Westmead Hospital Rheumatology Advanced Trainee Teresa Yu is on the attack, representing Australia in women’s football.
The fullback turned forward is one of 30 women selected to represent Australia at the 2025 World Medical Football Championships Women’s Cup.
The international tournament brings together national teams from representing countries, whose members work in medicine.
Westmead Hospital’s Ryan O’Keefe and Alan O’Grady will join Teresa in the international tournament, as they represent the men’s side The Doccerroos.
Despite Australia joining the World Medical Football Conference in 2003, it was only in 2024 that a women’s side was established.
Australia’s national women’s team, the Matildas were a driving source of inspiration for the creation of the women’s side.
“Watching the Matildas in the world cup was amazing, I had just passed my physicians exams and got to watch a few games live, it was great to see the nation cheering on the women, especially the mothers on the team like Katrina Gorry,” Teresa said.
Teresa has played club football since she was 16 years old and always loved the sport but found it hard to continue with her club during her medical training.
“After the success of the Matildas I knew I had to try out for the Medtildas, I couldn’t use age or career as an excuse anymore,” Teresa said.
“Playing football is a great stress relief, it puts things in perspective,” Teresa said.
Teresa says that juggling her football commitments and the demands of her career can be difficult, but is always worth it.
“It keeps you happy and healthy and I think if you’re not happy or healthy, it shows at work.
If you are less burnt out, you are more able to be empathetic and pleasant to work with, so I think there are personal and professional benefits,” Teresa said.
Orthopaedic Registrar Ryan O’Keefe has been part of the men’s team, The Docceroos, for four years and echoes Teresa’s thoughts.
“Football helps me achieve work life balance by keeping me fit and keeping me in touch with lifelong friends made on the field,” Ryan said.
He says the comradery of the team is a great source of personal and professional support.
“Not only is the team very understanding but it’s a great opportunity to learn tips, tricks and habits from people at various stages in their careers.
“At the end of the day, my professional performance is improved by me staying fit and happy outside of work,” Ryan said.
Competing as a player in the inaugural tournament last year, the Medtildas took home the trophy winning the competition and are keen to retain the title.
Consultant Interventional Radiologist Alan O’Grady says the men are eager to win the cup after watching the women take home the title.
Alan has been playing football for as long as he can remember and says it’s a crucial part of his life.
“Football is almost meditative for me, a way to focus purely on joy and fun and forgetting about the more stressful aspects of life,” Alan said.
“I have made some fantastic friendships through playing as a teenager and with the Docceroos,” Alan said.
Locals are encouraged to come and watch a local match between a combined Medtildas and Docceroos team as they take on Transplant FC at Valentine Park, Glenwood, on Friday 11 April at 630pm.
The game is supported by the Westmead RMOs Association and aims to raise awareness for organ donation as the doctors take on transplant recipients and living organ donors.
You can follow the Medtildas and Docceroos’ journey on Instagram and Facebook.