Q&A: Mary Fraser's dream FIFA World Cup role
"I think it’s going to be the effect on New Zealanders. The FIFA Women’s World Cup truly is the largest sporting event that our country will see. The FIFA effect is already unbelievable."
Former New Zealand under 20s footballer and SBS Academy Southland graduate Mary Fraser has landed a dream role during the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nathan Burdon caught up with the Southlander to find out more about her early days in Invercargill, her time playing collegiate football in the United States and what she’s up to now.
What was your first experience of football?
My earliest football experience was maybe age 5, playing on the sidelines of my brothers football games when dad was coaching his team at Old Boys AFC.
I was hooked, and made sure I went with them every Saturday until I was able to join my own team.
A key figure in my early footballing days was John Herdman (currently head coach of Canada’s men’s team).
He started the football academy in Southland and was a strong influence in my journey.
What was your time with Academy Southland like?
I really enjoyed my time with Academy Southland. We all know that Southland has and
continues to foster great sportspeople, but I think it’s down to the support and holistic approach that the Academy gives its athletes.
They cover everything for a young athlete to put their physical and mental abilities through its paces to compete at the highest level.
After moving through the youth talent phase, I put my higher athletic success down to this programme.
Tell us about your time playing football in the United States?
Soccer is THE women’s sport in the USA. I was competing every week for my spot. I was operating at the fittest, strongest and most competitive level I have ever been.
It was pretty strange in the beginning, quite a big cultural difference! But after I got over that, it was incredible.
Every week was such a privilege and I had some humbling moments when playing against current USWNT players such as Julie Ertz, Lynn Williams and Sofia Huerta, to name a few.
The opportunity to study and play at the same time is, in my opinion, unmatched.
Especially if you’re looking to further your athletic career and build a solid back up plan. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I needed my back up plan after sustaining an ankle injury in my last season in the US. An ankle surgery later, I retired and have found a career off the field.
What have you been doing since returning to New Zealand?
I came back to NZ after graduating from College, and took some time to come to terms with early retirement. The change of identity from “the athlete”, into the unknown was the hardest.
I love sport, so working in this field (yes that’s a pun), has been a great alternative. I worked for a company in Auckland that was responsible for nearly all of the social football competitions across the city.
It kept me very busy, coordinating 9x competitions and nearly 2,000 registered players. I learned a lot.
Then I think Covid affected everyone differently, and I took a hiatus away from sport and worked in recruitment.
After hearing the incredibly exciting news that the FIFA Women’s World Cup was going to be coming to NZ and Australia in 2023, I knew I had to be a part of it.
How has football shaped who you are?
In nearly every aspect of my mentality and personality, football built the foundation.
Surprisingly, I’ve lost a bit of my competitive drive since I stopped playing!
But that’s probably for the better. The biggest pillars for an athlete are discipline, sacrifice, and passion. I think these ring pretty true for not just my pathway in football, but also since finishing the on-field part of my sporting career.
What is your role during the World Cup?
My role during the World Cup is a Team Services Coordinator. Of the 32 teams competing for the trophy, I have 4x of them that I look after. I am their point of contact for everything.
The Team Managers and I have a close relationship with all aspects of their trip to ensure every movement and activity is smooth and the team’s experience is seamless.
Having previously been a player at this level, it truly is seeing what life is like from the other side.
What are you most excited about the World Cup?
I think it’s going to be the effect on New Zealanders. The FIFA Women’s World Cup truly is the largest sporting event that our country will see. The FIFA effect is already unbelievable.
I’m excited to see how we adopt a new sporting love, women’s football.
What’s next for you?
Now I’ve got a taste for large events, I think I can see a few more on the horizon. Whether it’s more FIFA tournaments, or even into the Olympic circuit, I see a bit of travel in my future.
Since 2005 SBS Bank Academy Southland has been supporting Southlanders with the opportunities, tools and support they need to reach the top of their game.
The Academy provides mental skills, athlete life, nutrition and strength and conditioning support to athletes in order to be the best they can be, as athletes and people.