Young Matildas squad announced for AFF Championship 2016

The Young Matildas’ 23-player squad has been named for the upcoming Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship 2016 to be held in Mandalay, Myanmar later this month.

Of the squad, 13 are from New South Wales while it also includes South Australian born capped Matilda Alex Chidiac as well as Princess Ibini-Isei and goalkeeper Hannah Southwell, who have also attended Westfield Matildas training camps.

Newcastle Jets Westfield W-League Coach Craig Deans will take charge of the team in the absence of usual Young Matildas Head Coach Gary van Egmond who is currently in Brazil with the Westfield Matildas preparing for the Rio Games. Former Matilda Heather Garriock will be Deans’ assistant.

"The majority of this squad were identified at the National Training Centre (NTC) and have worked hard to earn their chance on this trip,” said Deans.

“There is a good mix of promising young players including a number with W-League experience.”

“We are looking forward to the tournament as it will provide great preparation for the qualifiers later in the year and will provide an opportunity for the players to put their best foot forward and put themselves in contention to be part of AFC qualification.”

The AFF Women’s Championship is an open age tournament, however all 23 players in the Young Matildas squad are 19 years or younger.

Australia has been grouped alongside host nation Myanmar, Malaysia and Timor Leste for the tournament.

The top two teams in each group progress to the semi finals with the winners to play off in the Final on 4 August.

The squad will have a two day training camp at Football NSW headquarters at Valentine Sports Park before departing for Myanmar on 22 July.

Young Matildas squad for AFF Women’s Championship 2016

AFF Women’s Championship 2016

26 July – 4 August 2016

Mandalay, Myanmar

Group A: Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines

Group B: Myanmar, Australia, Malaysia, Timor Leste

Click here for the match schedule