From dominating the local soccer league to training with the nation’s best young players, a former Kalgoorlie College teenager still has her sights set on representing her country.
After moving to Perth late last year, Tanika Lala has gone from strength to strength playing for the Perth-based National Training Center during the 2021-22 National Premier Leagues WA season.
She was then selected as part of the 31-player squad representing the nation’s best players under 20-years-old, with CommBank Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney at the helm.
Lala, 18, told the Kalgoorlie Miner the six-day Young Matildas training camp was an eye-opening experience that included game-play, training sessions and — for the young forward — getting the ball in the back of the net.
“The camp has exceeded all my expectations, and it’s extremely professional and intense,” she said.
“If I’m being honest, it was a challenge to keep up with what was being expected of me physically, but the opportunity has informed me of what physical fitness I need to achieve.”
Lala said moving to Perth to play in the State’s National Premier League was an exciting change from what she was used to in the Goldfields.
“I believe that by adjusting to the various playing tempos and styles, I’ve become a much better player,” she said.
“I’ve learned a lot this year and I just can’t wait for the upcoming season.”
She told the Kalgoorlie Miner that while she still missed playing with her old teammates in the Goldfields Soccer Association, her sights were firmly set on the future.
“I miss all my girls, and Kalgoorlie has been a chapter in my life that I have loved, but I’m just looking forward and can’t wait for new things,” she said.
“(My dream) is to represent Australia, and hopefully play for some bigger clubs.
“Maybe potentially move over to England — that’s a big dream of mine.”
Lala said her most important piece of advice for other young Goldfields soccer hopefuls would be to work hard at the game they love.
“Hard work does pay off.” Talent can only get you so far, but hard work is what separates you from everyone else,” she said.
“It just goes to show it doesn’t matter where you live. If you have the talent you can come from anywhere.”
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