With a national team debut now under her belt, local legend Karly Roestbakken will #GoGreen for the 2019/20 Westfield W-League season and return to Canberra United.
Roestbakken has enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2019, captaining the Young Matildas in April before being called up to the Westfield Matildas for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France in June.
The 18-year-old was brought on in injury time in Australia’s famous victory over Brazil, before being named in the starting XI for the Matildas final group game against Jamaica.
But after representing her country on the world stage, Roestbakken now has her eyes set on the upcoming Westfield W-League season, and says her experience with the Matildas has her primed for another big year with Canberra United.
“To not only get my [Matildas] debut, but to get it at a World Cup was just unreal,” Roestbakken said.
“Being in that environment made me mature a little bit, even though I was only in there for a short period of time.
“I was able to get that sense of professionalism and what it takes to play at the highest level of women’s football.
“I definitely think I can take what I learnt there and bring it back to the Westfield W-League.”
Roestbakken’s incredible rise this year is even more remarkable when you consider that, just 12 months ago, she was a part of the Canberra United Academy (CUA) program, and was also doing extra trainings with the Canberra United Winter program.
Both pathway programs are aimed at giving talented female footballers a stepping-stone to the next level, and Roestbakken believes both played a pivotal role in her development.
“Those programs have definitely shaped the player I am today,” Roestbakken said.
“They taught me the necessary skills and how to improve my technique, but it also comes down to yourself and what you want to achieve.
“You could be in that environment, but it’s how you approach that environment as well, but I definitely think they helped me get to where I am.”
Canberra United Head Coach Heather Garriock says Roestbakken’s transition through the pathway programs makes her a role model for the younger players in the Canberra United setup.
“It’s fantastic news that Karly has agreed to re-sign with Canberra United for the upcoming Westfield W-League season,” Garriock said.
“I mentioned to our CUA girls this season, that this time last year, Karly was sitting in the same dressing rooms in the NPLW wearing the CUA shirt, now she is wearing a Matildas shirt.
“She’s an excellent role model for all aspiring female football players.”
If you would like to #GoGreen with Karly, Canberra United memberships will be on sale in the coming weeks, with the 2019/20 Westfield W-League draw also expected to be released soon. More information can be found on the Canberra United website.
If you can’t wait for the Westfield W-League season to begin to get your football fix, tickets are on sale for the Caltex Socceroos v Nepal clash at GIO Stadium on Thursday, 10th October. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit the Capital Football website.
