Darwin Olympic 13-year-old Grace Amidy making mark in Women’s Premier League

The daughter of a Darwin Olympic club legend, Grace Amidy, 13, has been balancing the rigours of middle school and Women’s Premier League.

With the country – and Darwin - high on Matildas fever, the focus on female football is at an all-time high.

For Grace Amidy this reality is within reach, as dad and Darwin Olympic legend Mitch Amidy knows well.

Balancing the demands of middle school, 13-year-old Grace is also enjoying her first season of Women’s Premier League football with Darwin Olympic.

Mr Amidy said Grace, who has already scored on arch rivals Darwin Hellenic, “always had the attributes”.

“If I’m surprised by anything, it’s in her early years she didn’t show a lot of commitment,” he said.

“But in recent years she’s shown a lot of commitment.”

Grace Amidy of Darwin Olympic in action against Darwin Hellenic. Picture: Mitch Amidy

Mr Amidy said he believed the transition to senior football was inevitable for the central midfielder.

“She basically walked into the reserve grade last year,” he said.

“We tried not to overdo it this year because she’s still playing junior (football).

“Senior football she enjoys because she’s not the ‘centrepiece’ and she can play to her role a bit more – it’s better for her development.”

He said he believed the rigours of senior football were necessary for inspiring young footballers to realise their potential.

Mitch Amidy ahead of the Queens Birthday weekend Glenti clash between Hellenic and Olympic. Picture Glenn Campbell

“Learning from those around you particularly when you’re a younger player in a senior team (is necessary) – and listening to the coach,” Mr Amidy said.

“Not everything will apply to you but it will sort of shape who you are as a player.”

Beyond Grace’s on-field success, Mr Amidy said he was confident her example would demonstrate to other young women that age or gender was no barrier.

“Her presence has always empowered other girls to take it on and have a go where they otherwise might not have,” Mitch said.

“To say she was an influencer at Olympic is a pretty big thing and she probably hasn’t realised that – but we (her parents) definitely see it.”