Ask Jessie Rasschaert what it's like to play in the W-League, and she'll tell you it's a juggle between pursuing a dream, and sacrifice.
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As Canberra United's 14th signing of the upcoming season, Rasschaert's sacrifice will mean spending four months away from her family - partner Jenna and sons Tristan and Leo.
They're all moving to Queensland next month after Jenna was posted there as part of her job in the Air Force.
Rasschaert will take a few days off pre-season training to help with the move, but instead of settling into their new house, she'll have to head back down to Canberra in time for her second season in the W-League.
"With the draw not being out yet, we don't know when I'll be able to see them [once the season starts]," Rasschaert said.
"I plan to move with them early December and have a few days off training to get them settled, but then after that I don't know.
"I can't lock in any times after that at this stage until I know when our games are.
"Fingers crossed our first game is in Brisbane so I can see them straight away. You can still call and Face Time with technology these days but it's not the same. It's just going to be hard."
The veteran Belconnen United star is set to be joined by Kendall Fletcher as the club's 15th signing, which will be officially unveiled on Tuesday morning.
Canberra United will also be announcing an international star on Friday, before rounding out their squad next week.
Rasschaert said the team coach Vicki Linton had assembled would be like a "second family".
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"They'll be able to help me through it when it does get a little bit hard," Rasschaert said.
"Everyone makes a sacrifice being a part of the W-League, it's hard for everyone in different ways," Rasschaert said.
"People are separated from partners, friends, family. It is hard for everyone and I think that's why you do bond.
"You see everyone every day, a couple of times a day for hours so you become quite close and together we'll get each other through it."
Rasschaert, who juggles soccer and family life with her job as a part-time physio, made her W-League debut last season having been named NPLW player of the year.
That accolade was promptly followed by a one-year deal with United and she was delighted to get a second season with the club.
"There's always a bit of doubt - it was always a wish to come back but yeah, pretty stoked that it's a reality."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
