In Episode 4 of Moonee Valley Voices, we welcomed Amy Schembri, a local soccer mum and author, who shared her inspiring journey as a parent navigating the ups and downs of youth football. With a deep connection to the Moonee Valley area, Amy has seen first-hand how tough it can be for young players – and their parents – to handle setbacks in sports. Her new book, Making It or Not, is a must-read for budding athletes, their families, and coaches who want to better understand the real challenges behind the game.
This episode, recorded at our Moonee Ponds podcast studio, highlights Amy’s passion for supporting young athletes, especially when the road to success gets tough. The conversation provides insights for parents, kids, and anyone interested in building resilience, making it a must-listen for families and sports enthusiasts alike.
The book is available for pre-order! Get it here from Fairplay Publishing.
A Soccer Mum with Deep Moonee Valley Roots
Amy’s connection to the Moonee Valley community runs deep. She grew up in the area, attending St. Columba’s College in Essendon, and today, she continues to be heavily involved as a soccer mum. Her sons are part of the Essendon Royals Soccer Club, and like many parents, Amy has experienced the highs and lows of youth sports.
During the episode, Amy fondly reflects on how the Moonee Valley area has grown and evolved since her school days. “I went back for my 20-year reunion and the changes were incredible,” Amy shared. “But at its heart, Moonee Valley still has that close-knit community feel, and that’s what I love about being here.”
As a content marketing agency based in Moonee Valley, Content Hype has always focused on sharing local stories, and our Moonee Ponds podcast studio provides the perfect space to spotlight individuals like Amy, whose journey offers valuable lessons for the whole community.
The Story Behind Making It or Not
The idea for Amy’s book, Making It or Not, was sparked by her own children’s experiences with setbacks in football. Her son faced deselection twice in two years, and Amy struggled with how to support him during these tough times.
“One of my sons didn’t make the cut, and he was devastated,” Amy said. “I didn’t know what to say or how to help him. As a parent, you want to protect your kids from pain, but I realised I needed to help him understand that setbacks are part of the process.”
Her son’s experience led Amy to search for resources, but she found nothing that addressed the unique challenges young athletes face. That’s when she decided to write her own book.
“I wanted to create something that not only helps kids but also supports parents and coaches,” Amy explained. “Resilience is built by going through tough times, but kids – and parents – need help navigating that.”
Interviews with Top Players
To bring her book to life, Amy interviewed some of Australia’s top footballers, including Socceroos’ Josh Risdon, Matildas’ Chloe Logarzo and Emily Gielnik, as well as former Liverpool youth player Callum Nicholas. These athletes shared their stories of success, setbacks, and everything in between.
“The common thread between all the players was that they had all faced major setbacks in their careers,” Amy said. “They all had moments of doubt, but they persevered, and that’s what I want kids to understand – that setbacks are part of the journey.”
Amy’s book is structured around different stages of a footballer’s career – from the junior days to life after football – and includes insights from sports psychologists to help guide parents and coaches in supporting young players through tough times.
From the Field to Life Lessons
While Making It or Not focuses on football, Amy believes its lessons extend far beyond the pitch. “This book isn’t just for soccer players,” she said. “It’s for anyone pursuing excellence in any field. Setbacks happen in every aspect of life, whether it’s in sports, business, or personal goals.”
As a content marketing Melbourne agency, we know the importance of resilience and perseverance in building a successful business. The themes Amy explores in her book – handling rejection, pushing through setbacks, and celebrating success – resonate with anyone striving for growth, whether in sports or in business.
At Content Hype, we help businesses build their brand through effective podcast production and content marketing strategies. Our Moonee Valley podcast studio offers a platform for local stories like Amy’s, allowing individuals and businesses to connect with their audience in an authentic and meaningful way.
Supporting Young Athletes
As Amy continues to prepare for the release of Making It or Not, she remains committed to supporting young athletes and their families. Her hope is that the book will provide the tools kids need to handle setbacks and help parents and coaches better understand how to guide them through the challenges.
“I’ve learned so much from writing this book,” Amy said. “From the players I interviewed to the advice from sports psychologists, I’ve gained new insights into how we can support kids through their sports journey – and how we can build resilience that will serve them well in life.”
For anyone interested in learning more, Amy’s book will be launched soon, and she’ll be keeping everyone updated through her website.
Tune In to Moonee Valley Voices
To hear more about Amy Schembri’s journey, her experiences as a soccer mum, and how she’s helping young athletes build resilience, listen to the full episode of Moonee Valley Voices. You can find it on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
If you’re a local business owner or community leader with a story to share, reach out to us at Content Hype. Our Moonee Ponds podcast studio is open for bookings, and we’d love to feature your story on the show.
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