THE star of Milton-Ulladulla Panthers product continues to rise, after she was recently named in the 30-person junior Matildas squad.
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After starting her career at the age of seven, she quickly discovered her ‘passion’ for the sport of football, which led her to joining Southern Branch FC at the end of 2017.
Despite this being her first season at the club, Tay played a key role in helping her side be crowned National Premier League Two under 14 girls champions.
“Coming off a very successful and enjoyable season with Southern Branch, I still knew that if I wanted to keep developing my skills, I would have to move to an NPL1 team,” Tay said.
“So I got in contact with Sydney University – I impulsively filled out their trial form and they almost immediately offered me a spot on the team without a trial.”
On the back of her strong form with Southern Branch, as well as with the under 15 girls NSW Country side at the 2018 Football Federation Australia Nationals Identification Tournament in Coffs Harbour, the former St John The Evangelist Catholic High School was named in the national squad.
“When I found out I was in the squad, I was in shock and disbelief,” Tay said.
“Mainly because they sent me the selection email so close to when the actual camp was meant to be.
“I had just assumed I hadn’t been selected in the weeks before and was thinking I was just going to the NSW Country camp to prepare for nationals in July.
“I was also a bit sad not be able to go to the nationals camp with my friends but I knew the Matildas camp would bring bigger and better things.”
Tay, 14, first went into camp with the Rae Dower coached squad from January 20-24 in Canberra, in preparation for the Asian Football Confederation under 16 women’s championship qualifications, including games against against IR Iran (March 3), Vietnam (March 5) and Laos (March 7) at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane – with the top two going on to compete at Thailand’s AFC under 16 women’s championships in September.
“The sessions usually involved a few ball skill drills and then we would play a game,” Tay said.
“The game part of the session was where I really felt my game was improving.
“This was because the skill level of some of the defenders I was up against was incredible and I was always being challenged by their size, strength and speed.
“Most of them were older than me but playing against bigger and better opponents will improve my game.”
The squad will eventually be trimmed to 23 touring players, as well as five shadow players, ahead their next camp later this month in the Gold Coast – where they will play two trial matches against Myanmar.
“It would be an absolute dream come true to be named in the final squad,” Tay said.
“A few months ago, I wrote down the goal of being selected for the junior Matildas – I never thought I’d even be close to achieving that goal within a few months.
“It would also be a great feeling to know that all my hard work is paying off.”
While Tay, who usually plays as an attacker, is determined to make the junior Matildas squad, she has a number of other goals on her radar.
“My immediate goal is to help my new club Sydney University do well in the NPL1 under 15 women’s competition, before joining up with friends and help NSW Country do well at nationals in Coffs Harbour in July,” she said.
“I would also love to make a W-League team in the next couple of years.
“A long-term goal would be to go to a World Cup with the Matildas team – that would be amazing.”
Tay credits Milton Panthers’ Mark Rafidi, Limitless Track Team’s Andae Kalemusic and Southern Branch’s John Sommerville, Mary-Lou O'Leary and Brad Banks for helping her get to where she is today.
Joining Tay in the 30-person Matildas squad are Emma Ilijoski, Josephine Dubbert, Brianna Edwards, Charlie Rule, Darcey Malone, Jessika Nash, Kahli Johnson, Madelieine Malone, Olvia De La Harpe, Anna Hunt, Jordan Jasnos, Charlotte Farmer, Georgia Beaumont, Jamilla Rankin, Kezia Pricthard, Mia Bailey, Alana Janceski, Claudia Mihovic, Grace Taranto, Nia Stamatopoulos Paige Zois, Hanah Lowry, Isabella Wallhead, Tijan McKenna, Amy Parkinson, Josie Morley, Kirsty Fenton, Ruby Jones and Teagan Douglas.