How Matildas are made: The pathways to the national team


When young players arrive in the national team and on the big stage it should look like the next logical step and not a giant leap. Here are some of the systems set up to help young guns become senior Matildas

By Kieran Yap 14/2/24

Photo: Jessika Nash (left) Naomi Chinnama (middle) and Daniela Galic for the Young Matildas. Football Australia

When Kaitlyn Torpey made her debut in the Olympic qualifiers, she did not look out of place on the international stage. For players like her, The Matildas are the culmination of a lifetime of work and the start of a new stage.

At 23 years old, Torpey looked ready for the team, much like Mary Fowler, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Amy Sayer and Charli Grant have. While much of this is obviously due to the individual qualities and sacrifices of the players, there have never been more systems in place to give Australia’s best youngsters the chance to become stars, and make sure they are ready when they do step out in front of 54,000 fans.

The National Talent Development Scheme

In late February Football Australia unveiled a new system for identifying players with national team potential. Acting on recommendations from FIFA, the new system will allow for coaches around the geographically vast country to add information into a centralized database. This Talent ID Webform will be accessible to accredited and approved coaches who will assess players based on:

  • Pressure
  • Protection
  • Positioning
  • Possession
  • Penetration
  • Presence

Previously, talend identification in Australia has been focused disproportionately in the main cities and with limited capture points. the new scheme seeks to change that so that players can be assessed over a longer period of time in different setting.

Frequent Talent Development matches will be scheduled in every state and territory where scouted youngsters are selected to play in an 11 v 11 match. Participating players will be selected from Member Federation programs, NPL clubs, A-League clubs, Schools and regional areas. This is not strictly a youth development program, but aims to find as many potential stars as possible to enter those programs.

The inclusion of schools as part of the pathway is important. Club fees are expensive, often prohibitively so and there are limits to what Football Australia has been able to do to limit this. But if players can be discovered playing for their schools it simply widens the net beyond those that can afford to play.

How effectively this will be can only be known in time. There is the worrying potential that young players will be trying too hard to appeal to the assessable attributes instead of learning by playing, but it has recieved the glowing support of Junior Matildas coach Rae Dower and Melbourne City forward Bryleeh Henry.

Dower spoke of the usefullness of the Web form to easily compare data, but also the flow on effect from the program

“We can not only look for some bespoke qualities in different positions,” said Dower

“But also gain the opportunity to identify some future coaches who we can see have a really great eye for being able to identify and select potential players.”

“I think its huge,” said Henry

“If you look at the participation numbers from the Women’s World Cup and how much they’ve grown already, there’s so much raw talent out there that’s just waiting to be unearthed.

“It puts that belief back in players. Inside all players they should have that belief that no matter where they live that they can make it. Having these programs out there where they can get identified emphasizes that.

“For current players its only going to make us work harder and push for spots because it’s only going to get more competetive which then has a flow on effect to our national teams.”

“We want to eventually be number one, to win World Cups and Olympics and this is a good step in that direction.”

The Junior Matildas

The Junior Matildas are Australia’s Under-17 side, but have competed in other age brackets and are the reigning Under 18 AFF Champions in Asia. Goals to Sienna Saveska and Mary Stanic-Floody secured a 2-0 win over Vietnam in 2022 and gave that generation of youngsters their first international trophy. The Junior Matildas were established in 2007. Of the 2019 squad to travel to the Under 16 Asian Cup, 21 of the 23 players went on to A-League Women Careers.

Coached by Rae Dower, this is one of the first steps on the national team pathway. The players are exposed to the expectations and realities of playing abroad, representing the nation and playing international football against the best young players in the region.

The Young Matildas

Australia’s Under 20 side. The Young Matildas are often the last step before a senior call up. Karly Roestbakken’s  late elevation to the 2019 World Cup squad came after stand out performances with Leah Blayney’s highly regarded side. That 2019 Asian Cup team was packed with stars. Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler, Charlie Grant, Courtney Nevin, Princess Ibini, and Rachel Lowe have all been called into senior camps since. Indiah Paige-Riley and Deborah Anne De La Harpe have both switched allegiances to New Zealand and The Republic of Ireland respectively while sadly Holly McNamara joined Kaitlyn Torpey on the injured list for that tournament.

That generation did not win the Asian Cup, but Roestbakken and Fowler graduated to the senior squad almost immediately, while Kyra Cooney-Cross, Nevin and Grant would soon join them. As a means of preparing players for the top level, the Under 20’s program has been a massive success in recent years and provided a young spine for the senior team capable of helping with the approaching regeneration of the squad.

The Young Matildas prior to the 2019 Asian Cup Photo via Ann Odong

In 2022, The Young Matildas were given a chance to take part in the Under 20 World Cup in Costa Rica. They won their opening game against the hosts 3-1, but went out at the groups stage after defeats to Brazil and Spain. From that group, Bryleeh Henry, Charlize Rule, Jess Nash and Sarah Hunter would make senior debuts within the next two years. Daniela Galic featured heavily in that tournament at the age of 16, and is still eligible for the upcoming Under 20 Asian Cup where she is expected to be a key player.

“There’s a lot that I took from the World Cup, especially against Brazil and Spain,” Bryleeh Henry told Impetus71 in late 2022.  

“We got world-class opponents and hard teams. Like (Immaculada) Gabarro from Spain, the way that she moves herself around and can score goals against any opponent.

“I was pretty happy with my tournament. I think learning I could compete at that level was a good confidence booster.

“We’ve played over there and in the conditions. The chemistry that we’ve built is so important and will only build further in this season when we train together every single day. I think that’s important.”

There is sometimes overlap between the Young Matildas and the senior team. Ellie Carpenter famously played regularly for the senior team and Under 20 side in 2018, but this is far rarer today and the Young Matildas team is more likely to have players in the Under 23 side than simultaneously in the senior team.

In March, the Young Matildas will once again participate in the Asian Cup and will be grouped with Uzbekistan, South Korea and Chinese Taipei. A second place finish in the group will ensure qualification for next year’s Under 20 World Cup.

Speaking at the announcement of the 2024 Asian Cup squad, Leah Blayney reiterated the importance of the Young Matildas in building the depth of the senior team and its contribution to Australian football.

“It’s at this age where players start to break into their club teams and take on positions of responsibility in those environments,” said Blayney.

“We look to build on that in the national team to sharpen their already considerable tools and provide them with even more assets for their future career.

“Historically across this age group, and particularly in the past four years, we have shown there is a definite pathway to progress all the way up to the senior team. We are determined to do everything possible to qualify for this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup which will provide further opportunities for this talented group of players.”

The Under 23‘s

The Under 23 side is one of the newest additions to the pathway and is one of Tony Gustavsson’s most significant changes to the national team setup. Unlike the men’s game, there is no competitive reason for the Under 23’s to exist like the Olyroos. This is purely a developmental squad to keep players in the national team framework, provide them with international experience and let them learn the style of play expected as a senior Matilda.

Looking across all four age groups over the past three years, one can find similarities in game style even if the formations and personnel differ. There is a synergy to the way these programs work even though each has its own head coach and are playing in entirely different competitions.

a Twitter thread showing the stylistic similarities between the age groups

The Under 23’s first outing was in 2022, when they participated in the AFF Championships. Australia’s under 23 side featured many of the players who played against Spain in the 7-0 loss a week earlier. They were captained by Charli Grant and coached by Mel Andreatta.

Australia lost to The Philippines 1-0 from a Sarina Bolden goal, but drew their next match against Thailand and defeated Singapore 4-1 in their third game. They finished off the tournament with a 6-0 thrashing of Malaysia and narrowly missed the knockout rounds, but the tournament provided valuable experience against senior internationals for some of Australia’s rising stars.

From the AFF’s Charli Grant further established herself as player ready to take on a larger role in as a senior Matilda, while Sarah Hunter, Amy Sayer, Jada Whyman and Matilda McNamara all featured heavily as they continued their journey to senior international caps.

More recently, the Under 23 squad played a two game series against Scotland. It allowed others such as Kaitlyn Torpey and Polly Doran to show what they could do in the green and gold with Doran scoring a goal and Torpey finding herself in the senior team to face Uzbekistan this month.

“The recent FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ demonstrated just how rapidly women’s football is advancing in terms of the quality on the pitch,” said Andreatta when naming a recent squad. 

“The U-23 Women’s National Team program is a vital step for us as a nation to continue the evolution of players in that crucial age group. It not only provides the honour of being able to represent Australia but also the opportunity to gain invaluable experience at international level which is difficult to replicate in any other forum.” 

Future Matildas

First launched in 2018, this is a little known program compared to the others. The Future Matildas were conceived as a way to provide a tailored training environment for the countries most gifted 15-20 year olds. It allows these players to train with other high level prospects and access specialized coaching and support staff. Originally, this program was mostly based in Sydney but in 2023 it was expanded to Victoria and Queensland with more scholarship recipients than ever before. Of the 23 senior Matildas who played in the Cup of Nations, nine had been through the Future Matildas program.

The Future Matildas contains many Junior and Young Matildas names, but is not restricted to them. The likes of Paige Zois, Alana Jancevski and Leticia McKenna were included in the 2023 list. All have the talent to become international footballers and Football Australia has invested in their potential.

“I was part of the Future Matildas Program for two years before moving to Sweden. This Program really helped me prepare for being overseas. It was a good stepping stone to now living on my own and doing things for myself,” said  Charli Grant through Football Australia in 2023.

“Another important aspect was being in that full-time football environment around high-quality staff and high-quality players. It has really assisted me in meeting the mental and physical demands that is required to play full-time professionally. I am grateful to the Program as it helped me grow as a player and person and made the transition smooth when heading overseas to play in Sweden.” 

At the announcement of the 2023 class, Leah Blayney spoke to the program’s importance.

“The Program has a resolute focus on developing players holistically for future national team programs, professional contracts and endeavours outside of football,” Blayney explained.

“For the time period they are outside of the Liberty A-League Women’s environment, we work to provide continuity of that high performance setting with access to high-quality coaching staff, individual programming related to identified player strengths and areas of improvement, opportunities to gain higher level match minutes including, Future Matildas internal Elite Games and international opponents training in Australia, plus athlete wellbeing and educational resources. 

“We are also proud of the professional development openings available to identify and advance potential future national team staff across coaching, management, sports science, and sports medicine. This year’s staffing includes former CommBank Matildas, CommBank Young Matildas and Liberty A-League Women’s players as we look to engage and incorporate their knowledge in the pathway programs.”

Daniela Galic in the Future Matildas program. Photo by Tiffany Williams fog Footb

Salary cap changes and clubs

This is a relatively minor change, but has the potential to have a big impact down the years. In 2023 The APL made changes to the A-League Women that allowed clubs to sign Scholarship players outside of the salary cap. In practical terms this means that more young players are given chances at elite football with clubs more capable of fitting them on a senior list without risking valuable cap space.

The likes of Zoe Tolland, Chrissy Panagaris (Adelaide United), Maya Lobo, Tess Quilligan (Mariners), and Ischia Brooking (Western Sydney Wanderers) are among those under scholarship contracts. These players only earn a minimum salary of $12,400 a season but have the opportunity to stay in an elite environment and play senior A-League Women football.

Although not an official part of the Matildas pathway, the changes to the salary cap allow for more players to be in the A-League Women, which provides the majority of players in the Under 20 and Under 23 sides.

Michelle Heyman is a rare case of not playing for any youth teams, but has made a significant impact at senior level. Following her four goal haul, Tony Gustavsson was quick to praise the impact of clubs.

”We need to understand as a national team coach, you pick players who have been developed in clubland and you try to make the best out of the players you have.

“But if it wasn’t for the phenomenal jobs they (the clubs) do, they couldn’t perform like this.

“I really want to credit the work that all the clubs are doing with the players to prepare them for this because it’s amazing.”

The majority of a players time is spent at clubland. While not all A-League clubs have academies set up for women’s sides some do.

Newcastle’s Emerging Jets, Sydney FC’s Academy and Melbourne Victory’s Elite Girls programs have all produced some excellent players, while Western United established an elite program for potential A-League players before their first season, have official links to NPL side Calder United and announced expansion to their girls academy in early 2024.

State Federations and National’s Tournaments

The state federations are the beginning of the elite pathway for many players. Although they are less discussed and lower profile, they are crucial to the national team setup.

In 2020 the Football Victoria Emerging side featured the likes of Caitlin Karic, Alana Murphy and Claudia Mihocic who have all made impacts as youth internationals and A-League Women players.

Former Young Matildas captain Emilia Murray starred for the South Australian NTC, and many of Canberra United’s stars came through their own local academy. Unfortunately that program has been halted by Capital Football, but it produced the likes of Future Matilda Hayley Taylor-Young, former Junior Matilda Emma Ilijoski and current Young Matilda Sasha Grove.

Annually, the best young players from around the country participate in the Nationals Tournament each year. Where under 14, 16 and 18 age groups compete against corresponding sides from other states. It is not the only way to build a career but remains a valuable step in the pathway.

The NTC sides are focused on developing the states best young players while exposing them to competitive football. Results are not the sole focus, but these teams are reliably competitive and highly watchable.

In 2022, Football Victoria Emerging finished fourth in the NPLW thanks to a last-minute goal by Silver-Bell Morris who later earned a place an A-League roster with Western United.

When announcing the Young Matildas squad to compete in the upcoming Asian Cup, Leah Blayney acknowledged many of the development pathways available to young players in Australia.

“I want to thank the close to 100 players who participated in the process and put their best foot forward in Elite Matches, National Youth Championships, NTC Challenge games, National Premier League clashes, A-League Women’s fixtures and CommBank Young Matildas’ camps,” she said through Football Australia.

“We are pleased with the final roster not only in terms of depth, but also the versatility, high motivation and form they are all current demonstrating. This is one of the most exciting cohorts that I have worked with over my six years with the national team, and it highlights the fantastic work being undertaken across the Australian football landscape,” 

Player development is a mix of science, art and instinct. That we will continue to see “golden generations” of senior Matildas cannot be promised, but the future is very exciting and optimistic simply because every effort of being made to create the right conditions for it to occur.

The sport is evolving. The pathways are too.

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Epakis: “It’s almost as if the Finals have started”

by Ben Gilby (29/2/24).

Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis speaking to the media today. Image: Perth Glory.

After a strong start to the season that saw them constantly in the A-League Women’s top two, Perth Glory are without a win in their last seven matches – a run that has seen them drop to eighth. However, head coach Alex Epakis believes his team can benefit from having had a re-set over the international break to push for a Finals place once more.

“It’s given us a lot of time to focus on ourselves,” the Perth boss said. “Obviously, we’re not totally comfortable with the form and position we’re in right now. We’ve been really focusing on creating a change in our form and we’re really hopeful that will happen this week.”

The winless run has seen the once profilic Glory only score six times whilst conceding 13, and the Epakis accepts that his team have to improve rapidly at both ends of the field. However, squad selection among the attack line remains consistent, but it remains to be seen if that will be changing ahead of this weekend’s long trip across to New South Wales.

“Our attack hasn’t been as strong as it was at the start of the season, and that’s not something that as a coach or a team we want to be. We want to be an attacking team and that’s something we set out from the start of the season. Grace Jale is back in the squad after being away for a few weeks (for New Zealand’s Olympic qualification campaign), and we’re hopeful she can bring some energy in.

“We’re hopeful that a few of the other players can give us a bit more in that part of the pitch. We’ve also got to be better defensively and better in transitions, so I wouldn’t say it’s one area, we need to be better all across the pitch.”

The Glory’s current challenges were laid bare in their previous game before the international window when Central Coast Mariners produced a clinical performance to come from behind to defeat the Western Australian side 3-1 at Macedonia Park. Epakis wants to use that result and showing as a motivating factor to put things right this weekend.

“We were really down after the last performance. I said after the game that it wasn’t a performance that we should be producing in my opinion. We’re more capable than that and the players have got more energy to give, so I really believe that since that last performance, the players have had time to digest everything.”

Above: Local teenager Grace Johnston (right) saw her debut A-League Women season ended prematirely by a ankle injury before the international window. She will be a big loss ahead of this weekend’s trip to Newcastle Jets. Photo provided by: Perth Glory.

Despite the disappointing run of results that his team are currently experiencing, the Perth head coach knows that victory this weekend can push them back into the top six as the competition enters its home straight – as the Glory look to ensure they don’t miss out on a real prospect of Finals football for the third successive year.

“There’s still so much to play for, we have five fixtures in front of us and…we’re really focused on making finals, so we’re driven and motivated about that and I can definitely see that the fire is there in the players and we’ve just got to utilise that and harness that to put on a performance that wins us the game.

“We’ve always ended the season in the last three years with the ‘all or nothing’ mentality. We’ve had to put together a string of results to make the play offs and the reality in the last two years was that we fell short. It was one goal two seasons ago and it was one point last season. So that scar tissue is still there for those players, and I’ve reminded them what that is like, because we don’t want to be in that position again. We want to be in control and for that we need to win games.”

Without a win in 2024, Perth travel to Newcastle on Sunday to take on a Jets side who have picked up 10 points in the same period, establishing themselves in a berth for Finals football.

“They are in form…probably one of the form teams currently in the competition. They play a style of football that is really hard to break down. Sarina (Bolden) has come in and really elevated that team to another level. So, for us, it’s the prefect test. If we want to be a Finals team, then these are the types of games that we have to win. We know that if we overcome Newcastle, it gets us back into the six and we want to do that and cement our position…it’s almost as if the Finals have started now.”

“We do have a few injuries, some of whom I won’t talk to you about. The one everyone knows about – Grace Johnston will be out for the season (with a syndesmosis [ankle] injury). We’re pretty devastated on her behalf. We will put out a strong and focussed, committed squad on the weekend.”

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Matildas qualify for Paris Olympics with dominant display

The Matildas have booked their ticket to Paris for the 2024 Olympic games after completely dismantling Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium in a 10-0 win.

Australia 10-0 Uzbekistan

By Emma Burke 28/2/24

Above: Australia celebrate a goal in front of over 54,000 fans. Photo: Football Australia

The first goal came seconds into the first half, after Kaitlyn Torpey’s cross was deflected into the back of the net. 

From there the floodgates opened and showed absolutely no signs of stopping.

Michelle Heyman, in her first start for the Matildas in six years, scored four goals, while Katilyn Torpey collected her first ever international goal. Caitlin Foord also found the back of the net, along with Mary Fowler who scored what looked like an exact replica of her penalty against France in the World Cup, only during the run of play this time.

The Matildas ultimately headed into the rooms at half time up eight goals as Uzbekistan conceded an own goal in the opening minute of the game. 

The second half saw a slew of changes made by head coach Tony Gustavsson. Emily van Egmond, Hayley Raso, Amy Sayer, and Tameka Yallop all stepped onto the pitch, while Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry, and Michelle Heyman all left the field.

Australia still looked threatening, attacking Uzbekistan at every turn, but took their time in finding the back of the net again. 

Hayley Raso was the one to find the back of the net, capitalising on a very clever dummy play by van Egmond. 

It wasn’t until the final play of the game, in the fifth minute of stoppage time that the Matildas hit double digits. 

Another dummy play, this time facilitated by Tameka Yallop, who let a cross from Charlotte Grant, the last substitute of the evening, roll right through her legs into the waiting path of Amy Sayer. 

With a final aggregate score of 13-0 to the Matildas, they received their boarding pass to Paris, a four-foot long Qantas ticket, presented to the team by Australian Olympic Cyclist Anna Meares. 

Australia (4-4-2): Arnold, Catley, Kennedy, Hunt, Carpenter, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Torpey, Fowler, Heyman, Foord Substitutes: Van Egmond, Yallop, Grant, Sayer, Logarzo, Polkinghorne, Luik, Wheeler, Whyman, Micah

Scorers: Asadova (OG) 1’, Heyman 4’, 8’, 16’, 45+2’, Torpey 22’, Fowler 36’, Foord 38’, Raso 68’, Sayer 90+5’

Uzbekistan (4-1-4-1): J. Maftuna, Feruza, Nabikulova, S. Maftuna, Kuchkorova, Dilrabo, Ilvina, Umida, Mamatkarimova, Nilufar, Lyudmila Substitutes: Madina, Setora, Z. Norboeva, Diyorakhon, Bakhtiyarova, Kumushoy, Omina, A. Norboeva, Nozimakhon, Rustullaeva, Shokhida

Crowd: 54,120

Referee: Yamashita Yoshimi

Norfolk Wrap

Above: Rebekah Lake (Centre) scored in Mulbarton’s 6-1 win over Kings Lynn Town in the Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter Finals. Credit: Tim Smith

FA Women’s National League Division One South East

Norwich City’s Trip to Haywards Heath was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Eastern Region Premier Division

Wroxham were 1-0 winners at home to St Albans City thanks to a goal from Chelsea Clarke.

Eastern Region Division One North

Thetford Town were beaten 2-1 at Stevenage Development. Chloe Gregory and Amana Oguntuga scored for Stevenage with Katie Fray finding the net for Thetford Town.

Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers trip to Wootton Blue Cross was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Kamilie Omeleviciute (left) in action for Thetford Town in their 2-1 defeat to Stevenage Development on Sunday. Credit – Edward Payne

Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter Finals

In the two ties that were left following postponements last Sunday, Tier Six Mulbarton Wanderers caused an upset by beating Tier Five Kings Lynn Town 6-1 at Mulberry Park on Sunday. Ellie Hunter scored twice for Mulbarton with Leah Brown, Rachel Jermy, Rebekah Lake and Molly Ryan scoring the other four goals. Holly Williams found the net for Kings Lynn Town.

Elsewhere Tier Six Fakenham Town were 4-2 winners at Tier Seven Sprowston. Shelley Woods scored a Hat-Trick with Holly Walker getting the other goal for Fakenham Town. Rosie Milligan and Breana Rudd scored for Sprowston.

The Semi Finals will see Tier Four Norwich City host Tier Six Mulbarton Wanderers and Tier Five Wroxham host Tier Six Fakenham Town with both games scheduled to take place on Sunday 17th March.

Holly Williams (Pink) scored for Kings Lynn Town in their 6-1 defeat to Mulbarton Wanderers on Sunday as the exited the Norfolk Women’s Cup at the Quarter Final stage. Credit – Tim Smith

Norfolk Women and Girls Plate Cup Quarter Finals

The Plate cup quarters also had two ties left over from previous postponements last Sunday. In an all Tier Eight clash Beccles Town were 3-1 winners over Great Yarmouth Town thanks to a brace from Saffron Jones-Yates and the other goal from Vicky Bloomfield. Great Yarmouth Town had Lacey Andrews to thank for their goal.

Elsewhere there was a huge upset as Tier Eight FC Viking Valkyries won 4-3 at Tier Seven North Walsham. The game was 3-3 after 90 minutes but FC Viking Valkyries won it in Extra Time. Jessica Bennett scored twice for the Vallkyries with Carla Blundell and Maddie Smith getting their other goals. Kiera Brown scored a brace for North Walsham Town with Rhiannon Holt scoring their other goal.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Caister continued their fine season with a 3-2 win over Costessey Sports at The Allendale thanks to goals from Molly Sims, Rebecca Waters and Bethany Turner.

In the days only other Tier Seven game to take place, University of East Anglia recorded an impressive 2-1 over leaders Mulbarton Wanderers Development thanks to a header from Natasha Harvey and Tegan Collier scoring the other. with Maria Sosnina scoring for Mulbarton Wanderers Development.

The game between Aylsham and Long Stratton was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Mia Wilson was player of the match for Caister in their 3-2 win over Costessey Sports on Sunday. Presented by club sponsor Dave Roots. Credit – Caister FC

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Bure Valley remained top without kicking a ball as their fixture at Freethorpe was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Bure Valley were awarded the points after Freethorpe notified the league they were happy to forfeit the fixture.

Stalham remain right in behind Bure Valley following an 8-0 win at Martham. Emma Gillespie scored six with Charlotte Fisher and Amber Mayhew scoring the others.

Mundford remain firmly in the Tier Eight title race after their 3-2 win at Red Rose. Niamh Underhill scored twice with Ellen Kerbey scoring the other goal. Joanna Horner and Connie Gooch scored for Red Rose.

Elsewhere Shrublands were 1-0 winners at Horsford Hurricanes thanks to a goal from Holly Gillies.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Rockland United were 2-0 winners at Dussindale & Hellesdon thanks to goals from Rebecca Humphreys and Leanne Warnes.

Mulbarton Wanderers were 3-0 winners at Horsford. Alice Ladbrooke scored twice with Joanne Hooper scoring the other.

Left Field were 6-0 winners over Loddon United thanks to braces from Meadhbh Flynn and Sarah Hulme with Hazel Packer and Brogan O’Grady scoring their other goals.

Taverham were 6-1 winners at Waveney thanks to four goals from Rosie Filby and two goals from Kiera Braithwaite. Shauna Brunton-O’Neill scored for Waveney.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

FC Viking Valkyries were 1-0 winners at Madra thanks to a goal from Silvia Ribeiro.

Yarmouth FC won a thrilling contest 3-2 at home to Hockering. Scarlet Miller, Nicole Pirolli and Abbie Pogmore scored for Yarmouth FC with Summer Davies and Maisie Hendry finding the net for Hockering.

University of East Anglia won 8-0 at home to Bulldogs FC

Rochelle Woods was player of the match for Fakenham Town in their 4-2 win at Sprowston on Sunday in the Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter Finals, Rochelle got two assists in the game. Credit – Fakenham Town FC

Match Report: Millwall Lionesses 1-2 Saltdean United

Above: Millwall’s Shay Bennett in action. Photo: Tom West Photography.

by Myles Thornton at St. Paul’s Sports Ground for Impetus (26/02/24)

Saltdean United beat Millwall Lionesses 2-1 in the London & South East Regional Women’s League on Sunday.

Co-Managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland made two changes to the side that were narrowly defeated by FA Women’s National League side AFC Wimbledon in the County Cup.

Shannan Drewe and Maizi Garwood dropped out and Shay Bennett and Chloe Francis came in, the latter making her Millwall debut following signing from league rivals Sutton United.

Millwall Lionesses started the game well with some great football being played, and on 16 minutes, the home side took the lead. Chloe Francis played through a throw-in by Melissa Jones, onto Madison Grandys who found the back of the net.

The Lionesses’ tempo dropped and a very quick three minutes turned the game right on its head. On 23 minutes, Saltdean captain Georgia Bridges found Khyri McKenzie in space who shot beyond Chrissie Wiggins.

Then, Paula Howells played the ball to Saltdean’s second top goalscorer Molly Hill who scored her 11th goal of the season and gave Saltdean a lead going into the final 20 minutes of the first half.

Despite a double change at half time, Millwall just couldn’t get anything back from the game and Saltdean playing well to defend their lead but were unable to extend it. The game eventually ended as a 2-1 Saltdean United win and they moved from sixth to fifth place in the London & South East Regional League table.

Millwall Lionesses next face Enfield away from home next Sunday, and Saltdean United face Callum Best’s Dorking Wanderers in the league.

Millwall Lionesses: Wiggins, Jones, Huseyin, Seely (C), Chapman, Payne, Napper, Bennett, Francis, Watling, Grandys. Subs: Joyce, Bailey, Giordani, McGregor, Butler.

Saltdean United: Niamh Andersson, Charley Boswell, Georgia Bridges, Megan Gates, Molly Hill, Sienna Howell, Paula Howells, Charlotte Lewington, Khyri McKenzie, Leah Morris, Katie Steer. Subs: Lucy Jellett, Hannah Sturdy, Amy White

Referee: Martin Quinn

Attendance: 30

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Football Australia to release Matildas Goalkeeper kits for the first time

Ahead of the sold out match in Melbourne, Nike’s iconic goalkeeper jersey will be available for fans. It will be the first time that any Australian goalkeeper kit has been released to the public.

By Kieran Yap 26/2/24

Above: Mackenzie Arnold. Photo: Cat Bryant.

Matildas fans can throw their hands up in triumph as though they’ve just saved a crucial penalty (or several), Nike and Football Australia have announced that the iconic purple goalkeeper jersey made famous by Mackenzie Arnold will be available for purchase.

Supporters have long lamented that goalkeeper kits have been hard to come by, and following Arnold’s heroics at the Women’s World Cup, demand immediately surged. 

The jerseys will first go on sale via Football Australia Online Store from 12:00pm AEDT tomorrow.  Rebel Sport and Ultra Football will have stock available  from Wednesday, 28 February.

The jerseys will also be available to purchase at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Wednesday from merchandise outlets both inside and outside the venue. The match against Uzbekistan is expected to be at full capacity, making it the 12th sold out home game for the national team. 

This marks the first time that Australian goalkeeper jerseys have become officially available, and with replica  kits outselling the 2019 version by more than 13-1 they are expected to sell fast.

“In the past two decades we’ve seen football in Australia grow to incredible heights thanks to the power of and pride of our National teams, like the Matildas,” said Nike Pacific Vice President and General Manager, Ashley Reade.

“Last year’s tournament saw fandom for our goalkeepers take on a new energy which we loved to see. We are so proud of Mackenzie Arnold’s performances on and off the pitch. We also continue to be inspired by the broader goalkeeper squad, including Teagan Micah, Lydia Williams and Jada Whyman.”

Mackenzie Arnold echoed the excitement and this has added to a 12 month stretch that had eclipsed her wildest dreams as a goalkeeper.

“When I was a young athlete, the idea that I could make a living as a goalkeeper never really crossed my mind,” she said through Football Australia.

“It’s a testament to how far our game has come that the next generation of keepers will now see fans wearing our jerseys in the stands.”

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The Dub’s Difference Makers: Sasha Grove

By Genevieve Henry (26/2/24).

Above: Sasha Grove celebrating a goal against China with the Young Matildas. Image: Football Australia.

Left back. Right back. Left wing. Right wing. Centre mid? Sasha Grove does it all, and she does it all with courage and tenacity. The 19-year old Canberra United and Young Matildas star has been tearing it up in the A-League Women, starting every match and making her presence known. From holding off the best attackers to terrorising the best defenders, Grove has been a bright spark even in darker times for Canberra. 

Primarily a fullback for Canberra, Grove has started every match of the 2023-34 A-League Womens season. Although utilised most commonly at right or left back, she rotates expertly with those around her to bring the most she can to all aspects of the game. Always in the mix for Player of the Match and Team of the Week, Grove deserves every bit of praise she receives. 

From the definition of a football family, Grove and her sisters grew up in the Canberra United Academy, honing their skills in the capital while pushing each other to be better. Her competitive spirit brought about by this upbringing is evident on the pitch, throwing herself into the game with full intention to come away with the ball in every situation. Whilst growing up immersed in high-level football, Grove was also an excellent runner, but was ultimately inspired by her brother to pursue football more seriously. 

Grove started playing for Canberra’s academy at the ripe old age of 10, building her skillset and maturing in her understanding, leading to an NPL debut at just 13. She showed brilliant promise in her attacking prowess, using her speed and hunger to establish a reputation as one of the best of her age. After a few years in the academy, she began to appear for the senior side in the 2020-2021 season, quickly announcing herself as an indispensable asset. For the past two seasons, she’s started every game. Her youthful energy in a side full of experience has become a real staple of Canberra’s style. 

The story of Grove’s transition from attacker to fullback is an interesting one. In the 2022 NPL NSW season, Grove was thrown into the defence for North West Sydney Spirit. She had to adapt on the run to a new role, only filling a vacancy. Strangely enough, it was Sydney FC stars Nat Tobin and Kirsty Fenton who ultimately helped her find her feet and learn to be a great defender. When unable to train with Spirit due to the lengthy trek, Grove trained with boys and learned about the importance of smarts–not just skill and speed. 

Above: Sasha Grove playing for Canberra. Image: Canberra United.

In 2022, Grove also got her first call-up to the Young Matildas. Since then, Grove has performed well with the Under-20 side, frequently scoring and creating chances. Her tireless efforts off the ball are less appreciated by the unseeing fan, but her pressure and runs are praised by all teammates and coaches. Although Grove is accustomed to competing against all ages, the Under-20 stage really allows her to shine amongst her peers. Grove will be leaving Canberra to face Uzbekistan with the Young Matildas in March, and while that is to her and Australia’s advantage, it could leave Canberra United in the lurch. They may struggle without one of their most valued and reliable players as they fight to rise off the bottom of the table.

For such a versatile player, Grove plays the fullback role with a mature awareness of her defensive responsibilities. While she is willing and able to rotate and make runs up the pitch, she rarely lets an attacker slip by her. Her interceptions and tackles per game– 2.5 each, paint the picture of her staunch abilities. She struggles with the lack of creativity and flair defensive positions allow, but is happy to pull off fancy feet further up the field. She ranks highly in progressive play, both passes and carries, and adds dimension to the attack when appropriate. But, these are just her skills as a fullback. As an attacker in the Canberra United Academy, she scored 21 goals in 47 appearances. The only struggle regarding Grove is figuring out where her qualities can shine the most.

Grove’s contract with Canberra United only runs through the current season, so she could be off to pursue bigger challenges soon. A goal of hers as a Manchester City supporter is to play for them in the Women’s Super League. She is certainly capable. Sasha Grove is one of Australia’s brightest prospects and will only improve as she ages and gets more opportunities. Determined to break into the national team sooner or later, it would be wise to watch this space.

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Interview: Andoversford’s Player Coach Karly Smith

by Ben Gilby (25/02/24)

Above: Impetus 71 sponsored Karly Smith – player head coach of Andoversford. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Karly Smith.

Andoversford player-head coach Karly Smith, sponsored by Impetus 71, is delighted by the progress of the village team still in their embryonic days, playing in the tier ten, in the Gloucestershire League Division Three.

“This is our second season together as a team. The development as both individuals and as a team has been incredible. We currently sit mid-table and are extremely pleased with the progress the team has made in just under two years.

“Personally, this season has been a tough one for me, suffering a ligament injury which has seen me miss a couple of months of games. It has also meant I have had to leave my favoured position of goalkeeper and moving into the centre-back position so I’ve had to adapt to playing outfield again, which I have really enjoyed!”

Like all clubs, Andoversford has had its ups and downs across the campaign with a real high coming against Cheltenham Town Development from the league above in the Gordon Perrett League Cup.

Above: Karly Smith (yellow kit) gets a move underway for Andoversford. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Karly Smith.

“Not only was this a superb team performance, but on a personal note, I had a really strong performance in goal. Overall though, the most pleasing aspect of this season is seeing the huge improvement we have made as a team and how far we have come.

“We have recruited lots of new and fantastic players, which is always brilliant and demonstrates how well the women’s game is progressing. Embedding new players into the team and settling them into the squad is a great challenge to have, which we have embraced wholeheartedly this season as we look to continue to do our part in growing women’s football.”

Smith views the new players coming into Andoversford, and indeed their status as a new club only in their second year of existence as an example of the continued growth of the women’s game.

“The league appears to be improving each season, with more clubs entering the league as women’s football has taken off. There seem to be more teams starting up and therefore, more women, both young and mature like myself looking for a team to be a part of, which is amazing to see.

“Women’s football is now easily accessible for people to watch and listen to, which I have no doubt has helped to inspire the next generation of girls and young women to get involved in this game that we all love.”

Above: Karly Smith and Andoversford – supporters of Her Game Too. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Karly Smith.

This growth in players can often cause challenges for grassroots clubs as funding below the top tiers of the women’s game is still a major problem. However, Andoversford can point to a positive ‘can-do’ attitude in their Cotswold village, which has a population of just over 900.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive community around us at Andoversford FC, helping to provide us with fantastic facilities and visibility. Funds are available for teams to apply for, and thanks to a very proactive and supportive Chairman, we secured some funding this season to aid us with our equipment. It can be difficult for clubs without the community and internal support we have to stay afloat when the cost of facilities, equipment, and upkeep continue to rise.”

As the club’s second season in tier ten reaches the home straight, the head coach outlined her expectations for the final months of the 2023/24 season.

“A great second half of the season would look like getting a further 10 points, our aim at the beginning of the season was to finish in the top half of the table. 10 points would put us in an excellent position for this, but it will be no easy task with two local derby games and games against the top teams in the league. 

“Personally, I’d like to continue my recovery from injury and keep fit for the rest of the season to get as much time on the pitch, helping out the team as possible. Sundays are not Sundays without playing football!”

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The Matildas recent, current and potential success

Above: The Matildas celebrating after a 3-0 victory against Uzbekistan in the first-leg of the Olympic qualifiers. Photo: Matilda’s Instagram.

By Freya Hiscott (29/02/24)

A reflection on the Matilda’s World Cup and Olympic qualifier success as Paris 2024 is in sight.

During July and August of last year the Matildas co-hosted the Women’s World Cup alongside New Zealand, where 32 nations fought for the ultimate winning title in Women’s football. Now the Matildas are back and battling it out for Olympic gold.

The impact the Matildas had on the Australian nation was inspiring. A record number of shirts were sold, with the home and away kits completely selling out before the Semi-Finals, surpassing the Socceroos (the mens Australian National team) in the area of overall merchandise sales before the tournament even began.

The Matildas played with pride throughout the competition and exhibited incredible competence and skill. The teams collective ability and passion led them all the way to the semi-final of the World Cup where they competed against England.

During the World Cup the Matildas secured record-breaking attendances, performed in the longest penalty shootout in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and managed to outnumber Cathy Freeman’s gold medal run with a record-breaking TV audience in the semi-final. The viewers for the Matildas v England World Cup semi-final peaked at an astonishing 11.15 million.

Although the Matildas journey in the World Cup came to an end in the semi-finals, their impact on the Australian nation was visibly noticeable and continues on. Every step they took on the pitch was proof that women’s football deserves a lot more recognition for the skill, dedication and the innumerable hours of hard work that was evidently displayed during the tournament, combatting outdated misconceptions of women’s sport.

Throughout the Matildas journey they taught the nation the importance of teamwork and spirit, influencing many young girls especially, to work hard for what they’re passionate for. The Matildas are deemed as role models for many young children across Australia and worldwide and continue to help shift the negative attitudes towards women’s football.

Above: The Matildas after suffering a defeat to England in the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup. Photo: Matildas Instagram.

So, what’s next for the Matildas?

In the recent international window the Matildas returned for the 2024 Olympic qualifiers. A tournament that means a lot to the team. Head coach Tony Gustavsson recalls the 2020 Olympics being the first tournament he experienced as coach leading the Matildas to fourth place, the best the Matilda’s have ever achieved in the Olympics.

However, Australia’s captain and star player Sam Kerr is unfortunately out of the running. Kerr has achieved over 100 caps for Australia and scored over 60 goals, but has recently ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) whilst training overseas with Chelsea.

This injury means Kerr is unable to complete the second half of the Barclays Women’s Super League season with her four-time title winning team and was unable to portray her skill and leadership in the round three series of the Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan.

Gustavsson recently revealed that Arsenal left back and Matilda’s former vice-captain, Steph Catley will captain Australia’s national team in the absence of Kerr.

The Matildas successfully eased to a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan on Saturday and were only 90 minutes away from Paris 2024. With a promising start to the playoffs the Matildas were back home on Wednesday evening for the second-leg of the playoffs in Melbourne.

Victoriously, the Matildas completed their second victory over Uzbekistan winning an astonishing 10-0 (13-0 on aggregate) in the sold-out Marvel Stadium and have now secured their ticket to the Olympics and one step closer to gold.

On Saturday’s match against Uzbekistan, we saw the return of Michelle Heyman. In my opinion a crucial addition to the Matildas team, who despite not making an international appearance since 2018, managed to mark her return with the first goal of the match. Heyman expertly headed the ball into the net after Uzbekistan failed to clear Catley’s corner.

Above: Michelle Heyman after scoring the first goal for Australia against Uzbekistan on her international return. Photo: Michelle Heyman on Instagram.

From a supporter’s perspective, I really enjoyed watching Heyman play some international minutes and being given the opportunity to prove herself in the Olympic qualifiers. It’s exciting to see how impactful she has been in the recent matches, scoring five incredible goals in only two games; including a first-half hat-trick on Wednesday. Her performance serves as a positive insight into the Matildas potential success.

Next up for the Matildas are the Olympics, but what national teams will be their toughest competitors?

The Olympics will serve as a huge tournament for Gustavsson’s side as the core of the Matildas have been together a decade. With this it means that the Olympics may be the last time we see the current team play together especially competing in a major tournament.

In 2020 the Tokyo Olympics commenced where the Matilda’s fell just short of a medal. The Australian national team were defeated 1-0 by Sweden in the semi-final, and then later beaten 4-3 by USA in the bronze medal match. This left the Matilda’s in fourth place, which is their current best Olympic finish .

The Matildas also fell short of a medal in last years World Cup where they were beaten 2-0 by Sweden. However, Sweden’s national team will not compete in the summer Olympics for the first time ever, after losing to Switzerland 1-0 in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.

In this years Olympics I believe that the Spanish national team and the USA will be the most challenging teams to compete against for the chance of winning a medal. However, the Matildas are currently in excellent form and Heyman has cemented her way back into the squad which gave them the goals that they need.

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Clash of the Celts: Republic of Ireland set to face Cymru at Tallaght Stadium

Above: Republic of Ireland pose for a team photo before their match against Italy at the Stadio Curva Fiesole (Viola Park Stadium) belonging to club ACF Fiorentina. Photo: Ireland Football

by Morganna King (25/02/24)

The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team will face the Cymru Women’s National Team at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin on Tuesday 27th February. Over 8000 tickets have already been sold; it’s set to be a record crowd.

With a record-breaking summer now in the rear-view mirror for Ireland, they aim to continue to build up their experience on the international stage. Looking forward to the summer after next, they are aiming to qualify for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland.

Cymru set out to do the same, except they have never qualified for a major tournament in the history of their women’s national team. With their ex-manager Gemma Grainger moving on to manage Norway, Jon Grey fills in as interim manager.

It’s no secret that Cymru’s results in the UEFA Women’s Nations League haven’t lived up to their potential, considering they haven’t managed to win a single one of their games in the campaign so far, and averaged at less than 0.7 goals per game. This could prove to be an issue against an opponent like Ireland, who are known for their defensive capabilities.

Luckily for both teams, the upcoming match is a friendly and will provide valuable insights for both countries, as well as building on the growing success of the women’s game. In addition to this, it will prepare them further for a tough set of upcoming international fixtures.

Above: (from left to right) Cymru players Lois Joel, Sophie Ingle, Olivia Clark, Elise Hughes, Ffion Morgan and Rhiannon Roberts pose after winning a small-sided tournament in training. Photo: FA Wales

Cymru Players To Look Out For

London City Lionesses captain Lois Joel recently switched her allegiance to Cymru. An all-rounder, Joel can play midfield as well as defence, and regularly does so for her club in the Barclay’s Women’s Championship. She has experience playing for West Ham in the Women’s Super League, as well as playing her college football at the University of North Carolina. Listed as a midfielder in the recent squad announcement, Joel could be set to make her debut against Ireland.

Versatile midfielder Angharad James announced her move stateside from Tottenham Hotspur to Seattle Reign FC at the end of the January transfer window. Here she will join fellow Cymru teammates Jess Fishlock and Lily Woodham. In her last season at the club, James took on the challenge of playing in the right-back position. This added experience will certainly pay off against a team like Ireland, who have become increasingly disciplined in holding their shape over the past year.

Elise Hughes, the Barclay’s Women’s Championship top goalscorer so far this season, with 14 goals to her name, currently plays up front at her club Crystal Palace whom she joined from Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2022. She recently scored her debut goal for Cymru on December 1st 2023 at the Cardiff City Stadium in their 2-1 defeat to Iceland. Expect nothing less than for Hughes to add to her senior goals tally over the next few upcoming international fixtures.

Republic of Ireland players to look out for

36-year-old Liverpool captain Niamh Fahey has plenty of international and club experience under her belt, amassing over 100 caps for club and country. Although a versatile player, as a centre-back she is calm, composed and contributes to a solid last line of defence for Ireland and Liverpool. She deservedly picked up the Player of the Match award in Ireland’s previous match against Italy and will be crucial to Ireland’s defence if they want to keep a clean sheet against Cymru.

After narrowly missing out on World Cup squad selection, Liverpool forward Leanne Kiernan has returned to the permanent squad after her most recent injury. Her speed on and off the ball allows her to outpace defenders and quickly find herself in important spaces to receive the ball. She almost bagged her first goal of 2024 in Ireland’s last match against Italy, but it was unfortunately ruled offside.

Above: (left) Amber Barrett and (right) fellow Republic of Ireland international Claire O’Riordan at their club Standard Liège in Belgium. Photo: Fred Moisse

Amber Barrett missed out on squad selection for the last international camp, but since then she has really shown Ireland what they are missing. For her club Standard Liège in the Belgian Women’s Super League, she has amassed 11 goals in 13 appearances as well as winning the November Player of the Month award. You may know her from scoring the game-winning goal against Scotland that sent Ireland to the World Cup in the summer. Despite this, she didn’t receive as much game-time as she would have liked under Ireland’s ex-manager Vera Pauw. However, this could be set to change under newly appointed manager Eileen Gleeson.

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