ANNA BLACK – THIS GIRL CAN PLAY by Texi Smith
The fourth novel from author Texi Smith tells the story of Anna Black, a product of suburban Sydney’s large grassroots soccer clubs who blossoms into being a local star turning out for Australia’s biggest W-League clubs, and a regular starter with the Matildas. Anna Black – This girl can play charts Anna’s football journey culminating in the Matildas reaching the final of the 2023 World Cup on home soil and a move to the USA, as well as her life journey as she discovers that falling head-over-heels – something she thought was not for her – can and does happen.
Read our review here: Book Review: Anna (footballbookreviews.com)
(Publisher: Popcorn Press. March 2021. Paperback: 262 pages)
Well Texi you have done it again. High level competitive football told from a young girl’s perspective, in a captivating way. Throughout the book you can see the research and first hand accounts of life at the top of women’s international football.
Women’s football in Australia deserves more support and recognition. The Matildas are a wonderful inspiration for our young girls, coming up through the football ranks. Anna’s story is a journey of personal reflection and triumph.