Collette McCallum

Collette Gardiner (McCallum; born 26 March 1986) is an Australian retired footballer who played as a midfielder, earning over 80 caps for the Australian national team. She last played for Perth Glory in the Australian W-League.

Playing career
Born in Scotland, McCallum emigrated to Australia with her family at the age of four. She played for Pali Blues in the American USL W-League in 2008. Following her debut game for the Blues, she was selected for the W-League team of the week as a result of scoring two goals against Ventura County Fusion. Pali Blues went on to win the W-League championship in that season.

In 2009, McCallum played for Sky Blue FC in the new Women's Professional Soccer in the United States. The club went on to win the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs in their debut year & in doing so McCallum became the first Australian woman to win a club title overseas.

International


McCallum amassed 81 caps for the Matildas. Following the retirements of Cheryl Salisbury and Joanne Peters in February 2010, she was named the Matildas vice captain.

As a youth representative McCallum represented the Young Matildas on 19 occasions, & was named in the FIFA All-Star Team at the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship.

McCallum is arguably one of the best produced at her age group and was considered one of the best young talents in the world.

Such is her legacy at youth level that in 2019 Professional Footballers Australia named the Australian Young Player of the Year award the Collette McCallum Medal in her honour.

The 132nd capped Matilda played every Australian fixture at the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup (China 2007) & 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup (Germany 2011) helping the team reach the quarter finals in each tournament.

Coaching career
In 2015, she was employed as the Assistant Coach of the Perth Glory's Women's team, working with Head Coach Bobby Despotovski.

International goals
Scores and results list Australia's goal tally first.

Club

 * Pali Blues
 * USL W-League: 2008


 * Sky Blue FC
 * Women's Professional Soccer: 2009


 * Perth Glory
 * W-League Premiership: 2014

Country

 * Australia
 * AFC Women's Asian Cup: 2010
 * OFC U-20 Women's Championship: 2002