Canberra United embrace connection with NPLW club Sydney University

It's her first W-League season but the 21-year-old midfielder has been playing alongside some of Australia's top footballers for years.

Galic is one of seven United players who represented Sydney University in the NSW Premier League this year, joining the likes of former Matilda Michelle Heyman, captain Kendall Fletcher and Grace Maher.

Sydney University has become a breeding ground for W-League and Young Matildas players in recent years, with nearly 20 athletes signing contracts this season.

Galic joined Sydney University as a fresh-faced 14-year-old and has established herself as a regular starter in a team dominated by W-League talent over the past three years.

She left a lasting impression on United coach Vicki Linton, becoming the club's seventh signing this season.

"I just needed someone to notice me and give me an opportunity. I'm very grateful for Vicki that she's given it to me this year," Galic said.

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"I knew if I was playing around W-League players then I was good enough to play in it as well.

"Finding that determination and perseverance to keep going even though I wasn't noticed as early as they were, was a bit of a setback but it found me here.

"I think everything happens for a reason and playing with them just made me realise I had to keep going. If I could keep up with them, I could keep up with this."

The connection between Sydney University and United isn't a new one.

It started back in 2014 when the club become seriously competitive, but struggled to win titles.

Matildas great Heather Garriock was brought in and launched her coaching career with Sydney University mid-way through that season. In 2015, Sydney University won its first championship and has since become the powerhouse of the NSW Premier League.

Garriock went on to coach United for three seasons and Alexander Epakis, who has also held an assistant role at Canberra, took over and won three consecutive premierships.

Goalkeeping coach Trinity Allen and United assistant Emily Husband have also crossed over the two clubs, while Linton is also known to have a good relationship with Sydney University.

"Sydney University has a good association with Canberra and long may that continue," Director of Football John Curran said.

"If we can be preparing players the best way we can, give them these opportunities and Canberra is happy to take them off - we'll be happy to push them in their direction any time.

"We know they're going to a good environment with good coaching, with Heather and now Vicki being there.

"We're always trying to make sure the players are going to the right places and Canberra have been so successful over the years. They have good people coaching them who our club are familiar with and know the players will be looked after. That's part of the association we have."

Curran credited to the club's success with recruitment to its culture, facilities, educational opportunities and access to resources.

Sydney University provides its players with access to sports psychologists, nutritionists, as well as strength and conditioning staff in the high-performance programme.

Players like United's Nicki Flannery are supported by the university's elite athlete programme, with the 21-year-old in her fourth year of studying a bachelor of architecture and environments.

"The facilities are probably the best in Australia's off-season and it's a really professional environment, where a lot of us are playing in the W-League," Flannery said.

"For a lot of us, our mindset is to keep our legs ticking over and build on what we achieved in the W-League, at a fitness and technical level.

"There's great people involved with the club and many of us are in situations where we're studying and playing.

"We've been fortunate to have a similar squad in the past four years, I think that's equated to the results we've gained and success we've had."

United's recruits from Sydney University will face their former coach Epakis when they meet Perth Glory later on this season.

"It's a testament to him as a coach to get this opportunity. He's been so successful at Sydney University," Flannery said.

"It's going to be difficult being against him and he obviously knows a few of the players' qualities, but I trust in what we've been working on this preseason.

"I'm excited to get started and it'll be nice to see a familiar face on the other side of Australia."

W-LEAGUE ROUND TWO

Sunday: Canberra United v Melbourne City at Viking Park, 4.05pm.