Canberra United’s Laura Hughes, Sally James and Grace Maher have all been named in a 23-player domestic-based squad for the first-ever Women’s Talent Identification Camp to be held in Canberra from 22 – 26 November.
The Women’s Talent Identification Camp provides an opportunity for some of Australia’s most promising female footballers to be evaluated by the Westfield Matildas’ coaching staff, including assistant coach Melissa Andreatta, as the national team program recommenced.
“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.”
The Women’s Talent Identification squad features a mix of young up and coming players from Australia’s youth teams, as well as a host of established Westfield W-League performers.
Experienced defender Ellie Brush is the only player with senior international appearances to her name, with the further 22 players uncapped at senior level. 19 of the players have represented Australia at Junior and Young Westfield Matildas level.
“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 added.
“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.”
Women’s Talent Identification Camp squad: Ellie Brush, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Cassidy Davis, Chelsie Dawber, Charlotte Grant, Ally Green, Annalee Grove, Bryleeh Henry, Angelique Hristodoulou, Laura Hughes, Emma Ilijoski, Sally James, Grace Maher, Courtney Nevin, Hollie Palmer, Jamilla Rankin, Taylor Ray, Natasha Rigby, Cushla Rue, Charlie Rule, Remy Siemsen, Miranda Templeman, Clare Wheeler.
