Patty Charalambous has been one of Macarthur Rams’ best players so far in 2022, helping her team to a fantastic start to the season.
Charalambous has been a solid performer in the #NPLWNSW competition over the years but in 2022 she has exploded onto the scene and looks a more complete footballer.
The mini magician puts her improvement to her surroundings and life outside of the game, as well as her teammates on the field.
“I think it’s a contribution of a number of things, like my personal life off the field and my team. For a long time I was running away from demons and football was my escape. This entire year has been a massive growing journey for me, and without the support of my team and rams as a club I don’t think I’d be reaching my potential I knew I had inside me,” Charalambous said.
“The secret is the acceptance from my team this year and I’ll be forever grateful.”
Charalambous has been a standout this season at Lynwood Park, involved in more than half of her team’s scored goals. There seems to be little coincidence that when Charalambous was out with injury, the Rams dropped in form and subsequently rose again with her return.
“I don’t think my role has changed personally I think my mentality is just making sure I work as hard as I can for my team and provide all that I can. I think the environment that’s been created at rams has allowed me to thrive as myself and as a player,” Charalambous said.
That positive environment has to be put down to Stephen Peters, the Rams coach. Peters, into his second year at the Rams, has been a key part of Charalambous’ rise both on and off the pitch.
“I’ve been very fortune to be playing under Stephen for 2 seasons now. Stephen reached out to me during times I was struggling off the pitch with my personal life and genuinely wanted to know what was going on so he could help me. Through him showing how much he cares about me not only on the pitch but off it to goes to show how much he values his players,” Patty said.
“Both Steve and Pete Nowakowski felt like I was holding back during preseason and just wanted me to reach my full potential that they saw in me. Stephen has helped me be my 100% authentic self at Rams so I have the utmost respect and time for him and Pete. It makes a massive difference when coaches genuinely care and create a comfortable and safe environment for the team, which translates into performance on the pitch.”
Away from the Rams, Charalambous participated in the UEFA Women’s Champions League for Cypriot powerhouse Apollon Ladies at only 18 after being overlooked by local A-League Women’s teams.
“I played champions league at a very young age so just that whole experience on and off the pitch was an eye opener to the ‘Professional life’. Training twice a day my body was being pushed, I remember when my sister came to visit she couldn’t believe how much muscle I had put on whilst I was over there and how fit I was.
“Seeing and playing against other teams in Europe was good to see the standard of other female football clubs and seeing how many people came to their games even back then was really cool.”
Once Charalambous returned home to Australia, again she struggled to find a team in the women’s top tier until Bobby Despototvski and Perth Glory came knocking.
“Coming back home it took me a few years to get a contract in the A-league which was hard. I was a train on for 2 years before I was signed at Glory. My first season under Bobby was definitely one to remember, no Sydney club wanted me but he gave me a chance after a week.
“Under Bobby I thrived and developed a lot as a player, we made the grand final that season and it’s an experience I will never forget. The A-league has given me the opportunity to play with some amazing players that has helped me develop into the player I am.”
The 27-year-old would one day like to return to Europe but understands the work and commitment needed to get back there.
“Now that I’m older and a mature player my future goal is get back into European football. To achieve that I know there a few things I need to do to here first to get back to that level. I believe I just need to keep my head down and work hard and put in the effort for my team each week and continue to do this. However, there is no ‘I’ in ‘team’ so without my team at Rams my goals wouldn’t be achievable.”
Over the past few seasons, the Rams haven’t been quite where they would like to be on the competition ladder, this season though is different with the team setting themselves a higher bar.
Recruitment has been great and with a solid squad on paper, anything is possible under the tutelage of Stephen Peters at Lynwood park in 2022.
“Steve and Pete have worked hard to add new additions to the senior squad since coming on board with the club. We have a great bunch of people in and around our senior squad so it definitely makes a difference in terms of a winning mentally.
“A lot of girls travel from far to come to training every week and to not only better them-self but for the player standing next to them on the pitch each week, it’s the dedication and determination everyone has put into this year that is going to make the difference by the end and I have full belief in both of our senior squads we can do that this year.”
Patty and the Rams face off in a massive match at Lynwood Park this week when they host Sydney University.
-By NPL NSW Women’s Chief Writer and Commentator Nikola Pozder