Matildas hopefuls set for Talent Identification Camp

Matildas assistant coach Mel Andreatta has selected 23 of the best locally-based players for a talent identification camp to be held in Canberra from 22-26 November. 

The first of its kind for elite women players, this five-day-long camp gives the best NPLW– and W-League-based players a chance to train and play under the watchful eyes of the Matildas coaching staff ahead of the side’s international calendar recommencing in 2021.  

“Following the disruptions in 2020, this camp is an important milestone for the national team program, and we are looking forward to coming together for the first time since March,” Andreatta said.

“With four major tournaments, the next four years present exciting opportunities for women’s football in Australia. Creating a deep player pool will be important for our success and this is the start of building the best platform possible.”  

FFA CEO James Johnson emphasised the importance of continuing to identify elite young players as the Matildas move forward.

“Recent research conducted by FFA has highlighted the necessity of successfully implementing Principle V of the XI Principles for the future of Australian football to maximise the ability for Australia to generate a bigger talent pool of players for our national teams,” Johnson said.

“We acknowledge that Australia has unique challenges in this area and that we have to be innovative in approaching player development. FFA will continue to work closely with the A-League and Westfield W-League clubs, NPL clubs and Member Federations as we collaboratively seek to grow the player pool.”

The squad features a number of players from Australia’s youth teams, many of whom have significant experience in the W-League.

Northern Tigers and Sydney defender Ellie Brush is the only player selected to have been capped for the Matildas, while the versatile Cassidy Davis and defender Natasha Rigby will take part in their first national camp.

“The staff are continually observing and evaluating players, and the 23 invited into the camp have been recognised for their performances at youth level and in the Westfield W-League,” Andreatta said.

“It is vital that we continue to offer chances for players to show that they can contribute to the senior team and in Canberra the selected players will get that chance to push their case for future call ups.

“The Westfield Matildas thrive on competition and opening the door for new players to strengthen the senior environment can only be beneficial as we work to assemble a team to compete in major tournaments.”

23-Player Training Squad: Women’s Talent ID Camp, Canberra