Eighteen-year-old Brisbane striker Indiah-Paige Riley has been rewarded for her promising finish to 2019, being named the Westfield W-League’s Young Footballer of the Month nominee for December.
The Queenslander started all four games to finish the year, including a goal in Brisbane’s Round 5 victory against Adelaide United.
Her performances in wins against Canberra and Newcastle, as well as a draw against the Victory, saw her claim what she described as being a proud moment for everyone that has helped her grow as a player.
“To be nominated, it’s extremely humbling. It’s something that I’m very grateful for and it’s a proud moment for me, my family, my friends and everyone that’s supported me along the way,” Riley said.
“It wouldn’t be possible without my Mum driving me to training and all the support from my friends coming to support me, it really means a lot. The hard work is paying off.”
Riley was thankful to be playing alongside the six Westfield Matildas players in the Roar side, with the support from the country’s best spurring her onto bigger and better throughout December.
She spent most of the month playing up front alongside Westfield Matildas Hayley Raso and Tameka Yallop.
“It’s a great honour and is something that I’m really grateful for. It’s not every day you can say ‘I played alongside Hayley Raso and Meeks [Tameka Yallop].’
“To have the leadership of Polks [Clare Polkinghorne] at the back, always encouraging me, it’s really something that I’m honoured to have the opportunity.
“The main thing is being surrounded by all those [Westfield] Matildas. Another thing for me is that my confidence is really growing and as I’m getting more minutes, I think I’m developing more and my confidence is growing with the girls.”
Riley and the Roar Women next take the field against Western Sydney Wanderers at Marconi Stadium, this Sunday (3pm KO QLD time).
