Confidence has been the key word for Canberra United during this locked down preseason.
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There's been a confidence by the club in its playing core from last season which led Canberra back to the W-League finals in Vicki Linton's first year as coach.
The re-signing of Lauren Keir, to be announced on Thursday, and Canberra Academy graduate Hayley Taylor-Young attest to that. Keir is the eighth signing for the club this offseason, seven of who wore the green shirt last summer.
But confidence has also been a key focus of United's locked down stars, who have spent much of the past six weeks confined largely to their living quarters and visualising the season ahead. amid modified workouts.
"I'm hoping to get a little bit more confidence in myself and back myself more often," Taylor-Young said.
"Getting a starting position I think that's the biggest goal but also to learn as much as I can from the other girls.
"Being around people who have been around the sport for a long time, Michelle Heyman, Grace Maher, and being at that level with those guys I think that'll help me push for more confidence in myself.
"I look up to Michelle a lot because one she plays a similar position to me. Last year she helped me so much, she was always talking to me and telling me how I could be better and I'm really excited for that to happen again."
Nineteen-year-old Taylor-Young established herself as an offensive weapon off the bench for Linton last season, but the Academy graduate is eyeing more minutes on the field this summer after the departure of striker Demi Koulizakis to the Perth Glory.
Like most of her teammates, Taylor-Young will not have played a game of soccer in more than four months come the projected November 13 W-League start date.
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"I haven't really had that conversation with her [Linton] but I think she expects me to be more consistent in how I play so I'm going to try and do that this year," Taylor-Young said.
"I don't know what it's going to be like to play again because I haven't done it in so long.
"Our physio has sent us our pre-preseason stuff so I've been doing that. I've been keeping myself busy but I'm getting a little bored now."
Keir will be embarking on her fourth season as a Canberra United player, and follows in the footsteps of Taylor-Young, Heyman, Emma Ilijoski, Laura Hughes, Allira Toby, Grace Maher and Keeley Richards in committing to the club for another year.
"It means a lot to put the Canberra jersey back on for another season and play for my home town again," Keir said.
"I want to play consistent football and help the team go one step further this season.
"I absolutely loved every part of last season and can't wait to be back working with Vicki, the girls and seeing all our fans again."
Linton was delighted to secure another signature from last season's playing group.
"It is great to re-sign Lauren for the upcoming season, joining the number of Canberra locals in the squad," Linton said.
"Lauren had a good season last year, contributing to our run into the finals. I look forward to working with her again and see her continue her development."