While there's a bit of nerves, there's a lot of excitement for goal-scoring ace Hayley Taylor-Young as she sets her sights on making her W-League debut with Canberra United.
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The teenager has been granted a W-League berth after a breakthrough season with Canberra United Academy, joining teammate Laura Hughes for the club's 2019-20 campaign.
Taylor-Young is the tenth official signing on the Canberra United roster, as coach Heather Garriock continues to build her squad for the upcoming season.
The 17-year-old striker scored 30 goals in 17 games in Capital Football's National Premier League this season to claim joint Golden Boot honours.
The new recruit hopes to "score a few bangers" over the season as Canberra look to become a top-four contender.
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"It's so amazing. It's such a great opportunity and I'm excited but on the other hand I'm very nervous," Taylor-Young said.
"It's a big step from the Academy.
"I want to develop my game awareness, my skills and everything like that. I just want to be there for the girls, score some goals and have a good time."
Taylor-Young could make her W-League debut on home-soil as Canberra prepare to kick off their campaign with two matches at McKellar Park.
Canberra will start their season against grand finalists Perth Glory on November 17, before facing Melbourne City in round two.
Canberra will host six matches at McKellar Park over the 14-round competition, including two Thursday night fixtures in rounds four and seven.
"I want my family to be there and support me but if I'm not picked I'd still love to support the girls and see how they go," Taylor-Young said.
The teenager is set to follow in the footsteps of Canberra United Academy products Hughes and Karly Roestbakken, who made her W-League debut as a 15-year-old in 2016.
Roestbakken is likely to be named as one of the club's co-captains as Canberra look to build their squad around the capped Matilda.
Young Matildas goalkeeper Annalee Grove has joined the club from a stint with the Brisbane Roar, while Norwegian international Elise Thornses returns to the capital as a guest signing.
The club are yet to announce their four international contracts but two are expected to arrive within the next fortnight.
Hughes says the injection of international players will add another dimension to the youthful side.
"I think it definitely plays to our advantage," Hughes said.
"A lot of teams could underestimate us but I don't think age is a big factor for us. Our experience playing at W-League level comes into play and we're all excited.
"Our internationals will add a lot of depth and quality to our side and we're excited to work with them."
Canberra kicked off their W-League preparations last week and also held a trialing period for domestic players. The club are expected to announce another domestic contract early next week.
"We've been grinding out the running and it's been tough but everyone Heather recruited has been working hard. It really speaks to their character and Heather as a coach," Hughes said.
"We've been put through the paces a bit but we're enjoying it and it's all coming together."
CANBERRA UNITED SIGNINGS: Karly Roestbakken, Elise Thorsnes, Nikola Orgill, Shamiran Khamis, Annalee Grove, Taren King, Olivia Price, Laura Hughes, Hayley Taylor-Young.
CANBERRA UNITED FIXTURES
Round 1: Canberra United v Perth Glory at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday November 17
Round 2: Canberra United v Melbourne City at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday November 24
Round 3: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4.30pm Saturday November 30
Round 4: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park, 7.30 Thursday December 5
Round 5: Perth Glory v Canberra United at Dorrien Gardens, 10.15pm (AEST) Friday December 13
Round 6: Adelaide United v Canberra United at Marden Sports Complex, 4pm Sunday December 22
Round 7: Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers at McKellar Park, 7.30pm Thursday December 26
Round 8: Canberra United v Sydney FC at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday January 5
Round 9: Melbourne City v Canberra United at ABD Stadium, Thursday January 9
Round 10: Bye
Round 11: Melbourne Victory v Canberra United at Lakeside Stadium, 4pm Sunday January 26
Round 12: Canberra United v Adelaide United at McKellar Park, 4pm Sunday February 16
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
