The Liberty A-League’s emerging talent will be on display as the Young Matildas prepare for this year’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup with a pair of international friendlies against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand.
Australia will play host to the Junior Football Ferns in Canberra, where the two nations will go head-to-head on April 6 and April 10.
The A-League Women will be front and centre as the Young Matildas prepare to enter camp, with 25 of the 28 players in the squad featuring in the ALW.
The likes of Sydney FC defender Jessika Nash, Sky Blues team-mate Charlize Rule and Western Sydney Wanderers’ Bryleeh Henry have experience with the Matildas.
The U20 Women’s World Cup will get underway in Costa Rica in August, and the Young Matildas – quarter-finalists in 2002 and 2004 – will be making their first appearance since 2006.
“This two-match international series against New Zealand is the first phase in ensuring the Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas are best prepared for the exciting moment ahead of them in August,” said head coach Leah Blayney.
“We have been building together as a group for almost two years without the opportunity to test ourselves in international standard match conditions. It makes this series crucial in bringing together the players and fostering familiarity with our coaching staff and each other.
“The 28 players selected have been recognised for their excellent season in the A-League Women’s, as well as providing several others with a chance to display their capabilities in a high-performance environment.
“I am pleased we can have an assembly that has international fixtures attached and provides the players with a clear goal over the next two weeks.
“We have an array of talent in our country and these home matches are an excellent platform to showcase the next generation of Australian footballers.”
Young Matildas squad for training camp and internationals against New Zealand:
Goalkeepers
Sally James (Melbourne City), Chloe Lincoln (Canberra United), Miranda Templeman (Adelaide United).
Defenders
Sofia Sakalis (Perth Glory), Charlize Rule (Sydney FC), Jamilla Rankin (Brisbane Roar), Leia Puxty (Adamstown Rosebud), Jessika Nash (Sydney FC), Claudia Mihocic (Perth Glory), Emma Ilijoski (Canberra United), Sheridan Gallagher (Western Sydney Wanderers), Gemma Ferris (Football NSW), Kirsty Fenton (Newcastle Jets), Naomi Chinama (Melbourne City).
Midfielders
Daniela Galic (Football NSW), Sarah Hunter (Sydney FC), Kahli Johnson (Sydney FC), Hannah Jones (Wellington Phoenix), Aideen Keane (Perth Glory), Hana Lowry (Perth Glory), Darcey Malone (Melbourne City), Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City), Alana Murphy (Melbourne Victory), Emilia Murray (Adelaide United).
Forwards
Hayley Taylor-Young (Canberra United), Bryleeh Henry (Western Sydney Wanderers), Abbey Green (Perth Glory).
