The Canberra United Academy have lost just one game since Heather Garriock took over as head coach earlier this season.

But the former Matilda said while everyone enjoys winning, her focus is still very much on the development of the young footballers in her side.

“Obviously starting in the job a few weeks after the competition started, I was just excited to be a part of the players’ development,” Garriock said.

“For me, my focus is on trying to develop the girls and having an impact on them as people and footballers.”

If anyone was looking for proof of the Academy’s development, they should look no further than their recent 2-2 draw with Canberra FC.

The Academy twice came from a goal down in that match, something that Garriock said was a testament to her side’s character.

“I think they showed a lot of character [in that match],” she said.

“To be tested against probably a top two team, and to dominate periods of the match, I was just really proud of the girls, particularly to see them execute what we’ve been working on in training.

“There were some mistakes, I thought the second goal was a lapse in concentration, but it’s good the girls are making those mistakes now because they’ll learn from them as they go further on in their careers.”

The Academy are undefeated in the league this season under Garriock, with their only loss coming to Belconnen United in the Federation Cup.

Garriock’s side was at the mercy of Caitlin Munoz that night, as the former Matilda and Canberra United star booted five goals.

But the Academy were far more competitive than the 6-0 score line suggests, and Garriock believes the match was a great learning experience for her young squad.

“I think the girls play against Belconnen with a sense of fear,” she said.

“So I guess this game reassured them that they can match it [with Belconnen], similar to last week’s game against CFC.”

They’ll get a chance to avenge their Federation Cup loss when they take on the Blue Devils again in a weeks’ time.

That will be Garriock’s final game in charge of the squad, as she prepares to join Optus Sport as an analyst for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“The Belconnen game will be my last game before I go away for two months,” Garriock said.

“But I’m really excited for the girls, if we can just tighten things up defensively then we’ll be more competitive this time around.”

Before that match though, the Academy must face fellow top four hopefuls Gungahlin United at GEO this afternoon.