Jets newcomer Kirsty Fenton is a name many around the local area are familiar with given her rise through the ranks for both Club and country.
The 18-year-old has made the step up to the A-League Women’s team this season as one of multiple fresh faces, but is no stranger to top sides.
The defender has represented Australia in various younger Matildas age groups and also recently received a Future Matildas Scholarships from Northern NSW Football.
While it’s a monumental achievement for the local product, it’s just one tick off a list of many accolades she wants to complete.
“Having been in the Jets Academy since under 11’s, it’s always been a goal of mine to play my home team,” Fenton said.
“To say that all that hard work has paid off, not just for me, but for my parents and all the coaches over the years, it’s something really special.
“Hopefully I get time on the field this season and get to show everything I’ve been working hard for.”
Having grown up in Newcastle, Fenton spoke of the ‘pinch-yourself-moments’ she’s been having since training with some of her childhood idols like Tara Andrews, Cass Davis and Gema Simon.
“All of them are girls I looked up to growing up,” she said.
“To be in the change rooms with them and getting ready for gamedays and all that, it’s such an amazing thing that I get to look forward to everyday.
“[I look forward] to putting on the jersey and walk out on the field with the girls after the hard work we’ve put in.”
If readying herself for her first A-League Women’s season wasn’t enough, Fenton is also currently completing her HSC and high school graduation. But the youngster insists she’s enjoying it all, with the new, elite football environment she’s found herself in, particularly with trial matches taking place.
“My mind has just been all over the shop,” she said about her HSC completion combined with training.
“There’s obviously higher expectations and professionalism that comes into it, both on the field and off the field. I think it’s a major step that you’ve just got to adapt to and it just works out in the end.
“It’s good getting to be on the field with the girls and to gel with them a lot more. We’ve all really clicked off the field as well, but it’s good to get a feel of each other on the field before the season starts.
“I think we did really well, we’ve just got to keep working hard and aiming high.”
Fenton will be part of the team’s final trial match this Saturday before the season kicks off in Sydney the following weekend.
Get your 2021/22 Newcastle Jets Membership today!
