Football West’s Hyundai National Training Centre for Girls has helped produce another A-League player with Tanika Lala signing for Perth Glory.
And it is not just the 19-year-old striker who is on cloud nine - her mum Jennifer is even more delighted.
“My whole family is so happy about this, but my mum especially … it means I’m staying local to play my football and not going over east or overseas,” Lala said.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started and work in a professional environment. It can only help me improve my technique and fitness by being surrounded by players at that level. And I know I can make a difference, with my intensity and running with the ball.”
Lala, who lives in Perth's northern suburb of Butler, follows NTC team-mates Georgia Cassidy and Grace Johnston in joining Alex Epakis’ squad for the 2023-24 season.
“It’s good to have teammates who are already friends there, it’ll help us settle in a lot faster,” she said.
Lala was raised in the Goldfields and played with Kalgoorlie College before entering the NTC program relatively late, in 2021.
“Everyone I know in Kalgoorlie will be happy, they’re always getting behind me,” she said.
“I wouldn’t be where I am if not for the program. My improvement skyrocketed from being in the NTC - my skill levels, my fitness, everything, and they turned me from a midfielder to a striker. I’ve got a good relationship with all the coaches and they have given me so much knowledge.”
Hyundai NTC NPLWA - Women’s head coach Ben Anderton was delighted to hear Lala had been selected and praised the player’s dedication and eagerness to improve.
“I couldn't be happier and more proud of Tanika,” he said. “She has had a very different journey to most, coming into the program only two years ago from Kalgoorlie.
“Tanika first showed an abundance of raw talent which we knew with the right support and work ethic she could become a very special player. Credit to her family for helping her on this journey and to Tanika for having so much drive that she has continually looked to be the best version of herself day in and day out.
“She has now been rewarded with a contract for her to not only continue to better herself but to showcase her talents to a wider audience.
“From a playing point of view, Tanika has incredible power and physicality for a player of her age, coupled with the desire to constantly attack defences and find the back of the net. I’m certain we can look forward to seeing her on the scoresheet for Perth Glory.”
Anderton also reflected on the success of the NTC program, with Lala, Cassidy and Johnston the latest graduates to head to the A-League.
“I'm so pleased that these three players get to continue this journey together and can support each other along the way, like they have done so the last few years in the program.
“Once again it's a credit to all staff involved within the program who have all played their part in developing these players and showing that the program offers the best platform for both A-League and National Team identification.”
Lala's rapid progress from first joining NTC was underlined last September when CommBank Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney invited her to a six-day camp in Sydney with the Australia U-20 Women’s National Team.
Glory head coach Epakis told the club website: “Tanika is a player that I have been monitoring for over 12 months.
“She had a training block with us last season and her quality was there to be seen.
“I was confident that with a bit more time she would be ready to be part of our squad this upcoming season and I’m happy that the time has now come for her.”
Football West Football Development Officer Gareth Naven said: “Everyone involved with the NTC is delighted for Tanika earning a contract with Glory, as we were with Grace and Georgia.
“Again, it’s a reflection of the girls’ ability and willingness to work, but also the commitment and quality of the coaches and how the program is set up for the girls to succeed.
“It also shows that players develop at different ages and the NTC program is here to try to accommodate that. Because you haven’t been in the program since you were 12 or 13 doesn’t mean there is no place for you.”
- Football West partner Hyundai is the name sponsor of the NTC Program for Girls