of talented First Nations young women, built on shared experiences, culture, and pride.
“I get to stay in the hotel with the girls, and we get to connect more… it’s so much better."
“I love how I can connect with other people who are in the same space as me."
“I feel like I belong with my mob. We are all in it together, and I feel safe and protected by them,” Lily explains.
For Lily, returning to the squad for a second year felt like coming home and a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, while welcoming new ones into the fold.
“I love [being with] people I know from last year (coaches and players), [but also] meeting and playing with new people, because you learn how to connect better and [get] more coaching out of it!” Lilly said about her favourite part of the Charles Perkins squad.
For the second year in a row, the Charles Perkins XI has been coached by Matildas alumni, Gema Simon, whom Lily says provides a great depth of knowledge and experience.
“It’s easier to be coached by Gema,” Lily said.
“She connects with us and understands our position because she’s been there before. And because she’s female, it’s easier to talk to her.
“She plays how I like to play. I like how she coaches me.”
Lily has high hopes for her future in football and has her sights set on levelling up her game.
“I want to play either NPL1 at a really high level, or play for my country.”
She believes that opportunities like the CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships are a stepping-stone toward those dreams.
“More people can see you [play], and you can get scouted. It’s really exciting, but also nerve-racking. It’s good to have them here to watch.”
In 2025, the Charles Perkins XI were surprised with a brand-new kit before kick-off. It was personalised for each player, featuring their last name, their number, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, and their individual mobs on the back.
“As I walked into that room, it lit up my face to see my name, my number, and my mob [on the back of the jersey]. I was so happy!” Lily shared.
“It looks good!”
She also recognises how powerful the team’s visibility is for other First Nations players.
“I’m glad we have the Invitational team. I’m happy that there are more of us out there to be seen. I’m glad everyone is out here [watching].”
If there is one thing for First Nations players who may be unsure about stepping into the game, Lily has one simple message.
“Just go for it! There’s nothing to lose.”
“It’s better to give yourself that opportunity than sit in the shadows. Give it a go!”
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