The Young Matildas will play three international matches against high calibre female football nations Canada and the USA at the AIS in Canberra from 6-12 July 2017.

ffa.com.au

The matches, which will see the Young Matildas take on Canada followed by two encounters against the USA, will officially launch the squad’s preparations for the AFC U-19 Women’s Championships 2017 campaign coming up in October, the tournament which doubles as qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2018 in France.

“Being able to have teams of the quality of Canada and the USA here is extremely beneficial. International competition for all junior teams is something that we’re starved of, so for us to get the opportunity to play against two powerhouses like Canada and America is invaluable for our players,” said Young Matildas Head Coach Gary van Egmond.

“It will give us a really good eye opener on what this level is all about and it’s good for us from the perspective of assessing and looking to see how we finalise the squad ahead of the AFC U-19 Women’s Championships in October.”

The 23-player squad selected by van Egmond includes capped Westfield Matildas duo Ellie Carpenter and Alex Chidiac along with a host of exciting young talent eager to impress.

Up to 36 players have been involved in Young Matildas camps since the beginning of the year, highlighting the increasing depth of talent coming through and the surging growth and interest in football among girls.

“From all of the players we’ve had come through Young Matildas camps from the beginning of the year, it’s getting to a stage of looking at who we think we can utilise when the time comes around for qualification, which is the most important thing,” said van Egmond.

“The squad has changed around a bit so that shows there are opportunities for players who are working hard and doing well. At the moment these 23 players have got a spot in the squad and it’s up to them to try and keep their position.”

“A mainstay of this squad has all had Westfield W-League experience so they’re quality players and it’s good to see the next generation coming through.”

With the USA’s senior women’s team currently the number one ranked team in the world in the world while Canada is fourth, the rare opportunity to host their respective U-20 teams in Australia is not lost on van Egmond.

“We’ve seen the way Canada and the USA’s senior women’s teams play and I don’t think that will be too dissimilar to how the younger ones go about their business,” said van Egmond.

“But from our perspective it’s more about concentrating on us and looking at how we can try and cause them problems by keeping to our principles.”

The three international matches are part of a Young Matildas training camp at the AIS which commenced today and will conclude on 13 July.

The Young Matildas’ first match is on Saturday 8 July against Canada following the opening match between the Canadians and the USA on 6 July. The matches are open to public and free of charge to enter.

Match Schedule (all matches to be played at the AIS on Field 2)

Canada v USA
Thursday 6 July 2017
Kick-Off: 3.30pm AEST

Young Matildas v Canada
Saturday 8 July 2017
Kick-Off: 10.00am AEST

Young Matildas v USA
Monday 10 July 2017
Kick-Off: 3.30pm AEST

Young Matildas v USA
Wednesday 12 July 2017
Kick-Off: 3.30pm AEST

Young Matildas squad for July internationals