Ever since she was a child, Sharina Harris knew she wanted to play for the Matildas.
"I've always loved football. I've been playing since I was six years old," Ms Harris said.
The 16-year-old from the Macarthur region in Sydney's south-west is now one step closer to realising that dream, after being selected to take part in an elite training program.
The Future Wander Women program, launched by the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club, is a free 20-week program offering professional coaching for girls aged 14-17.
It's an opportunity to be discovered, mentored and developed as the next women's football superstar.
"I am so excited and honoured to be selected for the program, especially with the amount of talented girls that trialled," Ms Harris said.
Search for the next Matilda
After two rounds of trials in April, 30 players were selected to participate in the program.
Competition was stiff, with more than 150 applicants hoping to secure a spot in the final camp.
"It's not been easy, there's been a good standard," technical director for the Wanderers Academy Ian Crook said.
With the FIFA Women's World Cup set to kick off in 2023, Mr Crook said the training program would provide a key pathway for the next generation of female footballers in Australia.
The training program will begin on May 5 at the Wanderers Football Park in Rooty Hill.
Linda Khamis, head coach of the future Wander Women program, said it provided a unique opportunity to develop talent in Western Sydney.
"It's great that the Wanderers have stepped up and are trying to do something for women's football, not just the W-League, but starting at the youth level as well," Ms Khamis said.
Big goals in life
Emilija Vidakovic isn't taking the opportunity for granted.
The 16-year-old from Liverpool has been selected to take part in the Future Wander Women program for her exceptional goalkeeping skills.
"It's a great opportunity to play some great football and hopefully for it to be a pathway in order to develop further.
"Programs like this allow us to catch up to the male side of football, with all their clubs and how well they're doing."
Ms Vidakovic wants to follow in the footsteps of her favourite goalkeepers, Australians Lydia Williams and Jada Whyman.
"They're just amazing in everything they do," she said.
"I hope to go and play overseas, possibly somewhere in Europe, if not playing in the college system in America … and, hopefully, make the Matildas squad."
The Future Wander Women program is supported by club partners ABC Radio Sydney, who will be following the progress of the 20-week training session.
