Collette McCallum in her international glory days. Photo: Getty Images

Former Matildas midfielder Collette McCallum will assist her ex-Perth Glory Women teammate Elisa D’Ovidio at the Football Federation Australia National Championships in Coffs Harbour next week.

It is McCallum’s first state coaching role following her recent retirement from the game as a player.

The presence in camp of one of WA’s best female players would be a boost to players from both U15 and U13 WA State teams, according to D’Ovidio.

“It’s great for the girls to have someone like Collette around,” D’Ovidio said. “I had the pleasure of playing in the same team as her with Perth Glory and obviously we all saw how good she was on the international stage for the Matildas.

“Collette has a lot to offer and the girls have responded very well so far.”

WA U15 girls team. Photo: Vince Caratozzolo

D’Ovidio, who is also Football West Women’s Development Officer, steered the State girls U15s to Group B success at the tournament last year and knows the team faces a tougher task in Group A this season.

But, having spent 19 years in WA women’s football, she has an excellent understanding of their capabilities and is confident they can hold their own against the country’s best players.

“I’ve been involved in coaching girls’ football in WA for the past eight years and during that time the game has taken great strides,” D’Ovidio said.

“It’s been fantastic to see the improvement in technical ability, attitude and enthusiasm towards the game. The National Championships obviously give the girls an opportunity to see how they match up against other states, some of which are drawing from a much bigger pool of players.

“The girls have trained well, they’re excited about the challenge and we hope they’ll perform very well over there.”

The U15 team takes on NSW Country, NSW Metropolitan, South Australia and Victoria in Group A matches as well as a crossover game against Group B team Tasmania.

WA U13 girls team. Photo: Vince Caratozzolo.

WA’s U13 team, coached by Darren Young, take on Group B opponents ACT, Norther Territory, NSW Country and Tasmania. They face a tough test in a crossover match against Group A side NSW Metropolitan.

The teams travel to Coffs Harbour tomorrow for the tournament which runs from July 5 to 10.

U13 squad: Tanessha Baker; Siobhan Connolly; Yasmin Furse; Abbey Green; Jade Inskster; Annabelle Leek; Leticia McKenna; Emma McMurdo; Grace Mitchell; Mia Njirich; Thalia Organ; Ashleigh Santich; Eden-Lee Schaffer; Danielle Suckling; Nicole Tjahyadi; Isabella Wallhead.
Coach: Darren Young
Assistant: Faye Chambers
Manager: Salv Todaro

U15 squad: Morgan Aquino; Rosie Lehane; Ashling Devitt; Cheyenne Wise-Jarvis; Tessa De Leo; Sofie Osborne; Georgia Cawley; Isabella Foletta; Katie Grayson; Kizanne Mulder; Bianca Webb; Georgie Ireland; Lauren DeGaye; Tia Bergin; Sasha Edwards; Tylah Nation.
Coach: Elisa D’Ovidio
Assistant: Collette McCallum
Manager: Donna Harris
Physiotherapist: Lauren McCreay