ESSENDON
Essendon Royals will cover Hala Rachid’s 2027 GVYPL season with a club scholarship, backing one of the most determined young players in our girls’ program.
Hala is 12. She was born in Syria and moved to Australia with her family when she was two, the youngest of four children. Football got hold of her early: hours kicking a ball around at the local park, and every match she could find to watch.
She joined her first club in 2024 and played Under 12 Division D, averaging more than five goals a game. At school she represented her primary school’s mixed team and was the only girl in the entire competition. That team won the school competition, became district champions and went through to the regional championships.
Two of her teachers saw enough to organise a trial at Royals. She earned a place in our Under 13 GVYPL squad for 2026, and she has made the most of every opportunity since.
Hala played every league game this season and scored 23 league goals. Her form earned her a place in an Under 17 tournament and a step up into our GVYPL Under 15 team, her first games on a full-size pitch. Coaches came away impressed by her confidence, her work ethic and how well she competed against older players.
What she does away from match day counts just as much. Hala trains hard every week and regularly adds extra sessions on her technique, fitness and understanding of the game. She turns up to every session wanting to get better.
She is also a regular on the sideline at our Under 20 and Senior Women’s matches, and she often stays after her own games to cheer on the Under 15s and Under 17s. Ask around the club and you hear the same things: a positive attitude, strong character, and real pride in representing Royals.
The scholarship takes care of her 2027 GVYPL season, so Hala can put everything into her football. We can’t wait to see what she does with it.
“Hala is a loved member of the Royals family, not only for her on-field talents but also for the contributions off it,” said Junior Girls Technical Director Grace Maher. “We are proud of how much development she has achieved this season and I am looking forward to seeing Hala reach new heights in 2027.”
Pictured: Hala (second from left) with Club President Vitale Ferrante, her mum and Junior Girls Technical Director Grace Maher.