Alanna Kennedy: A mother's love

While the Westfield Matildas have been able to play at their clubs across the globe, the pandemic has meant seeing their families has been more difficult than usual.

So on Mother’s day, Westfield Matildas and Tottenham defender Alanna Kennedy received a letter from her mum, Stephanie, who she hasn’t seen in months.

“I feel so privileged to be your mumma. Over the past 26 years, I've been so lucky to help you on my journey through life.” said Stephanie, in a video to Alanna.

Being the parent of an elite athlete means watching your child live out their dream, experience the highs and lows of football in stadiums and cities around the world, and supporting them no matter what.

For the Kennedys this has included watching Alanna play at FIFA Women’s World Cups, AFC Women’s Asian Cups, and the Olympic Games.

For Alanna, there is an obvious word to describe her mum.

“I think the word that comes to mind for me is unconditional. It's probably a little bit cliche, but that's exactly what it is.” she said.

“And wherever my mum is, and whenever I'm around her, it just feels like home and she's that constant person in my life that I go to that I lean on for advice.”

“She's there through the good and the bad times and nothing will ever replace a mother's love.”

COVID-19 has made the world feel so much bigger, and loved ones feel so much further away.

“No matter how old you get, there are still times when you need a hug from your mum. And I can't wait to see you and give you a great big hug.” said Stephanie. 

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But both Alanna and her mum can't wait to see each other soon, and give each other a cuddle. 

“It's been a little bit different over the last few months, but I think there will come a time quite soon that I'll get to go home and receive that hug for my mum. So I'm looking forward to that."