⚽ MEET TAYLA ⚽ JNR COACH PROFILE

From World Cups to Riversdale U13s – and everything in between!

Meet Tayla Christensen, the passionate, energetic coach leading our U13 girls this season. It’s her first year with Riversdale, but she’s already become a huge part of the club family—and it’s easy to see why.

Tayla jumped into coaching with her usual enthusiasm, joining a group of girls who already had a strong bond.

“They’ve been such a refreshing addition to my life this year,” she says. “It’s been amazing to be welcomed into a team that’s grown together through the club.”

And yes—she’s loving the weekly catch-up on all the latest 13-year-old gossip!

But Tayla’s football journey didn’t start here in Melbourne. It began on the fields of New Zealand when she was just five years old. With no girls’ team around, she joined the boys’ rep side—and never looked back. She went on to train with the New Zealand U17 national team at 14, and played in three FIFA Youth World Cups in Azerbaijan, Costa Rica, and Papua New Guinea.

Her love of the game took her across the world—from a Division 1 college scholarship in Texas, to two pro seasons in Spain, and then to Australia, where she played for South Melbourne, winning a championship in her first year. These days, she’s trying something new—playing VFLW for Collingwood—while staying connected to football through Riversdale.

Why Coaching Matters

For Tayla, coaching is about more than just drills and game days. It’s about giving back to a sport that shaped her life and helping young players grow as teammates and friends.

“Seeing the girls improve and support each other on and off the pitch—it’s such a rewarding experience,” she says.

She also credits the welcoming families and club staff for making Riversdale feel like home.

“Every session, the girls show up ready to go. Their energy is contagious. I’m so grateful to be part of such a genuine, hardworking community.”

Tayla’s Top Lessons from Sport

With years of elite experience behind her, Tayla’s learned a few things along the way—and she’s passionate about passing them on:

• It’s about the people – “Sport gave me lifelong friendships and a global network of strong female athletes I can always lean on.”

• The hard stuff matters – “Being benched, facing injuries, tough coaches—it all builds resilience. That’s what makes the wins so meaningful.”

• Own your journey – “Everyone’s path is different. I used football to explore the world and grow as a person. No regrets!”

• Be the teammate everyone wants – “Being ‘the best’ doesn’t matter if you’re not lifting others up. Be the player people want on their team.”

We're lucky to have Tayla’s experience and heart at the club—and the U13 girls are thriving under her guidance. Thanks for all you bring to the pitch, Tayla!

👉 Want to follow more stories from the club? Keep an eye on the blog for future coach and player features.