Laura Hughes turns to Canberra United legends for ALW championship rebuild

Laura Hughes hopes legends of the past can help her write her own chapter in Canberra United's story, declaring her desire to lift the club back into championship contention. The Canberra junior has temporarily paused her ambitions to play overseas to focus on cementing her place in United's midfield for what will be her sixth A-League Women's campaign. The 21 year old is now rubbing shoulders with players she used to ask for autographs and she plans to tap into their knowledge to help take the next step in her career. Canberra is expected to go on a signing spree in the coming days to complete their roster, with another to be added on Friday and coach Njegosh Popovich on the verge of landing international recruits. But he didn't have to go far to find Hughes, who grew up idolising the likes of teammates Ellie Brush and Michelle Heyman and mentors Caitlin Munoz and Grace Gill. Championship winners Munoz and Gill are among a group of former players who have been invited back into the club's inner sanctum to provide guidance for the new generation players. Hughes represents the new breed, making her debut as a teenager during the 2016-17 season and then establishing herself as a star of the future last year. "As I'm transitioning in more of an experienced player, I still need some guidance," Hughes said. MORE CANBERRA SPORT "[The former players] are the best people for it. I grew up watching them play and seeing them lift a trophy, I obviously want to do that as well and write my own story in Canberra United history. "The last few years have been tough. We've lacked that consistency, but I hope we can get back on track. That's what we're aiming for ... playing finals and winning titles is what Canberra United is all about." Canberra players will start pre-season training on Sunday as Popovich takes the reins for the first time. They begin an extended season with a clash against Perth Glory at McKellar and Hughes is hoping more games will be beneficial for her hopes of being in the Matildas' frame in the future. "I want to have more of an impact on games," Hughes said. "Score more goals, more assists and I think if I make that noise to knock on the door of the national team then I'll hopefully be ready if I got that opportunity. "I was trying to find a contract overseas, but things don't always work out. This is a blessing in disguise that I get to come back home and play for Canberra. "The biggest thing was looking for more year-round football. It's been a bit of a struggle over the years to play ALW and then NPL and there's not a break. With the ALW expanding ... we're playing catch up to Europe, but it's a massive step in the right direction." CANBERRA UNITED ALW DRAW November 19: Canberra United v Perth Glory at McKellar, 3pm November 26: Brisbane Roar v Canberra United at Perry Park, 3pm December 10: Canberra United v Wellington Phoenix at McKellar, 3pm December 18: Perth Glory v Canberra United at Macedonia Park, 7pm December 23: Canberra United v Melbourne City at Seiffert Oval, 6pm December 31: Melbourne Victory v Canberra United at CB Smith Reserve, 3pm January 7: Adelaide United v Canberra United at Adelaide, 4pm January 14: Canberra United v Newcastle Jets at McKellar 3pm January 22: Wellington Phoenix v Canberra United at Wellington, 10.25am January 28: Canberra United v Western United at McKellar, 3pm February 4: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United at Newcastle, 3pm February 11: Canberra United v Sydney FC at McKellar, 3pm February 25: Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers at McKellar, 3pm March 4: Canberra United v Adelaide United at McKellar, 3pm March 12: Western Sydney Wanderers v Canberra United at Wanderers Park, 4pm March 18: Canberra United v Melbourne Victory at McKellar, 3pm March 25: Western United v Canberra United at Plumpton, 3pm April 2: Melbourne City v Canberra United at Casey Fields, 5.35pm We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on The Canberra Times website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. See our moderation policy here. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: