Madeleine Wright used to watch Adelaide United and dreamed of being part of the club.
Just days after signing a temporary scholarship contract with Adelaide United, she found herself sitting on the bench at Coopers Stadium wearing the iconic red jersey.
Having previously had the opportunity to train with the Reds, the 19-year-old impressed as part of the Football SA NTC program in recent years and earned her spot on the Adelaide United roster this season.
But, she was not expecting to be kitting up to face Central Coast as part of last Friday’s double header, and enjoyed the experience despite not being required off the bench.
“Growing up in Adelaide, it’s extra special seeing these girls when you’re younger and thinking it’d be cool to be a part of it, so to get the opportunity is awesome,” Wright reflected.
“I wasn’t expecting to be straight into the squad but it was so good to be amongst it.
“The leaders like Isabel Hodgson and Dylan Holmes, and then the midfield group like Sarah Morgan and Emily Condon have all been so welcoming, and I’ve learnt a lot from them, but to be honest all the new girls as well have been really helpful.”
The Modbury Vista junior who started playing when she was eleven and was quickly ushered into the state football programs as her talent became apparent.
While she is small in stature, Wright is tenacious and determined according to Adelaide United Liberty A-League coach Adrian Stenta.
“We have had a keen eye on Maddy as she has all the attributes we look for,” he said, noting the teenager had benefited from training with the squad over the past two seasons to bridge the gap between the NPL and the A-League Women’s competition.
“Maddy really stood out for us as we pride ourselves on identifying our local talent and finding the right fit for the culture of our squad.”
It seems the admiration is mutual.
Wright is now hoping to remain in Stenta’s plans going forward, and is eyeing off an A-League debut.
“Stents has been great for me as well,” Wright said. “I’ve trained with these girls over the last couple of years and he’s been great at making us younger girls feel comfortable, and he encourages us to use our strengths and work on our weaknesses.”
Wright and her teammates won’t play this weekend due to an international break in the A-League women’s competition. They’ll next face Melbourne Victory in a double header in Melbourne on Saturday 4 November.
