Goalkeeper Sally James called up to Transition Camp

Westfield Young Matildas goalkeeper Sally James has been called up for the Westfield Matildas Transition Camp in Sweden.  

The 18-year-old Canberra native will join the Westfield Matildas 20 players camp as the next phase of preparations for Tokyo commence.  

With Teagan Micah one of five players from the June FIFA Window heading back to their leagues in Norway and Sweden, this has presented an opportunity for an up and coming goalkeeper.  

"We have always said even though we have a sharpened focus on preparing for the Olympics, we also have one eye on the future and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup," said Assistant Coach Melissa Andreatta.

"With the need for a full complement of goalkeepers, this Transition Camp gives a local, young, Australian player an opportunity to experience the senior national team environment on the back of her strong performances in youth and Talent ID camps that have been held since the conclusion of the Westfield W-League." 

For Sally, she gets an opportunity to experience the senior national team environment and it helps us continue to broaden the talent depth that we've spoken about from our Performance Gap Report."

READ: Milestone Matildas reflect on Sweden draw

MORE: Transition Camp commences as Westfield Matildas preparations enter new phase

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Playing for Canberra United in the Westfield W-League, the shotstopper impressed in her first full season.  Recently James has been a standout with the Blacktown Spartans in the NSW Women's National Premier Leagues.  

"I'm a little bit lost for words, to be honest, " James said of her transition camp call-up.

Being surrounded by players of such a high calibre who I've watched on television for so many years, is so exciting."

James has had a whirlwind few months, signing with Canberra United, participating in women's talent ID camps and the Future Matildas program.

"Canberra United was my first professional contract, I was able to train hard and work on my game, then I came into the Future Matildas program in Sydney," she said.

"The environment is so competitive and of a really high intensity which has really helped prepare me for an opportunity like this."

James hopes to learn as much as she can from the players she admired growing up.

"I just want to be a sponge and absorb as much as I can off all of the players, especially Lydia and Macca.

"I'm looking forward to learning from Tony and putting my best foot forward."

Held in Sweden, the Westfield Matildas Transition Camp will feature players from the June FIFA Window as the team gears up for the final squad selection at the end of June.