Tara Andrews has really come into her own this season and is definitely one to watch
If you have followed the Westfield W-league over its existence the following three names you will recognise. Courtney Beutel, Michelle Heyman and the prolific goal scorer of 2011 Tara Andrews. Courtney was the fresh face of Women-s football in the 2008/09 season.
The following year Michelle Heyman proved herself in the eyes of the national team coach Tom Sermanni. This year without question it has to be Tara Andrews of the Newcastle Jets. Re-affirming the importance of such a league in identifying up and coming talents who previously would not have had the opportunity to be proving themselves week in week out. The Westfield W-League has become the elite pathway for players to develop and be in contention for various national teams.
Lining up against Newcastle Jets this weekend in Canberra I find it quite fitting to announce this week-s player profile will be the 16 year old footballing star Tara Andrews.
In the eyes Mr. Tom Sermanni, Tara has the classic Striker-s instinct; she is a composed finisher and is aware of the goal-keepers vulnerability. “She continually appears to have time on the ball, even when under pressure in the front third whilst attacking- she never looks flustered.” An important observation made by Tommy and something I admire is the smile stretched across her face for the duration of match; adversities are not a concern for the young teenager.
Tara has been on the ‘radar- for some time and played an important role in the last U/17-s World Cup qualifying campaign scoring 4 goals for her country against China. This tournament being her career highlight to date. Personally I feel she has many more to come.
At only 16 years old, standing just less than 6 foot, Tara Andrews has proved to be a goal scoring machine. This season she has surpassed previous golden boot winner Michelle Heyman and Sydney FC striker Kyah Simon with 6 goals to her name. Tara has grown from being a young teenager in to a mature young athlete. We-re excited for what the future holds for this up and coming star of the Newcastle Jets.
Ten Top questions with Tara!
Girls FC: What does a typical Saturday look like?
Tara: Normally I have a game or training at about midday then I might go to the beach or for a swim and hang out with friends Saturday night.
Girls FC: Favourite Qantas Socceroo?
Tara: Tim Cahill because he is so good and always scores goals
Girls FC: Favourite Westfield Matilda?
Tara: Sam Kerr and Teigen Allen because they-re the best
Girls FC: What-s the most fun thing about playing football?
Tara: The end product- scoring goals
Girls FC: What is the most interesting location football has taken you to and why?
Tara: Burma- small Asian country a little scary
Girls FC: What was your first football team?
Tara: Merewether junior soccer club in Newcastle
Girls FC: What would you do if you weren-t a footballer?
Tara: Be a netballer
Girls FC: Favourite musician?
Tara: Katy Perry
Girls FC: What is your most memorable football experience?
Tara: Going to Thailand with U16s for world cup qualifiers
Girls FC: What advice would you give a 10 year old aspiring footballer?
Tara: Work hard and never give up.
With performing well you then have expectations on your shoulders. It is equally as important for players who have a breakthrough season to follow that up in their second season when life is made more difficult for them by opponents. My advice to you- something I haven-t mastered all that well myself in previous years. Let go of expectations. And always remind yourself to ENJOY.
