Getty ImagesNational teams comprised of players spread across the globe is commonplace in men’s football. Perhaps it is a sign of maturing in the women’s game that a similar bringing together of a nation’s diaspora is also starting to occur.
Though yet to truly make their mark in women’s football, Turkey is taking the game seriously and has started to put significant resources into grassroots development for female players. At senior level the national team includes players of Turkish-background who hail from a diverse collection of nations including Canada, Australia, USA, Sweden and Germany. In the short term, it is hoped that the experiences these players offer will help lift standards and buoy the next generation of youngsters.
Quantum leap
One such player to return to her roots and assist in the growth of Turkish women’s football is Australian-based Gulcan Koca. The Melbourne-born utility was plucked from relative obscurity as a peripheral player for W-League club Melbourne Victory in 2010, and thrust into the midst of a FIFA Women’s World Cup
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