Matildas hopeful Lilian Reynolds is juggling more than just ambitions to join her heroes on the pitch.
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She juggles balls every day for an hour, no matter what.
So determined to emulate the Australia's top women's soccer team, the 11-year-old sticks to a strict routine that includes 50 each of push-ups, sit-ups and crunches.
"I pretty much practice my game every day as well," she said.
The dedication towards her growing passion has now become typical of young girls playing the game, according to leading NTJSA coach Natina Monteleone.
For a wide-eyed Lilian tinted with a sparkle for the Matildas, they are more than just a game.
They're an inspiration.
"I'm really just inspired with the way they play, the excitement they bring to the game and showing that girls can be just as good as the men," she said.
A recent Football Tasmania report has counted that the state has highest rate participation - but still no Matildas from the Apple Isle.
Monteleone said the girls are inspired by watching the Matildas play in front of packed crowds around the country - something unheard of only a few years back - and that it motivates and gives them new incentive.
"These girls are watching the Matildas now play," Monteleone said.
"I now have 12-year-old girls coming up to me saying that 'I want to be a Matilda'.
"They know now they can have a career as a professional footballer because it's possible now and they've seen the likes of Sam Kerr and the girls coming through.
"But watching Princess Ibini-Isei and Mary Fowler, who are only 15 and already debuting for the Matildas is just about incredible.
"These girls are now saying to me that in a few years that is going to be me."
The NTJSA held a day to celebrate Female Football Week with state women's development office Debra Banks that included handing out posters, bake sale, fundraisers, and culminated in watching the Matildas on Sunday night.
"So we really want to raise awareness for the Australian bid to have the women's world cup here in 2023," Monteleone said.
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Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
