Goalkeeper Cristina Esposito has made the switch to Belconnen United this year after an offseason spent training with Canberra United.
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The move has paid instant dividends for the former West Canberra shot stopper, who will be up against some of her new mates when Belconnen clashes with the United Academy on Saturday at McKellar Park.
"I don't think I've ever been more prepared for the NPL season in my life, when you come off training with some of the best players in Australia let alone Canberra, Michelle Heyman, Grace Maher, Nickoletta Flannery and Kendall Fletcher how can you not get better," Esposito said.
"I haven't been to many training sessions yet but they are a great bunch of girls. You can see their real drive to succeed.
"It's a different environment to what I'm used to."
Esposito said a meeting with Belconnen head coach Michael Zakoski after last season helped her decision to make the move.
"In all honesty, the coaching staff last year didn't support me the way I needed support," Esposito said.
"At the moment I'm trying to take the next step into the W-League and I got a message from Michael [Zakoski].
"I went and had a meeting with him and he was telling me all the things I wanted to hear, so I said why not? I'll give it a crack."
MORE CANBERRA SOCCER
Ever since her teenage years Esposito has dreamed of playing for the Matildas, and she hoped moving to Belconnen was another step in the right direction to fulfilling her goals.
"I think I'm on the path now," Esposito said.
"Whether it happens or not I'm grateful for the experience I'm getting with the W-League.
"If I ever end up in the Matildas that would be amazing but there's a long way to go.
"I've got a lot to work on to get there and to even get a look in. It is absolutely on my bucket list."
Belconnen thrashed Wagga City 8-1 last week.
WNPL ROUND 2 SATURDAY: West Canberra v Canberra Croatia at Melrose, 12.45pm; Belconnen United v Canberra United Academy at McKellar Park, 3pm
SUNDAY: Canberra Olympic v Gungahlin United, 2.15pm at O'Connor Enclosed; Tuggeranong United v Wagga City Wanderers, 2.30pm at Kambah