Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears all about the ParaMatildas’ first squad gathering in Canberra (1/4/22).
Above: The ParaMatildas players gather today for a historic training camp. Photo: Football Australia.
Head coach Kelly Stirton has selected an 11-player squad as the ParaMatildas today commence their first-ever national team training camp.
Held at the Australian Institute of Sport alongside their national team compatriots, the Commonwealth Bank Junior Matildas, and Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas, the three-day camp marks the official commencement of the ParaMatildas preparation for the historic 2022 IPCPF Women’s World Cup.
Stirton expressed her anticipation for the first assembly of the ParaMatildas players and staff.
“It’s an exciting time and it’s the first time we have been together as a team under the ParaMatildas name,” Stirton said.
“This camp is about connecting as a squad, developing the team culture, and building a solid platform to take to the World Cup. The coaching staff and team are on a high and can’t wait to get on the field.”
Ranked number four in the world, earlier this week the ParaMatildas’ IFCPF Women’s World Cup pool opponents were revealed with Australia taking on Japan, the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands. The tournament will take place from 8th-18th May 2022.
Australia’s national team for footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, and symptoms of stroke, CP football is a seven-a-side sport with smaller goals, 30-minute halves, and no offside.
Players are classed as FT1, FT2, and FT3 depending on how their disability affects a player, with at least one FT1 player and a maximum of one FT3 player required at all times.
With a clear goal in sight, Stirton and her coaching staff will enter the training camp with full focus.
“Our goal is to build a strong world-class team. It’s a tight turnaround but I believe we can certainly push for that top spot. Our goal in the World Cup is to play our best football and for the players to finish the tournament proud of their accomplishments.”
ParaMatildas Squad Selection:
| NO. | NAME | AGE | CITY/ STATE | CLASSIFICATION |
| 1 | Holly SAUNDERS | 19 | Sydney, NSW | FT1 |
| 2 | Georgia BEIKOFF | 29 | Newcastle, NSW | FT2 |
| 3 | Nicole CHRISODOULOU | 30 | Sydney, NSW | FT2 |
| 4 | Taylor DOYLE | 30 | Sydney, NSW | FT2 |
| 5 | Lainee HARRISON | 18 | Newcastle, NSW | TBC |
| 6 | Matilda MASON | 30 | Canberra, ACT | FT2 |
| 7 | Emily O’SULLIVAN | 28 | Adelaide, SA | FT2 |
| 8 | Katelyn SMITH | 26 | Perth, WA | TBC |
| 9 | Rachel TOLSON | 22 | Shearwater, TAS | TBC |
| 10 | Eloise NORTHAM | 19 | Sydney, NSW | TBC |
| 11 | Rae ANDERSON | 25 | Wamberal, NSW | TBC |
Supporters can follow the journey of the ParaMatildas to the IFCPF Women’s World Cup through their website and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
You can also donate to support the ParaMatildas team with all donations of $2 or more tax deductible. The funds go directly to supporting ParaMatildas national team training camps, coaching, sports science, and tournament costs to ensure that the ParaMatildas have the best possible chance to represent Australia on the world stage. In return, sponsors will get a “Virtual seat” to show their support of the team. Click here for more details: https://asf.org.au/projects/football-federation-australia-limited/paramatildas-virtual-seats?Token=a1H5j0000011oqJ&Status=preview
impetusfootball.org 