When Canberra Olympic defender Tayla Hampson steps onto the pitch, she carries with her years of passion, family influence, and the simple joy of playing football.
Her journey began at just four years old, when her mum signed her up to play, setting the foundation for a career built on love for the game and steady dedication.
Tayla’s earliest memory of football is one she will never forget the moment she scored her very first First Grade goal. For most players, which would be memorable enough, but Tayla recalls an unusual detail that made it even more special.
Just as she netted the goal, she noticed a shiny $2 coin on the field. The coincidence stuck with her, turning that goal into a light-hearted and defining moment that symbolises how football has always brought unexpected joy into her life.
Her inspiration to play came from her family. Growing up, Tayla’s older brother played soccer, and like many younger siblings, she looked up to him. Watching him train and compete sparked her interest, and soon she wanted to be part of the same world.
What started as following in her brother’s footsteps quickly became a personal passion that has carried her through the years.
Today, playing for Canberra Olympic, Tayla represents more than just her club. She embodies the values of family, fun, and hard work that shaped her journey from a little girl chasing a ball to an established player.
Every player has a routine, and for Tayla, preparation is as much mental as it is physical. Twenty minutes before a match, she begins to switch into game mode. Part of her ritual is buying an energy drink to ensure she’s fueled up, but just as important are her little superstitions.
Like many athletes, Tayla has a unique quirk she takes special care with her socks. Making sure they are comfortable and “just right” helps her feel settled and ready to perform at her best.
“Everyone has their own thing,” she explains. “For me, it’s just making sure my socks are sorted. It sounds simple, but it helps me feel confident when I step out there.”
These small details highlight how football is as much about mental readiness as it is physical ability.
For young players, Tayla’s advice is straightforward but meaningful: “Don’t stress, just enjoy the game.” She believes that too often players put unnecessary pressure on themselves, and in doing so, lose sight of the joy that made them fall in love with football in the first place.
Enjoyment, she insists, should be the foundation of growth. When players focus on having fun, their performance improves naturally. It is this approach that has kept her grounded throughout her career and continues to drive her to success.
Like many women in football, Tayla is passionate about seeing the sport continue to grow, both in Australia and globally. She hopes the next generation of players experiences a more equal playing field, with greater opportunities and recognition for women.
Her aspirations include increased female participation at the grassroots level, better pay and conditions for professional players, and higher attendance at women’s matches.
“It’s about building a future where girls don’t just play because they love it, but because they know they’ll be supported, respected, and rewarded the same way as the men,” she says.
Tayla Hampson’s football journey has been anything but ordinary. From the funny memory of a $2 coin and a first goal to the steady guidance of family and the lessons she’s learnt along the way, her story reflects the simple but powerful reasons people fall in love with sport.
She plays for the thrill of the game, the bond with teammates, and the opportunity to inspire others. Her message to young girls and aspiring players is clear: enjoy the sport, believe in yourself, and keep pushing for a future where women’s football continues to rise.
For Canberra Olympic, Tayla is not just a player she is a symbol of what the club stands for: passion, resilience, and a love for the game that begins at childhood and continues to inspire the next generation.
Words: Charli Fiddes
