Striker Kyah Simon is kicking goals at home and abroad

THIS soccer star is kicking career goals, both here and in the US

Sydney FC striker Kyah Simon shares a few of her favourite things. Pictures: Bob Barker

• Who: Australian W-League Sydney FC striker Kyah Simon

• Where: A townhouse in Parramatta, with her sister Sarah and nephew

• Favourite thing: This scratch map was a present, and I have done so much travelling since I was 15. Every time go to a new country I scratch off and I am so grateful to have been able to visit so many different places. Football has provided me with these opportunities. Travelling is a real eye-opener, it makes me appreciate our own country.

• Inspiration: My home style is modern, fairly fresh with light colours, mixed with rustic items

• Home is: It’s my favourite place in the world. It’s my most comfortable and secure place

KYAH Simon is a formidable striker for Sydney FC who in the off-season plays for the Boston Breakers in the US.

When she’s not tearing up the pitch, the soccer star is based in Western Sydney, not far from where she was raised in Quakers Hill.

Kyah switched from rugby league to soccer when she was eight, and hasn’t looked back.

Now her time in Sydney is limited to the soccer season before heading back to Boston.

“I spend seven to eight months in America with the Boston Breakers, and then four or five here,” Kyah says. “But then that time is split between Matildas commitments, World Cups and in the past, the Olympics.”

“It’s great to be able to catch up with family,” she says. “Being able to play in front of family means so much to me.”

AT HOME WITH ANTHONY CALLEA

With the Asian Cup coming up in 2018, which is the Matildas’ World Cup qualifying tournament, Kyah is travelling a lot, but she is relishing her time in Sydney.

In Sydney, she lives with her sister Sarah and nephew Trey in a townhouse. She tries to recreate a family environment in Boston.

Beyond her own sporting career, Kyah has also set up a coaching clinic for young girls.

“It’s for girls aged eight to 18,” she says. “I teach them a few things on the pitch, but it’s more than that — it’s about creating a positive environment where they can leave with a new-found sense of self-belief. It’s about giving them the confidence that is sometimes just reserved for the boys.”

The clinics fit into her busy schedule, but Kyah would not have it any other way.

“I want to play professional football for as long as I possibly can.”

More: kyahsimon.com

Photo with teammate Alanna Kennedy: We were on a plane going to a tour and the flight attendant was going around taking Polaroids.

Eiffel Tower statue: After the World Cup in Germany in 2011, I went on a great holiday to Paris with my family. This just reminds me of the time we went bike riding around the city.

Candle: My mum always manages to give me a candle, whether it’s for my birthday, Christmas or whatever. Mum loves her candles and she got me this one, which freshens up the lounge room.

Timber clock: I love that it’s a rusty, artsy clock and I also love how big it is. It’s like big piece of art hanging in the lounge room.

Matilda’s cap: Everyone in the Matildas gets a cap number and mine is 157. In 2017, I was presented with this cap at my very first senior An international. It was such a big moment for me.

Painting: I like the combination of this painting, the clock and the candle. I love the beach and blue and white are my favourite colours. It’s a happy canvas.

Aboriginal soccer ball: I am so proud of my heritage and this ball also has my signature on it. It combines my passion for football and passion for my heritage.

Headphones: These are wireless and they’re great to go running with. I also put them on when I’m travelling to a game. My favourite tunes change depending on my mood from electric, to house to R & B, or Old School.