As Perth Glory prepare for their two final W-League matches of the season this week still seeking a first win, it is fair to say it has been a testing few months for the team.
But for four young West Australians who have been in and around coach Alex Epakis’ squad, it has been an experience of a lifetime as they take the first steps on what will hopefully be a successful football career.
Judy Connolly, Miranda Templeman, Georgia Cassidy and Ella Lincoln are the latest recipients of a Football West-funded scholarship which allows select members of the Football West Hyundai NTC program to train with Glory.
The quartet have followed in the footsteps of the likes of Hana Lowry, Isabella Wallhead, Abbey Green and Tijan McKenna, past recipients of the scholarship who are now establishing themselves in the Glory set-up.
“It’s a really great opportunity getting to train with some of the world-class players we’ve got here,” goalkeeper Templeman said.
“It’s great to look up and see players who have come through similar pathways to us and it gives us motivation looking forward to play at that W-League level and even beyond that.”
It is something the older girls know only too well.
Lowry, who has been a regular fixture for Glory this year, said: “I think it was great to have that pathway from NTC through to Glory. Being in an intense training environment, it definitely improved me as a player … on and off the pitch.”
Football West Chief Football Officer Jamie Harnwell said: “The scholarship program is an important part for Football West to support those players coming through the Hyundai NTC and leading into the W-League.
“It’s a way for Football West to try and support those players, give them an experience of being in a W-League environment and hopefully going on day and representing their country and being another West Australian Matilda.”
Filed Under: NTC for Girls