It's amazing how time flies.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Figtree junior Mackenzie Hawkesby can remember, only a few years back, attending a junior clinic run in the Illawarra by Kyah Simon.
Hawkesby soaked up the chance to learn from and train alongside a Matildas great, and it was a moment that helped in her own career's development.
Fast forward to 2020 and the student has now become the teacher. On Monday, the 20-year-old returned to Wollongong to conduct Sydney FC's Term Three Skills Program at the UOW fields.
Hawkesby, who recently re-signed for her second season with Sydney FC, said it was a "surreal" opportunity.
"When I was younger, I attended a lot of clinics including a Kyah Simon clinic. Kyah was a massive idol of mine, and she still is, so it was really good to have a pro athlete come down and train with them," she said.
"It does feel a bit surreal. And even though I'm still young, I'm happy to be doing this for young people. I was just like them only a few years ago."
The Term Three Training Program continues every Monday night at the UOW fields.
Hawkesby will return to the region to help run a Girls Only clinic at Balls Paddock on October 9 from 9am to 3pm.
Sydney FC will also run a Holiday Clinic at UOW's Oval One from October 6 to 8, from 9am to 3pm each day.
The Skills Training Program will run for 10 weeks at two locations, starting at the UOW Oval One on October 12 and at Terry Reserve from October 14.