CommBank Junior Matildas kick off 2023 in the Capital

A 30-player CommBank Junior Matildas squad has been selected by head coach Rae Dower to take part in the first training camp of the new year. 

Held in the nation’s capital, Canberra, the camp will be the U-17 Women’s National Team’s first steps of 2023 to prepare for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2024™ Qualifying Round 1. 

Last November 2022, the CommBank Junior Matildas were drawn in Group B alongside Mongolia (group hosts), Chinese Taipei and Bhutan.  Australia will play round-robin fixtures from 22-30 April, with the Round 1 group winner advancing to the Round 2 Qualifiers taking place from 16 - 24 September 2023. 

Rae Dower expressed her excitement about the team coming together for the first time in the calendar year. 

“I'm delighted to bring together 30 of the brightest young players from across the country to the AIS as we continue our preparations for the AFC U17 Round 1 Qualifiers in Mongolia.”

“We had the opportunity late last year to start this cohort off with our three-match friendly series against the Korea Republic U15s at the Gold Coast and we're so excited to see where this group can land at the end of this cycle, and for all of us that's with a coveted spot at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup™.”

The 30-player training squad sees representation from seven different Member Federations with a mix of new and returning players.  Dower expressed the commitment of the U-17 program to cast the identification net right across the country. 

“We'll continue to bring new players in over the course of these upcoming camps to give as many players as possible an opportunity to showcase themselves.” 

“The messaging will be the same for all the players in each camp and when they get to go back into their club environments, we want them to continue to work hard to develop themselves on and off the pitch.

“We'll continue to conduct further talent identification opportunities around the country with ongoing Elite Matches in Member Federations and look to expand the player pool as we go.  So, for all the young players across the country, we're excited to come and visit you soon and look forward to watching you play.”

Staff and players will commence arrival in Canberra on Sunday, 5 February. 

COMMBANK JUNIOR MATILDAS SQUAD | AIS TRAINING CAMP | 5 – 10 FEB 2023

COMMBANK JUNIOR MATILDAS | AFC U17 WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP INDONESIA 2024™ QUALIFYING ROUND 1

CommBank Junior Matildas v Bhutan
Date: 24 April 2023
Venue: MFF Football Centre, Ulaanbaatar
Kick Off: TBC

Mongolia v CommBank Junior Matildas
Date: 26 April 2023
Venue: MFF Football Centre, Ulaanbaatar
Kick Off: TBC

CommBank Junior Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: 28 April 2023
Venue: MFF Football Centre, Ulaanbaatar
Kick Off: TBC