30/8/23
Above: The ParaMatildas squad at the World Cup last year. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Head Coach Kelly Stirton has named a ten-player squad for the ParaMatildas’ upcoming international series with Japan.
As the build-up to the 2023 IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships (Para Asian Cup) gathers momentum, Australia will travel to Osaka, Japan to take on their AFC counterparts in a three-match series scheduled for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th September 2023 at J-Green Sakai National Training Centre.
The series marks the ParaMatildas’ first internationals for the year as they continue preparations for the inaugural Women’s Para Asian Cup to be held at the Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Victoria from 31st October – 12th November 2023.
Australia’s squad boasts a mix of experienced players including defenders Eloise Northam, Tahlia Blanshard, and Rae Anderson, goalkeeper Katlyn Smith and forwards Georgia Beikoff and Nicole Christodoulou. They are joined by four emerging national team players – Rachel Tolson, Carly Salmon, Annmarie De Uriarte, and Karina Grigorian – in line for coveted international debuts.
Stirton said: “Every opportunity for the players to test themselves at an international standard is invaluable for our team, particularly against a nation with the immense quality of Japan.”
“With just over 60 days until the Women’s Para Asian Cup kicks off, this three-match series is one where we will be able to gain some important insights into the players, build on our own playing principles and style, while continuing to foster a culture and team chemistry that can help us be successful in the months to come.”
The international series will be the first time the two nations have met since their maiden clash at the 2022 IFCPF World Cup which saw Australia defeat Japan 4-0 thanks to goals from Northam, Beikoff, and a Lainee Harrison brace.
As part of the tour, the ParaMatildas players and staff will participate in a community engagement day hosted by the JCPFA which will see several local clubs and CP Football programs involved in activities on Sunday, 3 September to further assist in strengthening and developing women’s and CP Football in Asia.
PARAMATILDAS SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Carly Salmon (0 caps, 0 goals), Katelyn Smith (Also available as a defender – five caps, two goals).
Defenders: Rae Anderson (Three caps, 0 goals), Tahlia Blanchard (Five caps, 0 goals), Karina Grigorian (0 caps, 0 goals), Rachel Tolson (0 caps, 0 goals).
Midfielders: Georgia Biekoff (Five caps, 13 goals), Eloise Northam (Five caps, five goals).
Strikers: Nicole Christodoulou (Three caps, two goals), Annemarie De Uriarte (0 caps, 0 goals).
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