SYDNEY FC and Matildas star Elizabeth Ralston grew up in Camden. She realises the importance of young players watching their idols up close.
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It's why the 24-year-old is excited to be part of a landmark occasion when the defending W-League champions play a trial against Newcastle Jets on November 3 at Equex Centre.
The match is the start of a partnership which has the potential to develop into a longer term contract, which would see A-League and W-League matches played at the venue in alternate years.
Ralston gave the venue a strong tick of approval when touring the facilities on Thursday, and believes it can eventually hold fully-fledged games.
"I think that would be really exciting," she said.
"It's among the best grounds we play on, especially in terms of regional facilities it's the best I've seen.
"The facilities here are definitely appropriate and we'd be excited to get that opportunity in the future.
"These are the games as a team we enjoy the most, getting out into the communities that support us."
Ralston broke into the Matildas squad last year for their tour of the US before the World Cup, and has her sights set on making more inroads internationally.
"I've played for Sydney FC for eight years and was recently picked on the fringe of the Matildas squad," she said.
"This season is really important for me looking towards the Olympics next year, it's certainly a goal of mine."
Football Wagga media and marketing manager Tim Barter said they view the trial as an audition to prove they can host future W-League and A-League regular season games.
"This is the start of what we're aiming for," he said.
"If we can bring teams of this calibre to play these games, I'm sure in the future we can look at bringing actual season matches to Wagga."
Tickets are on sale at Ticketbo and through Sydney FC and Football Wagga's web sites.