LAIDLEY-based footballer Justeen Kruger has been selected to represent Australia in the Deaf Women’s National Football Team at the 2025 Deaf Olympics in Japan this November.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be selected for the Women’s National Deaf Football team,” Kruger said.
“A real rollercoaster of emotions, actually – relief, knowing all of my hard work has paid off and been recognised at training camps held at the AIS and two international tournaments in 2024.”
A proud and passionate goalkeeper, Kruger has played football since the age of 10, first taking to the field in Sydney against boys’ teams as both a midfielder and a goalkeeper.
After relocating to Queensland, she committed to goalkeeping full time four years ago – a role she has always loved and excelled in.
With over 15 years of experience in able-bodied football, Kruger has reached the heights of Women’s National Premier League Football in Queensland.
She has represented the Australian Deaf Football Association for the past three years and competed in international friendlies against Japan and the US.
Her outstanding performances saw her named Deaf Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2024.
Still actively competing in able-bodied football, Kruger plays semi-professionally for North Brisbane FC in FQPL1, and was awarded Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 for FQPL2.
Kruger was also excited that Sydney has been given the rights to host the Deaf World Cup next year.
Now turning her focus to the Deaf Olympics, she is determined to use her platform to raise awareness and promote inclusivity in sport for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes.
Kruger is currently fundraising to cover her travel and competition costs – to support her,contact fredebob @hotmail.com.
