The sky’s the limit for Spirit sensation Ella Abdul-Massih

At just 18 years old, Ella Abdul-Massih is already a superstar of the NPL Women’s NSW competition with the NWS Spirit FC.

With 7 goals to her name already, Ella is the team’s top goal-scorer, and that’s despite joining the Spirit’s 2024 campaign in round 9, after finishing her A-League Women’s duties with the Western Sydney Wanderers.

What makes Abdul-Massih special is her competitive drive and immense passion for the game, which is obvious from the sidelines.

“I’m a competitive player and like to score goals,” she says.

“I’ve got a really big winning mentality so If we don’t win, it’s not good.

“Even at training, if we’re losing, it’s hell for everyone.”

The young star says she has always been very competitive, but her mindset developed a lot during her younger years at the SD Raiders playing with the boys.

“With Southern Districts allowing me to play in the boys for years, it helped my game physically as well as mentally.

“Physically, they’re stronger, they’re faster and then mentally, you’re versing boys, so it’s harder and you’ve got to think quicker.”

Southern Districts also made the connect for Abdul-Massih to Wanderers Women’s head coach Catherine Cannuli, who mentored the youngster and gave her an A-League women’s opportunity at just 15 years old.

Now shining with the NWS Spirit, Abdul-Massih loves the young group that coach Tony Candy has established at Christie Park.

“I look forward to playing with the Spirit every year.

“When we’re fighting for each other and working for each other, we work better collectively than individually.

“We’ve got an amazing team who give confidence and really lift each other up, there’s really not another team I’d want to be a part of.”

The winger has scored in back-to-back games for Spirit, helping her side secure a couple of big wins in the late stages of the season.

On a personal level, playing in the NPL Women’s NSW competition has helped her develop her game that in turn has aided in her performances with the Wanderers at national league level.

“When I’m with Spirit, I’m getting 90 minutes week in, week out. I’m getting to play in the position I want to play.

“Being with Spirit gives me not only fitness but confidence to play.”

Confidence is something she has struggled with when times get tough.

“Probably the biggest challenge for me has been keeping motivated and positive when things aren’t going your way.

“When you’re not getting into the Young Matildas, when you’re not playing much [in the A-League Women’s], you have to keep motivating yourself, remain positive about it as you get on with doing it bigger and better.”

The 18-year-old is entering her final term of schooling at Mamre College and is not fully certain of what she will do after graduation.

“I wanted to go into the police force, but I don’t think it’s going to be possible with the hours of Football, it’ll be really, really difficult to do the shift work of a police officer.”

She is now looking into a career in the fitness industry or perhaps becoming a teacher’s aide.

One thing Ella Abdul Massih knows for certain is that she would love to build on her performances with NWS Spirit and have “breakthrough season” in 2025.

“I really want to get a Young Matildas call-up and hopefully be able to have consistent game time in this coming A-League season and really make a mark.”

By Annabelle Banfield