Charlton Athletic and Australia midfielder Emily van Egmond on English weather, Sunday roasts, Vegemite and the best spots in her hometown of Newcastle, NSW.
“IfeellikeSundaysareagooddaytospendwithyourfamily,andsotohaveaSundayroastmakesitmoreofalovelydayingeneral.”Emily van Egmond
What was it like growing up in Australia? What were your favourite memories and your favourite places growing up?
So, I'm from Newcastle, which is just north of Sydney in Australia, and it's a very coastal town I would say, so I spent a lot of time at the beach. And some of my favourite memories were just being home with my family, which were really nice.
What made you want to come and play in England?
I had a stint at West Ham when COVID hit. At the time, it was before the Olympics in Tokyo [in 2020], and because the BWSL was one of the few leagues that was operating during that time, I remember my Australia head coach said: ‘Oh, you know, if you want to go to the Olympics you've got to be playing.’ So I came over and that was my first taste of English football.
Obviously a couple of Aussies had come over too. I had good friends who were here and spoke highly of the league. I really enjoyed my time at West Ham. I was there under Matt Beard, so I had a really good relationship and season with him before I went back. It wasn't until 2025 that I signed for Birmingham and then Leicester. I had a small stint there and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately it didn't end the way that I or they probably wanted it to, but another door has opened and I'm really, really happy and excited to be at Charlton.
How have you settled at Charlton? How has it been being back in the capital?
To be honest, it's been pretty seamless. I was excited to come down here, and everyone has been super welcoming and just nice and helpful. The transition's been super easy for my family and myself.
What’s the biggest culture shock you've experienced being in England?
The weather. It's dreadful, isn't it? This summer was nice, though. It felt like home, but when it gets cold and there’s sideways rain with the wind… oof.
Have your teammates helped you settle into life here?
I can vibe around the group and the girls are all lovely, and we've honestly just been working really hard. Every single person here has been, like, super, super nice.
Is there anything about English culture that you've grown to love?
I like the whole Sunday roast thing. I feel like Sundays are a good day to spend with your family, and so to have a Sunday roast makes it more of a lovely day in general.
What's your favourite thing about England, and then what took you by surprise?
People here are pretty nice, to be honest with you. Like, helpful, and, I mean, your public transport system is, like, wow, it's, like, amazing with the trains, it is really easy to get around. I'd probably say, one thing I love about England is the really nice restaurants. It is easy to go out for a nice dinner with different cuisines, so there are a lot of options.
What is one non-negotiable from home, whether that's food, routine, or tradition that you've kept going while being over here?
Probably cooking some of the home cooked meals that I grew up with. That was a staple in the household, so, like, spaghetti Bolognese, tacos and things like that I would say.
Are there any Australian snacks that you miss?
Probably Vegemite. But you can buy Vegemite here. So, actually, for the first time, I had my daughter try a bit of mine, and she loved it on toast. She absolutely loved it and I was stoked about that because I grew up in Vegemite.
Have you introduced any of your teammates to any foods or traditions from Australia?
No, I don’t think so, because I’ve got two other Aussies on my team, but I would say, Tim Tams. You can get them here, but they're so good. I know everyone who loves a cup of tea. So, you can have a little cup of tea with them.
What's one English habit that you'll definitely be taking back home, or you take back with you and you go back to National team camp?
Oh for sure a Sunday roast.
What is one thing that you will always find on your plate or a Sunday roast?
Gravy, 100%, I love gravy.
Do you think living abroad has changed you as a person?
I left home when I was 18, so I had to grow up pretty quickly. Yeah and just being in different cultures, like America to Germany and then here in England. So, yeah, I'd probably say, I had to grow up very quickly.
If Airbnb booked us a week in your hometown, where are you sending us? Are there any must-see spots?
The beach and the Ocean Baths [some saltwater pools]. Obviously you've got the ocean right there too, and then there's like a really good cafe that's around the beach.
