Star back on home ground
AFTER more than a year of pulling on the boots every weekend, Townsville’s WLeague star Taylor Ray has finally taken a break.
The midfielder, who grew up on the fields of Townsville before rising through the ranks at state level, made a long-awaited return to her hometown this week.
It has been more than two years since the 20-year-old has set foot on North Queensland soil, and she relished the opportunity.
It was also a special homecoming for father Peter, who had not seen the football star in the flesh for more than 14 months due to the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I haven’t had a proper break since W-league started. As soon as we finish (that season) we go straight into the NPL,” she said. “It has been a solid year and a half since I have had a weekend off. I am really enjoying it and seeing everyone again.
“I haven’t been back in Townsville for more than two years. Coming back to where I grew up is an amazing experience, I have my dad and my brother who are from here. I am fortunate to live in Sydney full-time but sometimes it is good to get back here.
Ray was impressive for the Sky Blues in the W-league, playing 13 games of their grand final campaign. She even came on in the dying stages of the decider against Melbourne Victory last month, which the southern side won with a freakish goal off the corner.
While it was not the result she wanted, Ray said the experience was incredible and had only spurred her drive to be better.
The main goal is pulling on the green and gold.
Ray has been part of the Australian under-20s system for several years and now has her sights set on a call-up to the Matildas ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Australia.
“I am coming to the age where I am at the peak of my performance, going through the (injury) battles I have had to endure and playing at Sydney FC, it gives you that confidence and motivation to go further,” Ray said.
“My goal since I was young was to make the Matildas and I have been in the under-20s squad in recent years. It is amazing to have the 2023 World Cup on home soil and I would love to be a part of that.”
While in Townsville, Ray took a chance to catch up with old friend Bill Nochevan, who helped the young midfielder chase her dream early in her career. The NEM Group director sponsored Ray through her formative years helping with travel.
“(Townsville) is not a very financial place and there is not a lot of opportunities for young players,” she said.
“I grew up playing among the boys, and with their support I was able to go to Sydney and Brisbane to make all the state teams.”