Four Victorians selected in Young Matildas squad

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Football Victoria have congratulated four Victorians who have been called up to play for the Young Matildas in the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship.

Claudia Mihocic, Teresa Morrissey, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Chelsea Blissett will represent Australia in the tournament which runs from October 27 – November 9 in Chonburi, Thailand.

16-year-old Mihocic was chosen after an excellent performance in the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship with the Junior Matildas in September.

All players from Victoria progressed through the state’s NTC program and/or the local NPLW.

The top two teams in each group will progress to the semi-finals, with the top three sides in the tournament earning one of the Asian qualification slots for the 2020 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

The Young Matildas arrived in Thailand yesterday after a brief four-day camp in Sydney.

Coach Leah Blayney believes the team she has chosen will push for qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup next year.

“We believe that with the squad we have going to this tournament we are a strong chance of earning Australia qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2006.”

Australia will play against DPR Korea, Thailand and Vietnam in Group A with their first game on Sunday.

The squad and match details are listed below.

Westfield Young Matildas 23-Player Squad | 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship

NAME
Morgan AQUINO (Gk)
Chelsea BLISSETT
Kyra COONEY-CROSS
Deborah DE LA HARPE
Shadeene EVANS
Ciara FOWLER
Mary FOWLER
Charlotte GRANT
Abbey GREEN
Annie GROVE (Gk)
Emily HODGSON
Angelique HRISTODOULOU
Princess IBINI
Aideen KEANE
Rachel LOWE
Claudia MIHOCIC
Teressa MORRISSEY (Gk)
Courtney NEVIN
Hollie PALMER
Susan PHONSONGKHAM
Indiah-Paige RILEY
Karly ROESTBAKKEN
Tessa TAMPLIN

Westfield Young Matildas Upcoming Matches for 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship

DPR Korea v Westfield Young Matildas
Date: Sunday, 27 October 2019
Location: IPE Stadium, Chonburi, Thailand
Kick-off: 4.00pm (local); 8.00pm (AEDT)

Westfield Young Matildas v Thailand
Date: Wednesday, 30 October 2019
Location: Chonburi Stadium, Chonburi, Thailand
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local); 11.00pm (AEDT)

Westfield Young Matildas v Vietnam
Date: Saturday, 2 November 2019
Location: IPE Chonburi Stadium, Chonburi, Thailand
Kick-off: 4.00pm (local); 8.00pm (AEDT)

 

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

‘We Can Do So Much More’: Players Take Control of the A-League Women’s Future

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Image Credit: One Nil

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has launched Ready For Takeoff – The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women, a player-led roadmap outlining the future direction of the domestic women’s competition.

Unveiled on Wednesday at Ultra Football in Melbourne, the initiative places current A-League Women players at the centre of discussion. Elevating the debate around professionalism, sustainability and long-term growth of the league.

The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women – Image Credit: One Nil

The vision, developed through consultation with players across the competition, calls for improved professional standards, greater investment and governance structures that reflect the specific needs of the women’s game. It comes amid ongoing conversations about contract security, season length and the transition toward full-time professionalism.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch – Image Credit: One Nil

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said players had been clear about the sacrifices required to continue competing in the league.

“We’ve heard from players about the struggle and sacrifices they continue to make to play the game they love, but we can do so much more than this,” Busch said. “A fully professional game here in Australia is crucial to creating the next generation of Matildas, but also to ensure we reach our potential and win a FIFA World Cup.”

PFA Deputy Chair Elise Kellond-Knight and A-League Women players Grace Maher and Dylan Holmes also addressed media, reinforcing the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the competition.

The PFA said Ready For Takeoff provides a clear, achievable framework for the continued evolution of the A-League Women. The initiative urges stakeholders to work collaboratively with players to ensure the league’s growth matches the talent, ambition and momentum of women’s football in Australia.

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