Eighteen years ago, on a sunny day in Coffs Harbour, Football NSW and Football QLD were adding yet another chapter to the age-old interstate rivalry during the 2007 edition of the National Youth Championships.
As the contest unfolded, two players on opposite sides were locked in an enthralling contest. The heads of selectors were on a swivel and the ball was on a string as the pair fiercely battled against each other to gain the advantage.
When the dust finally settled and the full-time whistle was blown, the duo congratulated each other and shook hands, not knowing they were about to become close friends and play to date a combined 223 matches for the CommBank Matildas.
Their names? Kyah Simon (Football NSW) and Tameka Yallop (Football QLD), are now important members of the current CommBank Matildas’ squad and pioneers for women’s football in Australia.
For Kyah, the National Youth Championships were more than just games, they were a benchmark for her football skills and an opportunity to live out her dreams. The classy striker turned that opportunity into reality when she was first noticed for her talent at the National Youth Championships, leading to her selection in the first-ever Australian women’s Under 17 national team.
“The National Youth Championships are the benchmark to see where you are at as a footballer,” Kyah explained.
“The first time I represented Australia, I got selected into the Under 17s national team and that was because of the 2007 tournament in Coffs Harbour.”
“In terms of a pathway and having certain people watch from the national team set up it’s the perfect opportunity. For me, the tournament was great for development and then also progressing into the national team setup.”
As a proud Indigenous woman, Kyah would have been eligible for the Invitational XI, a new addition to this year’s tournament. Football Australia is funding an Indigenous team in the Under 14 Girls Age Group, providing a further opportunity for aspiring and emerging Indigenous footballers to shine on the national stage.
Kyah expressed her excitement and support for the initiative, emphasising the significance of giving Indigenous girls the chance to represent their culture and people on the national stage.
“Giving the Indigenous girls an opportunity to play football and to represent our culture and people, is definitely a privilege and something that I’m sure all the girls are really proud about,” Kyah said.
“For me, I think it’s also about giving those girls exposure to what elite football is like and to see what areas they need to improve on.
“Hopefully it makes them want to stay in the game and continue to pursue their dreams and they can take my spot in the Matildas one day.”
As one of Australia’s most experienced players, having won trophies both domestically and internationally and boasting a trophy cabinet to rival even the most decorated athlete, it’s fair to say Kyah hasn’t wasted her chance since being scouted at the National Youth Championships back in 2007.
Featuring elite competition and a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves, it would be perfectly understandable if back then she felt some modicum of pressure or nerves before the tournament… not Kyah.
“It was hammered into me from a young age whether it be at a training session or a game, you never know who’s watching.”
“When you’re playing in the National Youth Championship with the best players of your age in the country, who wouldn’t want to stand out and put their best foot forward?
“That’s definitely the mentality that I took into those tournaments because it’s the best opportunity to excel and progress in your football endeavours.”
Kyah also offered some valuable advice to the young talents gearing up for the National Youth Championships.
“It’s essentially a mini World Cup on an Australian state scale, so it will probably be some of the most memorable experiences of any young footballing career.”
“Remember to put your best foot forward, enjoy the experience, and be present. These moments become cherished memories, and they can be your stepping stone to greater opportunities.”
Ahead of the National Youth Championships 2023 Girls tournament to be contested in Wollongong, NSW, from 9 – 13 October, Kyah Simon leaves behind a trail of inspiration for the next generation of football stars set to grace this year’s events, just as she did back in the day.
