STUDENT OF THE GAME
UNITED YOUNGSTER EYES W-LEAGUE
THE stars are aligning for Gold Coast United schoolgirl sensation Kimberly Shrimpton as she steps up the pursuit of her W-League dream.
The former Palm Beach Sharks junior, 17, has been ever-present in United’s NPL Women’s campaign, with the left back starting all five games in her debut senior season.
The club’s inclusion in this year’s competition proved perfect timing for the Robina State High student, who was looking to return to the Coast following two seasons with Brisbane-based Souths United.
Sitting seventh, United enters tonight’s battle with eighth-placed Brisbane Roar on the back of inconsistent form, underlined by their rollercoaster 4-4 draw with Mudgeeraba on Saturday.
While Shrimpton is hopeful United can secure a W-League licence of their own in the years ahead, an impressive showing against the Roar could also put her on the path to stardom.
“My coach, Michael (Cook), has been really supportive and he’s pushing my mindset more to W-League and he believes in me that I can get there. I think that’s making me believe in my ability and maybe that’s on the cards (in future) but I’ve just got to work really hard to get there,” the Robina teen said.
“I knew that Year 12 was going to be tough and driving to Brisbane three times a week for training (with Souths United) was going to be really hard to fit it in. It was really convenient and I was really happy that Gold Coast United got an NPL licence for women. It worked out perfectly.
“I’m glad that I have the challenge of (NPL) Women’s, I think it’s really improving my game a lot and is the step that I needed. Playing at a high level and playing with women who are at that level and have been there for a long time, they’re really influencing my game.
“Every game I’m getting more and more comfortable because I’m learning new things and they’re helping me.”
With two wins and a draw from their first five games, Shrimpton said United had only scratched the surface.
“We’re a brand new team and a brand new club so I think it’s expected that we’re up and down at the beginning … but I think from now on we’re just going to keep improving together and as individuals.
“We have the older girls who have been playing a long time and the younger girls who haven’t been playing as long but are learning … It’s a really good mix.”