Corporal Elise Franco is consumed by soccer. Since her days of playing as the only nine-year-old girl in a team of boys, her passion propelled her to selection at the Queensland Academy of Sport, and playing for the Brisbane Roar FC at 17.
Corporal Franco always wanted a career that was hands-on and joined the Army at 19. Her soccer aspirations were temporarily set aside.
"I wanted to join Defence as I love being hands on," Corporal Franco said.
"I became an electrician and did my apprenticeship through the ADF. I think, since growing up, I always wanted to do something along the lines of Army, fire, rescue or police. I love the challenges that comes with that type of job."
Since joining the ADF, Corporal Franco has worked across the South Pacific with 6th Engineer Support Regiment (6ESR) on various exercises and operations.
"Being an electrician at 6ESR. We do a lot of work building partnerships in the South Pacific islands," she said.
"I've been on multiple trips to Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands and recently did an Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program in 2025 in the Torres Strait Islands."
Although she enjoyed her work, something was missing. She felt she had given up her dream of playing at the elite level. Fortunately, Defence supports high-performance athletes who serve their country while continuing their sporting careers - one of the many benefits of a career in the ADF.
"I spoke to my chain of command and said that I want to put my sport first this year as a personal goal. I want to give it my best effort in 2026 and see where it takes me," Corporal Franco said.
"I found out that I was able to try out for Trinidad and Tobago representation, as my paternal grandfather was born there, which made me eligible to gain dual citizenship and try out for the national team."
'If you are good at sport, the ADF can be supportive of you playing professionally. I have travelled with work and sport, experiencing so much during my eight years in Defence that I wouldn't have otherwise had the opportunity to.'
Corporal Franco was successful in national selection for the Trinidad and Tobago women's football team.
"Work has been extremely supportive of my goals, which I'm so thankful for," she said.
Corporal Franco said the best thing about playing sport was building relationships and networking.
"There's something so nice about building friendships with people after going through such highs and lows with them on and off the field. I feel like sport is the place I feel most confident. I love being active and sport allows me to express myself on the field," she said.
"Defence life definitely has its challenges, but as an Army electrician, I've found it so rewarding helping developing countries during humanitarian and disaster relief trips.
"If you are good at sport, the ADF can be supportive of you playing professionally. I have travelled with work and sport, experiencing so much during my eight years in Defence that I wouldn't have otherwise had the opportunity to."
She played midfield for Trinidad and Tobago against El Salvador in a World Cup qualifying game.
When asked whether she would play for Australia, Corporal Franco said at one point she was in the Australian under 20s squad.
"I didn't make it further and I think, as amazing as it would be, I'm now 27 and I feel like it's a bit out of reach. I'm keen to move forward with my Defence career and continue playing for Trinidad and Tobago," Corporal Franco said.
Whether playing, coaching, administering or officiating, the ADF offers a range of opportunities for personnel to benefit from participation in sport.
