Fante playing for keeps at Sydney Uni

After becoming Sydney University’s First Grade goalkeeper for 2025, we spoke to rising star Sofia Fante on the season so far, juggling school and football and her goals for the future. 

At just 17 years old, Farte has secured the goalkeeping spot at one of the biggest clubs in the NPL Women’s competition and has impressed with her performances so far between the sticks.

“It’s a really cool experience,” she said on playing for Sydney Uni.

“It’s a great team to be a part of and it’s a great constructive club for young players to go to.

“That’s part of the reason I chose to go there and I’m really happy about it.”

Meanwhile, Fante has also made appearances in training squads for the CommBank Junior Matildas – a major achievement for any young player.

“It’s a dream come true in a way, and a massive step towards where I want to go,” she said.

“It was a really good experience, especially starting really young.

“It’s a really good foundation to build on for the future.”

Fante has made a strong start to 2025 in a difficult season so far for her club, who are currently 12th on the ladder, with just one win to their name.

“It’s been a difficult start but the girls are great,” said Fante.

“It’s a great team and a great environment.

“Playing First Grade is great and I think it’s just about finding the confidence and the consistency to keep moving in the right direction.”

Meanwhile, Fante’s performances are even more impressive when considering she’s been juggling her football – including training with an A-League side – with her school commitments, at just 17 years of age.

“It’s been pretty difficult,” she said on finding a healthy balance.

“I was also training on with an A-League side during their season as well as Sydney Uni and school, so it was a lot to balance.

“But I get a lot from my school in Endeavour Sports High, and also in playing for a Uni, they’re concerned with the academic side of things, so I get support there as well.

“It’s been a lot to juggle but I’ve had good people around me to help.”

Looking into the future, there are two big things on Fante’s mind, as she continues to develop and impress as one of Australia’s most exciting rising goalkeepers.

“I really want to play at the next level, whether it be in Australia or overseas,” she said when asked about her career goals.

“I also want to stay in the national team environment going into older age groups, like the young Matildas and the senior Matildas over the next few years.

“Those are my main goals, and I just want to keep working towards it.”

Fante will be in action this Sunday afternoon in the University derby, as Sydney Uni travel to take on UNSW FC.

Catch the game live at The Village Green, or on livestream via Football NSW’s YouTube channel.