Peta Trimis started her football journey in the park as a 10-year-old. Even then, she knew that she wanted to represent her country one day.
Now, at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Colombia 2024™, the Central Coast Mariners forward is living the dream of her younger self.
"I have a really big passion for football, family and friends," the 18-year-old told Football Australia media.
"I just love being on the pitch. When I walk on, I just forget about everything else. I don't know how to explain it - it's being so focused, but you feel so free at the same time, and just really enjoy it."
Trimis excelled at the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ back in March of this year. She scored three goals and assisted another as Australia picked up a bronze medal, equalling their best-ever tournament performance, and was nominated for the Future Star of the Tournament award as a result.
She still gets goosebumps when she sees her name on the back of a national team shirt.
"It's such a surreal feeling because I've always dreamed of it since I was a little girl," she reflected. "So to see it there and be like - wow, it's coming to life - it's just such a good feeling. It makes me so happy."
Family is one of the most important things for Trimis, and football has been central to a very special bond with her father. Her career has re-engaged him with the beautiful game, and his daughter couldn't be happier for the Liverpool fan.
"It's such a good feeling," Trimis explained. "Just knowing that it brought back some spark into his life, because he's really into it now. I can always call him before and after games, and he just understands me."
While her two older sisters do not play the game, they have been a bedrock of support as well.
"It's about going to football and being really focused - but then when you're coming home, not always having to think about football, that's a good thing," she smiled.
"Having my sisters is just going into their room and being able to chat with them always and laugh, I just forget about it sometimes. But then going back to football and having them there, watching me is a good feeling as well."
Football has helped her overcome challenges both on the pitch and off it.
"There's always struggles with football, losing your confidence a bit," she began, "but I realised how grateful I am because it makes me so much better and work so much harder. And now, every time something goes wrong, I take it and look for the positive."
"Throughout the past couple of years - where it all gets harder - I've realised that everything happens for a reason. I'm so grateful for the hard times I've gone through because they've made me so much better. I take that into real life as well."
Having just signed a new two-year deal with the Central Coast Mariners, Trimis is clear about her goals ahead.
"I definitely hope to play for the Matildas and become the best player I can be, and to go overseas to Europe eventually to play over there," she said.
"But also, just to always be happy, enjoy the game, and keep improving."
MATCH SCHEDULE | FIFA U-20 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP COLOMBIA 2024™
Australia v Cameroon
Date: Friday, 6 September 2024 / Saturday, 7 September 2024 (AUS)
Time: 5.00pm (local) / 8.00am (AEST)
Venue: Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia
Broadcast: 10Play
