Mikayla Vidmar joins Canberra United. (Photo: Adam Vidmar/Football SA)
Mikayla Vidmar, daughter of Socceroos legend Tony, has signed with Canberra United for the 2021/22 A-League Women season.
While the young defender initially came through the Canberra United academy program, she’s made a name for herself with Adelaide City, following in her father’s footsteps.
Even though they now compete in South Australia’s NPL division and not at the top flight, the family connection remains strong.
However, Vidmar maintains that her dad has been pretty hands off throughout her football career so far. She didn’t even start playing until she was nearly a teenager.
“I only [started to take] it really seriously when I was 12,” Vidmar told media on Thursday.
“Dad wasn’t one to really push me into it. Both of my parents were always telling us you just do what you do, and as long as you’re happy it doesn’t matter.
“He wasn’t training me in the backyard or anything like that!
“Football’s always been around, but it’s never really been something he wanted us to pursue. It’s really been in the past couple of years, if I wanted help I really had to ask for it. I think my dad just likes being a dad, and not really being a football coach when he’s at home!”
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The young defender has made a sharp rise through the NPL, going from being stuck in the reserves to playing nearly every senior City game in 2021.
Vidmar played 10 games with City across the season, showing off her knack for making play forward of centre.
She’s got a deadly accurate boot at range, setting up assists into the box for her forwards and even scoring two goals of her own in the reserves.
With her aggressive and goal-centred skillset from the back third, Vidmar makes a handy addition to Vicki Linton’s pacey and dynamic squad.
“I’ve spoken to [Vicki] a bit, and she’s let me know what she’s looking for and where she sees me play a bit,” Vidmar said.
“We had a little bit of a chat, but not too much. We’ll talk more when I’m there… how I fit in the team, that’ll all come out.”
Reflecting on the year she’s had, Vidmar has felt the growth that has taken her to A-League Women level within herself.
Having players around already at the level has helped immensely.
“This year’s very different in terms of Adelaide City,” she said.
“We had a very strong team. We had five or so girls playing at the time, so that helped me learned a lot being involved in that environment.
“This year we had eight or so girls from overseas or interstate. That allowed me to step up a bit, and come back as a senior player and show a bit more of what I can do and what I can bring to the game.
“I feel like I’m ready. It’ll definitely be a challenge, but I’m ready to step up and improve and make that next step.”
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