The 17-year-old has just been named in the Australia under 20 women’s squad for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship.

Ammendolia made her debut for the Western Sydney Wanderers last season and has gone from strength to strength.

One person who has seen the growth first hand is Wanderers assistant coach Leah Blayney.

“The first time I saw her [Ammendolia] play was against the club side I coached in the Proctor Cup out at Bathurst – there was this young kid destroying our side,” Blayney said.

“I didn’t see her until six months later when she trialled for that club team.

“I think she’s grown immensely, not just as a player but as a person.

“She made a lot of sacrifices. She left a great family, friends and home life in Griffith – something she speaks very fondly of.”

Despite having watched Ammendolia play for so long, Blayney doesn’t get tired of seeing the Wests junior take to the field.

“Eliza has this creativity, expression and freedom about her when she plays – it’s something you can’t coach,” Blayney said.

“She tries things that other people don’t.

“Whether it comes off or it doesn't, I love that she continues to try and think outside the box.”

Ammendolia will be joined in the 23-player squad by fellow Wanderer and Wagga native Jada Whyman.

The squad entered camp on Thursday, July 21 before they play their first match next week.

The girls opening game will be against Malaysia on July 27.

The Young Matildas will then play East Timor on July 29 and Burma on July 31.

Blayney – who has represented the Matildas herself – had some simple advice for the girls heading into the international tournament.

“Anytime you wear a national team jersey, you have to enjoy it. That has to be the number one priority,” she said.

“There’s a reason they’ve gotten to that level.

“Obviously they need to raise the bar each time they go into a camp, at training and a tournament but the number one thing is to enjoy it whilst it’s happening.”