About Chelsea Blissett
Young Achiever: Chelsea Blissett has the makings of a Matilda
OUTSTANDING: Albury’s Chelsea Blissett represented the Young Matildas last year and has been recognised for her efforts.
Border soccer export Chelsea Blissett couldn’t have possibly imagined she’d achieve what she already has in her young career.
In the past 18 months, the 19-year-old has graduated from high school, represented her country and become a regular W-League player.
This success has led to her being nominated for the 2020 Norske Skog Young Achiever of the Year Award.
“It has been a really special year for me,” Blissett said.
“The past year-and-a-half since I’ve finished year 12, it’s all started to fall into place.
“Getting to represent my country and playing W-League has been an amazing achievement for me and it’s nice to be able to be recognised for it.”
Blissett got her opportunity for W-League giants Melbourne City in 2018-19 when Australian representative Steph Catley had an injury setback in the pre-season.
She took it with both hands, making six appearances in her debut season, which caught the eye of national selectors.
Blissett scored twice in the three victories to see the youth outfit progress.
Her performance was also enough to land her a new contract at City.
“It has been a big step up being my second season and knowing a lot more is expected of me and how I need to improve,” Blissett said.
“I wanted to definitely get back to Melbourne City for my second season. They gave me my debut season and if it wasn’t for City I wouldn’t have got my opportunity with the Young Matildas.
“We’re on top of the ladder and it’s good to be around the club at the moment and so many decorated players.
“I’m too old for the Young Matildas setup now, but it was such a good experience and I enjoyed every moment of being in the program and getting to represent my country, which was a massive honour.
“My goal is to one day play in the senior national team, but at the moment there is no age group between 20s and the Matildas.”
Blissett has also had to deal with adversity this season due to an ongoing knee injury.
“It’s been a bit hard at the moment because I’ve had a knee injury. It doesn’t prevent me from playing, but it’s been a bit tougher this season to deal with that and play,” she said.
“It’s helped me mentally to find that extra level and gives me that extra determination to do extra work in the gym and keep pushing through it.”
Following the W-League season, Blissett wants to focus on getting back to full fitness, before a likely return to the NPL.
Source – The Border Mail, 22.01.2020