For All the Support, Care, and Belief: Paying Tribute to All the Moms on Mother’s Day in Australia and New Zealand

This Sunday is Mother’s Day in Australia and in many other parts of the world. At Barça Academy Australia and New Zealand, we want to pay tribute to all those mothers who, day after day, support, inspire, and walk alongside their children both on and off the pitch during our soccer camps. 

The journey through football is as thrilling as it is challenging. In the developmental stages, every training session matters, every effort is felt, and every small achievement is celebrated as something monumental. Along this path, few people are as essential as mothers: those who accompany, encourage, comfort, care, and believe—even when the road gets tough.

Lamine Yamal Talks About His Mom 

And who better to speak about the importance of mothers than FC Barcelona’s young talent, Lamine Yamal? At just 17 years old, Lamine is well aware of the role his mother has played in his life since the day he was born: “Maybe I didn’t have the best childhood, but my mother made sure I only saw the beautiful parts”. Lamine added “I always tell her how grateful I am that, despite how hard things were for her, she made sure I didn’t see anything bad.”

His words reflect what so many mothers represent in the world of soccer. In a competitive environment, where it’s not always easy to stay grounded, they are both the anchor and driving force. Their unconditional love—the way they care without holding back, push without pressuring, and are always there, even in silence—is what keeps so many dreams alive.

We See It Firsthand Every Day at Barça Academy Australia and New Zealand

At Barça Academy Australia and New Zealand soccer camps, we witness this every week. Mothers who wake up early, who sit in the stands come rain or shine, who celebrate goals and offer comfort after a loss. Mothers who teach that humility, respect, and effort are just as valuable as talent. Because, as Lamine says, often their efforts go unnoticed—but without them, nothing would be the same.

Thank you to all the mothers for being that quiet, unwavering support. Today, more than ever, we celebrate your love, your strength, and everything you do to help your children chase their dreams.