Blog / Asia Women's Footballers Stories / Singapore

In the vibrant and competitive world of women’s football, Hoekstra Melanie Joy has emergd as a standout star. Born in Canada and representing Cambodia on the international stage, Melanie is making headlines as the leading top scorer for KaoHsiung Attackers FC in the Taiwan Mulan League 2024. Her journey is one of passion, perseverance, and an unyielding love for the beautiful game.

Early Life and Introduction to Football

Melanie’s love for football began in her early childhood in Canada. As the youngest of five siblings, she was inspired by her older sisters. Her eldest sister Rebecca was known for her boundless energy on the field, while elder sister Rachel had a prolific career as a striker, playing at a Division 1 level in the United States and competing in national tournaments in Canada. Rachel became a significant role model for Melanie, shaping her aspirations and dedication to the sport.

Melanie’s own football journey started in local leagues, where kids simply ran around with the ball. She played competitively in Canada, attending an academy during high school, and had aspirations to play Division 1 in the States. However, plans changed, leading her to stay in Ontario, then move to Ottawa, and finally transfer back home for university. Despite facing numerous coaching changes and challenges, Melanie remained super motivated, always aiming to play overseas.

Overcoming Challenges to Reach Her Footballing Goals

Melanie's journey has not been a bed of roses. Graduating from a varsity player to seeking professional playing opportunities marked a difficult transition period, as she grappled with the loss of structure with regular team training and quality facilities in school. She faced the harsh reality many female footballers encounter: the need for connections to secure professional contracts.

Determined to continue her career in football, Melanie reached out to the Cambodian Football Federation in Fall 2022, which eventually led to an invitation to the SEA Games 2023 training camp. She was then called up to represent the Cambodia women's national football team at 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games hosted in Cambodia, where the Cambodian team managed to progress all the way to the Bronze medal match before succumbing to Thailand, a side that has experience qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 France.

Despite initial struggles in finding a club, she also eventually secured a spot with a team in Cyprus during the winter transfer window of 2022. Her time in Cyprus, though challenging with language barriers and adjusting to a new environment, proved crucial. She scored three goals and provided two assists in five games, marking a strong start in her first professional experience.

Making an Impact in Taiwan

Melanie’s move to KaoHsiung Attackers FC in Taiwan represented a new chapter in her career. Taiwan's football environment, though different from Cyprus, provided her with the structure and support needed to thrive. The club offered her a contract that covered rent, flights, and a monthly salary, unlike the cash payments in Cyprus. The level of play in Taiwan is marked by high work rates, and differences in level of technicality and organisation on the field, compared to North America and Europe.

Despite these differences, Melanie's performance has been stellar. Her height (184 cm) and striking abilities have made her a formidable presence on the field. With the help of her talented teammates and supportive coaches, she has mastered timing and positioning, becoming a consistent goal scorer.

Passion for Football and Future Aspirations

Football has always been Melanie's passion and a source of joy and solace. She cherishes the moments when she can push herself, improve her skills, and enter a state of flow on the field. Football, she says, is the one thing that makes her love life and brings her to tears, offering both challenges and triumphs.

Looking ahead, Melanie aspires to see Cambodia compete in the World Cup, either as a player or coach. In the short term, she aims to help KaoHsiung win the league in 2024 and eventually return to Europe to further her career, particularly in the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands.

Conclusion

Melanie Joy's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the universal language of football. From her early days in Canada to her current success in Taiwan, she continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of female footballers.

Melanie’s current club, KaoHsiung Attackers FC is hosting an Invitational Tournament with four Asian clubs from 19th July to 21st July 2024. Besides the hosts, the other three Asian clubs are 

• OOO FC, a South Korean club, 

• Grano Isesaki SC, a Japanese club, 

• Taichung Blue Whale, a fellow Taiwan Mulan league competitor from Taiwan

Match schedule:

• 19 July, 15:30 GMT+8 (Taiwan local time) @ Kaohsiung City Nanzih Football Field - Taichung Blue Whale vs Grano Isesaki SC 

• 19 July, 18:30 GMT+8 (Taiwan local time) @ Kaohsiung City Nanzih Football Field - KaoHsiung Attackers FC vs OOO FC

• 21st July 15:50 GMT+8 (Taiwan local time) @ Kaohsiung City Nanzih Football Field - 3rd Place match

• 21st July 18:30 GMT+8 (Taiwan local time) @ Kaohsiung City Nanzih Football Field - Finals

Where to watch:

All matches are open to fans and entry to stadium is free. Finals will be broadcasted on YouTube. 

Stay tuned to  KaoHsiung Attackers FC (@kaohsiung_attackers) and SoccerGirlGoals (@soccergirlgoals) Instagram accounts for updates!

Follow Melanie’s journey and stay updated on her latest achievements with Soccer Girl Goals.

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