“When I was really little, like six or seven years old, my family friend went [to England] and brought me back a Chelsea hoodie, tracksuit and everything, and ever since, I’ve loved Chelsea.” Whether it’s supporting the game locally or globally, it’s clear that football has played a significant role in Jessica Russo’s life.

“When I saw my brother playing, I just wanted to play.” Jess is a passionate and talented young woman who simply loves football. Always a sporty kid, she first played tennis five nights a week, before following in her brother’s footsteps and embarking on her football journey. At the age of 12 was when it all began, and Jess credits this to the constant support and passion from family all around.

Although only 19 years of age, Jess has experienced opportunities across different levels of competition in Victoria. This has allowed her to shape her values and expectations as a young, female footballer. After several years of playing in the top-tier, National Premier League (NPL), she found herself seeking a less controlled environment.

A move to community club Fawkner SC turned out to be exactly what Jess needed. She speaks so highly of her coaching staff and the relationships she has formed with fellow teammates there. “We’re all so close,” she says. “The better group you have together, the better you play together.” 

The environment at Fawkner focuses on player development and a desire to play visually pleasing football. For the team, currently playing in State League Three (the fifth tier in Victoria), promotion is the objective, although not at the expense of technical development. “My team at the moment, I feel we are definitely good enough to keep moving up.” It is evident that “State League One and Two, are much more competitive,” however Jess feels that her teammates are bonded close enough together to achieve this goal.

My chat with Jess generated much discussion around the challenges of being a female footballer. She acknowledged that although women’s teams are sometimes outcast and pushed to the side, her team is supported through the opportunities and positive relationships she is currently experiencing. 

One such opportunity Jess spoke about is the Nike FC Cup, where her team was able to compete against opposition from different levels. Their first cup game went down to the wire, as they won a penalty shootout. In the third round, they came up against a strong State League One side in Essendon Royals, who ultimately ended their run. For Jess, results aside, the opportunity to play against different opposition is enjoyable. 

For someone that has been surrounded by the game for so long, Jess seems to have found her place at Fawkner. In her coach, she’s found a mentor - something that lacked at other levels. The positive environment they’ve created is reaping rewards both on and off the pitch. The team sits a few games clear on top of the ladder, and their goal of promotion looks well within reach. 

For Jess, her mentors not only lie within her coaching staff. The women she plays against and surrounds herself with are the ones she admires most. “Honestly, the girls our age are doing so well, I kind of more look up to them [rather than international players],” she says. “When I watch [Paige Zois] play, I wish I could be like that.” 

Outside of playing, Jess is studying sport and exercise science and working part-time at Ultra Football. She is aspiring for a future career in sport or physiotherapy. Balancing work, university and football commitments can be quite the task, but it’s one that Jess manages well. For someone who feels so connected to sport, it’s no wonder she surrounds herself with it.

After chatting with Jess, we found common ground in our love for the beautiful game. I admire how frank she was in our conversation, and how she is able to embrace all aspects of sport, both on and off the pitch. There is no doubt that Jess’ future will shine and I look forward to following the different paths she takes.