Football West News

The 15-year-old midfielder is one of three WA players invited to the Australian Institute of Sport to take part in a Mini Matildas training camp in preparation for the upcoming U16 AFC Championships in Vietnam.

Goalkeepers Morgan Aquino and Tylah Nation earned a call up after performances at the recent NTC Challenge and National Youth Championships.

Although Moreno was not picked in the NTC Challenge All Stars team, her talent had caught the eye of national selectors.

“I wanted to play the best football I could while being over there and hoped the scouts would notice that,” she said.

Surprised by the call up, Moreno hopes the invitation will be a catalyst for international selection.

“I now know I have my foot in the door so my aim is to just get better every day and work extra hard on the little things that will help me reach the next level,” she said.

“Of course the dream is to make the Matildas but I am just taking each step at a time.”

After making her international debut at 15, Kerr has been an inspiration for budding female footballers.

“My favourite Matilda has always been Sam Kerr,” Moreno said.

“I would always go and watch her play locally in the W-League and from such a young age she accomplished such amazing things.

“This has inspired me to work hard and follow in her footsteps.”

Football West Technical Director Cris Ola said the girls had been performing well in the NTC program.

“Morgan and Tylah are excellent goalkeepers showing their qualities during the recent tournaments,” he said. “While Lexie is a very creative and clever midfielder.

“Their selection should be an incentive for all our young female players to aim high in their football development.”