A decade and a half into her life at Marrickville Red Devils, Grace Engesser is only just getting started on her football journey.
Words by Liam Cook
Determined to reciprocate the investment made in her as a junior, Engesser’s involvement in and fondness for the Red Devils is unparalleled.
“Having practically grown up at Marrickville, the club house down at Mackey Park is almost like my second home,” Engesser told Football Canterbury.
Spending a minimum of four days each week at the club, the Grace Martin Trophy player is well versed in balancing a myriad of roles at once.
Currently, Engesser plays for Marrickville A, coaches an U8 boys team and U15 girls team.
Deciding she didn’t have enough on her plate, the Marrickville junior is also studying sport and exercise science and applying that knowledge to enhance her coaching.
Engesser doesn’t take on these opportunities begrudgingly but rather embraces them with fervour and an eagerness to give back to a club she loves.
“Marrickville Football Club is the most welcoming, community-oriented club that I have come across in the Inner West,” she said.
“It has created an emphasis on player development rather than results focused, which ultimately aims to keeps players involved.”
Retaining players beyond their formative years is another driving force behind Engesser’s commitment.
As one of several individuals who still plays for the club at senior level after beginning with Marrickville in U8s, she knows firsthand the importance of cultivating an environment that incentivises participation, not winning.
“This stops players from dropping out of sport by the time they are teenagers as it strives to have players feeling wanted and like they belong and creates a low-stakes environment for players.”
So, where does this desire to be engaged in community football in coaching and playing stem from?
While Engesser credits family for initially fostering her love for the beautiful game, it is the ubiquitous, barrier-breaking nature of football that keeps her coming back to this day.
“I fell in love with the fact that it is a global game and no matter where you go in the world there will always be a love for it, like a universal sport language.
“I also love that no matter what age you are, you can enjoy playing, watching, or coaching the game.”
The Marrickville junior has taken a keen interest in the tactical, player management side of football in recent times.
Starting with the Kick-On for Women program two years ago, Engesser went on to coach an U13 boys side last season which proved to be the genesis of her coaching passion.
The young coach has unearthed a great sense of fulfillment from the growth of her players and consequently, herself.
“I am still learning so much, mostly from things that kids will say to me in response to questions that I ask them, which leaves me with an open mind when I step onto the pitch to play.
“I love that both roles play hand in hand with each other: it is the most rewarding thing getting to see kids that you are coaching play in a way that values the ball and depicts a love for this beautiful game.”
While her heart lies with Marrickville, the junior Red Devil is keen to spread the word far and wide about the beautiful game.
“I would love to travel to Europe and play or coach football over there one day.”
Ensconced in her club, Grace Engesser typifies how the full circle nature of community clubs creates selfless and committed people.
